Jasmine (New World Renaissance, Makati)
Among my small group of foodie friends, I think I can safely say that I'm regarded as the one with the most credible tastebuds when it comes to authentic Chinese food (do you even wonder why?). One weekend, we put these tastebuds to test at New World Renaissance newly-reopened Chinese restaurant, Jasmine.
With master chef Choi Wing Ki at the helm, Jasmine serves classic Cantonese cuisine, but offers some welcome innovations to old favorites as well. The interiors of the place marries traditional oriental dining (round tables with lazy susans, extensive use of dark wood and red linen, etc.) with modern accents like cozy corner nooks and plush seating.
As for the food, here's what we had for dinner.
A small plate of boiled peanuts to appetize us. We liked that it was boiled, a welcome change from other Chinese restaurants that serve them roasted and salted.
Yunnan Ham (P475) — dry-cured ham served with steam mantao slices. It was quite salty (as should be), but the mantao successfully counterbalances the flavor.
Barbecue Meat Platter (P650) — roast pork, suckling pig, and Peking duck, with jellyfish
Garoupa Fillet with Tofu and Mushrooms on Claypot (P870). This saucy dish, with a savory combination of flavors from scallions, mushroom stock, and Chinese wine, makes for a perfect rice companion.
Stewed rice with assorted meat and abalone sauce in lotus leaves (P140)
Served on a small bamboo barrel, the rice acquired the distinct scent and taste of the lotus leaf it was cooked with.
Salted Fish Fried Rice (P575). I loved that they used fresh fish, and not preserved dry pieces, which gave it a very delicate saltiness.
The stewed chicken with wild mushrooms in clay pot (P545) had a mildly acerbic taste, almost medicinal, as it had unmistakable hints of sibut (a Chinese herbal mix).
The wok fried scallops with asparagus in XO sauce (P1170), while the most expensive, was one of the biggest hits of our meal. Some raved about the scallops' marshmallowy juiciness, while some liked the fresh and crisp asparagus. I loved the whole dish.
Stir-Fried Chinese Kale with Ginger and Garlic (P465). Also known as kailan, the stems were thick, flat, and glossy, wok-fried to a crunch and not soggy.
Our desserts were particularly delightful. The deep fried caramelized bananas (P130) were soft inside, and brittle outside.
On the house: mooncakes with lotus seed filling and egg yolk
Still on the house: a plate of mandarin oranges
The Orange Jelly (P300), sweet and tangy, had a firm and supple texture.
The most memorable one for me was the glutinous dumpling stuffed with chocolate and tossed in peanuts (P160).
The glutinous rice shell is fine and tender, with a bite provided by the crushed peanuts coating it. And when you get to the gooey chocolate filling, the whole sensation makes your mouth water all the more.
Service was good, and undeniably becoming of a 5-star establishment. Richard, our server, was friendly and courteous, ensuring we had a pleasant time all the way. Price range: ~P1500 per head (with a big discount if you use your Citi credit card).
Overall verdict. Growing up with Chinese food makes my palate prone to tiring out of its familiar flavors. That said, Jasmine's clean, no-frills good Cantonese food has enough creative infusions that set it apart and keep it from being run-of-the-mill. If you're into authentic Chinese fare in a luxurious, palatial setting, Jasmine will surely not disappoint.
Jasmine
2/F New World Renaissance Hotel
Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave.
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel. #: +63 2 811-6888 loc. 3338
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