Taza De Oro Food Garden: Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Being a foodie, I always get it right when friends and relatives challenge me to match restaurant names with the cuisines they serve. However, it was a different story with Taza De Oro Food Garden located in Madison Square, Greenhills.

Although Taza De Oro sounds like a Spanish restaurant, this food joint actually serves authentic Chinese cuisine. Its restaurant space proves so too with its red and white color scheme, gold Chinese lanterns, big round tables, display of cold cuts and fish tank.

Together with fellow foodies, we first had a large serving of Hot and Sour Soup (P490) which is actually my most favorite soup item to order when dining in Chinese restaurants. Although this bowl didn't have as much heat as I'm used to, I definitely enjoyed the tang and hint of spice in every spoonful, not to mention the generous amount of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu and pork shreds.

We then sampled a large order of the Salt and Pepper Squid (P490) which was tasty despite having only a few ingredients. Every bite from every piece was a joy, especially with the harmonious blend of its slightly crunchy breaded outside and tender squid meat inside. And with a drop or two of vinegar, this can become a simple yet irresistible treat!

Our group also had a large Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (P520) of crisp-fried Lapu-Lapu. Although I generally don't enjoy sweet and sour sauce-drenched dishes, I found myself hooked on Taza De Oro's version. The fish fillets were cooked perfectly, and the sauce was not too overpowering as it had just the right blend of sweet and sour.

I know we already had a nice start, but it kept getting better especially with this serving of Golden Butter Chicken (P460). Although I generally don't find anything extraordinary with most butter chicken, Taza De Oro's had me sold! Each piece of crispy chicken is fried to a golden brown but leaving the white meat tender and succulent. The sweet and salty butter flavor wasn't too overwhelming as well, making this treat a delight to eat.

Next on the table is an order of Braised Patatim with 12 pcs. Cua Pao (P680). Although my mom prepares to-die-for braised patatim, Taza De Oro's was equally as good! The pork legs were very tender, and the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and savor -- the perfect filling for the soft and moist cua pao.

For some veggies, we had the Mixed Vegetable Fu Yong (P480) which is an omelette dish filled shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, onions and mushrooms, and drenched in a sweet and slightly salty sauce. Although I'm generally not big on vegetables, I'd take on a serving of this vegetable omelette dish anytime!

We also enjoyed a large serving of Sate Miki Guisado (P450) which is a fresh Indonesian-inspired take on one of the most famous Chinese noodle dishes. Unlike most pancit miki, Taza De Oro's was more savory and had a subtle hint of a peanut flavor.

We also got to sample the Salted Fish Fried Rice (P400). Don't get me wrong, I still love my Yang Chow, but this fried rice dish was flavorful and had just the right amount of saltiness making every spoonful enjoyable. And although it can go well even with rich-tasting viands, I preferred to eat it separately as it's already an ensemble in its own.

For desserts, our group shared a large order of Almond with Lychee (P450) served with crushed ice and maraschino cherries. I was really glad that we ended the feast with one of my favorite Chinese treats. However, if I had to nitpick, I'd say the almond jelly cubes were rather milky than almond-y.

As for my choice of beverage, I had a Thai Iced Tea with Black Gulaman (P90) for the night. Although we were dining in a Chinese restaurant, I found their cha-yen quite authentic. It had the distinct Thai iced tea flavor, a strong taste of brewed black tea, and even a hint of coconut milk and spices. The black gulaman cubes were also a nice touch to give the drink an added herbal taste and texture.

THE VERDICT

Although I generally don't go gaga for Chinese restaurants, I found myself quite impressed with the wide selection and quality dishes at Taza De Oro Food Garden. Ambiance might be a wee bit generic, but with good food, large portions, friendly attendants and reasonable pricing, I think I'll be back for another round.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 3/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Taza De Oro Food Garden, Madison Square
G/F Madison Square, Madison St. cor. Ortigas Ave.
San Juan City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 721-0381 to 82
Official Website