Friday, August 16, 2019

Li Li at New World Manila Bay Hotel

How much dimsum can you eat? 



For the longest time, I've been wanting to go on a dimsum all-you-can feast, but it was only recently that I was able to cross it off my list. Where, you ask? At Li Li, New World Manila Bay! I know other restaurants have had unlimited offers as well, but this one takes the cake. I mean, a hotel offering this at Php 1,088 nett?? With over 50 dishes to choose from (yes, I counted) and a total of 2.5 hours to eat, I can definitely say, without any doubt, you will not go wrong with this. Sulit 'to, guys.

For those interested in trying it out, Li Li's All-You-Can-Eat Dimsum is available for lunch Mondays to Sundays, 12pm to 2:30pm. And no, the offer isn't limited to just dimsum. In fact, you can choose from numerous appetizers, soup of the day, main course, rice, noodles, congee, and dessert on top of their assorted steamed and deep fried dimsum options.

To start, we had the Roasted Pork Belly and Chilled Bean Curd Stick with Chili Oil.

The Roasted Pork Belly remained crunchy all throughout the meal, despite the fact that it was the first to come out of the kitchen. It was flavorful and definitely a dish worth coming back to.

The Chilled Bean Curd Sticks were something of a surprise. I don't think I've ever had chilled bean curd before. I expected to be really spicy from all the chili oil but it turned out to be quite refreshing.

Soup of the day was Spinach, which I absolutely enjoyed drizzled with some black vinegar. As you can see from the photo, they don't scrimp on the ingredients. Every mouthful is filled with tofu, shrimps, spinach, and egg - yum!

Tim and I also got their signature Guava Iced Tea since it came highly recommended. I was only supposed to take a sip from Tim's glass but after trying it out, I just had to order one for myself! It was really, really good and you can immediately tell that there's real fruit in there. I honestly don't usually get drinks anywhere, but I finished my glass in record time, so that's saying something. P.S. Drinks aren't included in the promo but if you're looking to try one, please go for the Guava! :)

Dimsum offerings here are aplenty, after all, it is an all-you-can dimsum feast. Go for classics like steamed shrimp dumplings (hakao), siu mai, and xiao long bao, but please don't miss the mixed vegetable dumpling with black trufflesteamed dumpling with wolfberry scallop and fish roe, and my favorite, steamed dumpling with crab meat and shrimp.

If there's one thing I really, really like about this whole unlimited offering, it's the fact that you can order items per piece. You're not forced to gorge on four pieces of siu mai when you actually only want to eat one. You don't end up over-ordering and in the process, you help minimize the wastage! I'd recommend trying one of each item first then just reordering the ones you like best. ;)

As for their Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun, well, it's pretty heavy so I would suggest splitting one with a friend and save space for things like steamed rice rolls with shrimps (which we also ordered but was unable to take photos of because #foodcoma).


Some of the more unique things we tried were the Deep Fried Taro Puff with Milk Custard and Beef & Black Pepper. Both had interesting textures and flavors to them, and totally worth ordering again. But one of my favorites would have to be a classic I never thought would make it to my top five - the Crispy Shrimp Wontons. I'd normally skip these but damn, Li Li's version is really good!

We were pretty determined with the whole all-you-can dimsum thing that we skipped all the mains. I was told afterwards that they have really good Sweet and Sour Pork so that goes on my list to try for next time. No regrets because I know we'll be back. There's no doubt about it.
Make room for dessert because their Brown Chocolate Dumplings with Peanuts are the BOMB. It melts in your mouth almost, and I just love desserts with nuts in them!  

So yes, I highly recommend Li Li at New World Manila Bay Hotel. I'm pretty sure they accept reservations as well as walk-ins, but if you're planning to go on the weekends, I'd suggest calling way in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind as they get full pretty fast.

P.S. If you're looking to dine in big groups, worry not, as Li Li can cater events and even have rooms for those who prefer to have a more private dining experience.

Li Li Chinese Restaurant is located on the 5th floor of New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil Corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila.
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Li Li - New World Manila Bay Hotel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato