184 – On Slowing Down At Sha Tin: Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie, UP Town Center

If you remember my post about Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie from 2015, I mentioned how its Megamall branch reminds me of 1920s Shanghai. Change is the only thing permanent in this world, and I guess it also applies in this case. Three years after that post, Tuan Tuan now reminds me of a tea house (cha chaan teng) in Hong Kong—and rightly so. Cha chaan teng establishments cater to Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle, and Tuan Tuan’s branch in UP Town Center serves the same purpose to Katipunan’s speedy lifestyle. It’s still undeniable that their specialties make diners come back for more, yours truly included.

A slice of Hong Kong in the middle of Loyola Heights.

The standalone location ensures that Tuan Tuan is visible from afar.

The interiors still remind me of 1920s Shanghai, before the Second World War.

The displays hearken back to the time when Shanghai was a concession administered by different foreign powers.

CJ and I were waiting for this particular branch of Tuan Tuan to open, but it was only recently that I got to dine there. As I mentioned, Tuan Tuan is a good restaurant for Loyola Heights. Two major universities—Ateneo and UP—are in the area’s proximity, and everyone is rushing to and fro. The restaurant’s standalone location in UP Town Center’s new wing is designed for both quick dining and a leisurely meal altogether. Fortunately, it wasn’t crowded when I paid a visit despite most mall patrons having dinner; the few diners present in Tuan Tuan were taking their time in casual conversation. Just the same, one does not visit Tuan Tuan and pass on their snow buns—which rival that of Tim Ho Wan’s. Also noteworthy are their Macanese rice specialties consisting of meats and/or seafood topped in sauce and baked gratin-style.

Permit me to digress at this point. I hesitated in featuring this particular branch of Tuan Tuan after reading rather dismal reviews about their service on Zomato. While I treat Zomato reviews with a grain of salt (preferring to experience a restaurant’s service firsthand), this time the reviews were proven right. I’m not surprised that most Zomato users comment that of all the Tuan Tuan branches in the metro, this location is one to avoid. Do note that I do not endorse the Zomato platform, and I only check it to verify prices of certain items on the menu. This is because Zomato gave legitimacy to abusive customers that prey on restaurants and food “blaggers” that only aim to score a free meal.

The staff did tend to their customers when I visited, but it looks like they do not want to earn based on how they moved around. Restaurants at UP Town Center should brace themselves for picky millennial diners, as they can patronize another establishment in the blink of an eye—with the mall’s diverse food choices. Regardless, I’m not losing hope on Tuan Tuan; just wishing that they improve their service by the time I return.

Below are some of Tuan Tuan‘s culinary specialties from their diverse menu.

Hot Nai Cha (P98): Tuan Tuan’s signature milk tea. Black tea mixed with Black & White condensed milk.

To be honest, I think the taste is similar to the milk tea served at Toast Box.

Cold Nai Cha (P108): Tuan Tuan’s signature milk tea on ice. The melting ice dilutes the sweetness of the milk tea.

Crispy Minced Duck Snow Buns (P198): Tuan Tuan’s snow buns filled with minced duck in special sauce.

I liked the texture of the buns, but not the taste of the duck…or it’s just me, as I find duck in general too gamey.

Fish Fillet with Pumpkin and Crabstick in Creamy Sauce on Rice (P298): The dish’s name speaks for itself. Fish fillet and crabstick topped with pumpkin soup on rice. The sauce provides a neutral, earthy base to the seafood.

It also has mushrooms and swamp cabbage (kangkong), making it a full meal in itself.

House Special Trio (P428): Tried this before in 2015 – and the combination of seafood, mushroom, and pork rice toppings delivers.

Salted Egg Prawns (P488): Giant prawns cooked in salted egg sauce with green onions. The salted egg coating providing a contrast to the sweet and plump prawn. I just found the serving too small for the price.

Sliced Fish Congee (P198): Rice porridge with halibut fillet and topped with green onion slices. The fishy taste was rather dominant when CJ and I tried this one; I’m hoping they fix it.

These youtiao (fried dough cruller) chunks accompany the congee; apparently, this is a classic breakfast combination in China.

Fried Black & White Milk Bread (P168): Fried mantou bread rolled in chopped nuts, served with a condensed milk dip.

The condensed milk dip (Black & White) accompanying the mantou is the same one used in Tuan Tuan’s milk tea.

You can visit Tuan Tuan’s official website, Facebook page, and Instagram profile to stay updated with their latest promotions. Until the next review, bon appetit.

Tuan Tuan Chinese Brasserie
L1, Phase 2, UP Town Center,
Katipunan Avenue, Brgy. UP Campus,
Diliman, Quezon City 1108

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: In observance of Maundy Thursday, I won’t be publishing a new entry for next Thursday – March 29. Thank you.)