A Taste of China
By: Jean Marrielle Yap
We clearly adapted their tastes, cooking methods and ingredients. Their cuisine is distinctive than any other cuisines since they are very broad, complex and people of different backgrounds eat very differently.
Growing up with traditional Chinese family, we are fond of Chinese food. We usually prefer Chinese cuisines rather than any other cuisines and often spend special occasions at authentic Chinese restaurants. We never get tired of these kinds of food. We decided to eat at UNO Seafood Wharf Palace, an authentic Chinese restaurant that is located around Binondo specifically at 268 Escolta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila. It took us about twenty minutes tops to get there from Vito Cruz Taft by cab. We decided to have our project there since Binondo is well known for their many authentic Chinese foods. The area where it was located and the façade of the building was more Spanish looking than Chinese because of the high brick walls and buildings. The place was very accessible because we did not have a hard time finding the restaurant and there were available parking lots. Judging by the restaurant’s name, it was not that appealing because it looked very old.
When we got inside the restaurant I was not completely amazed of the interiors. It looked like the typical “Chinese restaurants” you see or go to although the place looked and felt very “Chinese” because of the use of traditional royal colors such as gold and red. The table set up, ceilings, lights, windows, and doors also made a huge impression. The place was clean. When we sat down and had our orders taken, I noticed that the restaurant was full of Chinese families having their lunch. People really go to this place and eat. Like the typical Chinese restaurants, they also have rooms or areas for private and special celebrations. For our appetizer, it would not be authentic without dimsum. We had steamed pork siomai, steamed hakaw, steamed beancurd roll and steamed xiao long bao. I must admit that the hakaw and siomai were my favorite.
Chinese cuisine has made a tremendous effect in today’s culture. Considering China has the longest history, with no doubt we are still deeply rooted with the Chinese. For us Filipinos, we adapted and acquired these cultures, traditions and especially their food. We treat food as important as our culture and since it is a part of us, the characteristics of our food is a thumbprint of our rich and diverse way of living that we have clearly embraced from them.