Ang Tunay Beef House: Affordable Chinese Canteen in Manila

Since food eats up most of my budget, I appreciate dining spots which offer good food but for less. And when it comes to Chinese cuisine, where else can you get a good deal but in Manila's very own Chinatown? So today, let me share with you one restaurant which already became my staple meal provider whenever I find myself in Sta. Cruz, it's a 33-year old food house along Sabino Padilla Street called Ang Tunay Beef House.

I know what you're thinking. The first time I heard of Ang Tunay Beef House, I was also wondering why it sounds barok (broken Tagalog). And while I don't really know why, other than my hypotheses (the Chinese owners aren't too keen on using Filipino conjunctions, or the signage maker was sleepy and the owners just went along with it), Ang Tunay Beef House had unsurprisingly become an institution in the area, having been established in the stretch of Sabino Padilla Street (formerly Gandara) way back in 1980.

Although the name of the restaurant suggests it's a beef house, it also proudly carries a lot of Chinese and even Filipino dishes served turo-turo style. You can also order certain items which aren't available on the turo-turo counter, but I personally like getting my food fast since I'm always coincidentally hungry whenever I run errands in Manila.

I've been to Ang Tunay Beef House countless times already. This restaurant has also been the memorable place where I first learned to eat rice using chopsticks when I was about 6 or 7 years old. So although I've eaten more interesting dishes from them during my pre-blogging years, let me still share with you the items I had during my most recent trips -- just by myself, with dad, and another with my mom and little sister.

✓ Pork Spareribs & Meatball Soup (P110)

Evenings have often been cold and rainy these past few weeks, so I first had this hot bowl of Pork Spareribs & Meatball Soup which was light yet warm and comforting. It had tender and mildly-flavored ribs and juicy pieces of meatballs, as well as winter melon slices which I love, and chicken intestines which I'm not much a fan of (except if grilled).

Pandan Chicken (P70 for 4 pieces)

We had 2 orders of the Pandan Chicken, but sorry if there are only 6 here. I think it was my little sis who already took the other pieces for herself before I even got to snap a photo. Anyway, like most pandan chicken dishes I've had, this was juicy and meaty with a light pandan note. I'm not much of a pandan chicken fan, but my sis seemed to like it.

✓ Three Mushroom Pork (P80)

I'm a mushroom lover so this Three Mushroom Pork dish had me at hello. The serving has tender and meaty pork pieces along with vegetables and of course, mushrooms. There were button mushrooms, shiitake and cremini if I'm not mistaken, which are all drenched in a savory and lightly salty soy-based sauce, making this perfect with rice.

✓ Adobo Spareribs (P80?)

Although this Adobo Spareribs doesn't look that appealing, it's actually good taste-wise. I've always been a fan of sparerib dishes, as well as adobo dishes, so having them both in one item is a good deal for me. The spareribs were meaty and flavorful after being cooked Chinese adobo-style which is slightly sweet and savory. Yum!

✓ Steamed Fish Fillet with Tofu (P180)

This Steamed Fish Fillet with Tofu dish has been a staple whenever I visit the restaurant. How can you blame me? The steamed fillet pieces are cooked to a soft and moist goodness, although there was one time when it was slightly overcooked. Anyhow, the fish fillets sit atop a bed of soft and silky tofu swimming in a light soy-based sauce.

Fish Fillet Guisado with Tofu (P110)

I also got to try the Fish Fillet Guisado with Tofu which uses the same soft and moist fish fillet pieces, but stir-fried in a savory and tangy sauce. While this is actually a good dish, I'd have to be partial to the steamed rendition as its much in line with my palate and preference. Not even the fried tofu can change my mind as I also prefer its silkier brother.

Polonchay (P70)

For vegetables, we always get the Polonchay stir-fried with garlic. I'd usually pair this veggie item with rice since I have a slightly hard time eating it on its own as it has a somewhat bitter aftertaste. Haha! I guess you can say I'm still not a veggie-loving girl. But I think if this dish would have a drop or two more of sesame oil, I'd have no problem.

Banana Blossom (P70)

I don't know what I was thinking when I pointed this Banana Blossom dish from the turo-turo counter. I'm not even a big fan of banana blossoms to be perfectly honest. But in fairness, this veggie dish which is cooked in a savory and tangy sauce goes well with rice and meat viands. It adds a smooth and slightly crunchy texture, as well as some tangy notes. Bonus points too for having my favorite wood ear mushrooms in the mix.

✓ Kiampeng (P27)

For the price and the quantity, I always, always get Kiampeng for my rice whenever I dine here. Although it's not the best kiampeng I've had, I'd say it's quite good since the rice is savory and has good amount of pork pieces, peanuts and green onions. However, for the countless times I've ordered this, there are some instances where the kiampeng is too mushy. Nevertheless though, this is still worth ordering every single time.

There are more dishes at Ang Tunay Beef House than I can ever review. However, I'm planning to try their beef soups next time (Soup #5 anyone?), 'cause as embarrassing as it sounds, I've never had any of their beef soup variants yet. Toink!

THE VERDICT

Although Ang Tunay Beef House isn't a fancy restaurant serving mean Chinese dishes, it still has remained to be one of my favorites for its affordability and food variety. Sure, I've had better steamed fish or kiampeng somewhere, but none of them were as inexpensive as what I've eaten at Ang Tunay Beef House. And even if ambiance is not as extravagant, it's decent and kept clean. I also can't commend the staff enough for being prompt in serving the dishes. Although of course, you can't expect them to all be extra friendly.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 3/5
Service - 3.5/5
Price - 5/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Ang Tunay Beef House, Sta. Cruz
825 Sabino Padilla St., Sta. Cruz
Manila, Philippines
(02) 733-1340; 733-1340
Official Website

Business Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays 7:00AM to 9:30PM
Sundays (half day) 7:00AM to 2:00PM