LiLi in Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casino
One Monday morning, I took the LRT from Roosevelt heading Taft Avenue to Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casino. From LRT, I decide to hire a motorcab and enjoyed a smooth ride passing streets of Pedro Gil and Malate. Very rare that I would ride a motorcycle or pedicab in a busy streets like Malate. That morning, I thought it was fine even if I’m alone. Few more minutes, we were at Hyatt’s Casino area. I wanted to check the casino but I decided to go straight to my appointment – LiLi Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Manila is one of biggest hotels in Metro Manila. I did not have enough time to tour the hotel premises but let’s see if I can make it on my next visit with the hubby.
I was delighted to see the expansiveness of LiLi – Hyatt Hotel’s Signature Chinese Restaurant. From the elevator, I was greeted with a lovely staircase leading to the majestic Chinese restaurant that features five private rooms, an extensive collection of premium wines and a tea bar. The atmosphere was light and calming which for me is a perfect venue for some intimate discussion may it be on family matters, marriage, friendship or business. The ambiance sets the mood to a more relax conversation. Moreover, it’s a perfect place to bring the whole family on a weekend brunch.
LiLi offers the unique flavours of Cantonese culinary delights, using only the freshest of ingredients and live seafood. Let me start with the dim-sum and dumplings.
First, we had Black Truffle Steamed “Siomai”
Steamed lobster dumpling, morel mushrooms
Juicy, soupy Xiao Long Bao with ginger sauce/dip on the side.
The Honey Roast Barbecue Pork was tender and juicy. I love its simplicity and sweetness was just right.
I love soup but I’m not a fan of spicy food hence I did not finish a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup with assorted seafood.
Moving on, the Sauteed Shrimp Salad with fresh mango and cucumber was very pleasing to the palate. The shrimps were perfectly crisp outside and soft inside.
while the Marinated oolong tea eggs were the best! It may look very simple and not appealing but it was one of the best dishes – gloriously good, soft and flavorful. I had two slices!
On one side of the private dining, a staff carefully sliced crispy duck skin.
Sliced crispy duck skin with Chinese pancakes, vegetable stuffing and sauces.
The deep-fried taro dumplings filled with assorted seafood deserves a mention. I love the creamy filling and with the sauce, it just added more flavor.
I had a refreshing Signature iced tea in between bites.
Braised vegetables, mushrooms in dried scallop sauce was okay.
For dessert, first, we had Glutinous dumpling with chocolate filling covered with fine peanut. Second, was prepared in front of us – a huge serving of Chilled Mango Pudding. It was good, suddenly I remember Mr. Uy who loves mango pudding. I bet he can finish the whole serving or would probably ask for another glass.
Our Cantonese meal ended with a lovely, traditional Tea Ceremony. I watched it very closely hoping I could also perform it at home but I realized it’s not that easy. All I remember is the cleansing of cups. She did it very smoothly, slowly pouring water on every tea cups.
Then, she started serving us the tea in a traditional way, allowing us to smell the aroma of tea before passing a cup of tea. Indeed, it was a memorable tea experience, I never had a ceremonial tea serving such as this.
LiLi 5th floor, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, 1588 Pedro Gil cor M.H. Del Pilar in Manila City
will try Lili in Hyatt Regency Hotel soon!