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.
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.
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.)
I remember when I saw this branch after their opening. So many people, even when it wasn’t a peak hour. The inviting smell. And their dessert offerings. XD
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Now that you mentioned dessert offerings, they only had the fried mantou and milk when I visited. 😦
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Mahihirapan ako mag ka abs sa mga post mo lol! I think Mesa has salted prawns as well, can’t remember… Have you tried that? If so, which would you prefer?
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Haha, sorry kung “tabs” yung nagiging resulta ng mga post ko! 😂
Hmm…masubukan nga iyan, dala nang may Mesa sa Eastwood Mall. Salamat sa tip! 😁
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*salted egg prawns
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i was about to ask you which pork buns are better? Tuan Tuan ot THW? hahaha
natawa ako sa part ng “Food blaggers”, and I consider myself as one. charot. di naman free food habol ko no. and I agree that we cannot rely only at zomato reviews. minsan talaga yung iba nakakataas ng expectations. haha
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Hands-down, Tuan Tuan. 🙂 Pero to be honest, hindi ko kursunada yung barbecue duck buns nila. Ma-anggo sa panlasa ko (or hindi lang ako sanay kumain ng pato hahaha)
I’m aware of that, don’t worry. 😀 Hindi naman lahat, free food ang habol. May mga makakapal lang yung mukha talaga na nage-email sa mga restaurant para sa free meal kapalit ng maayos na review. Here are some links related to this matter:
* http://adobomagazine.com/whos-afraid-big-bad-blogger
* https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/gauthier-soho-has-ranted-against-food-blaggers-so-can-we-really-trust-online-reviews-9190926.html
* https://chefsandwich.blogspot.com/2011/06/aa-gill-pans-food-blaggers.html
* http://technology.inquirer.net/22741/internet-floggers-cash-in-on-food-mad-asia
(Speaking of which, I might write an article about this pag nagka-oras.)
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ay duck pala yung palaman ng buns nila? hmmm hahaha. medyo mahal kasi sa tuan tuan kaya di ko pa sinubukan kumain dyan hahaha
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Nagkataon na duck yung in-order ko that time. 🙂 Meron silang salted egg, almond cream, and pineapple – maliban sa pork and duck.
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If I visit this place, I might be very tempted to steal that cup & saucer combo. Ang cuuute ng cow! It looks so vintage!
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Indeed! They really stuck with the vintage look all around. 🙂 Do correct me if I’m wrong, but methinks actual milk tea in Hong Kong is served in that cup and saucer set – provided by the milk manufacturer as a form of subtle advertisement.
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I have no chance at all to correct you because I haven’t been in HK yet (yes! T-T) and I have no idea that it uses a milk manufacturer label. Pero if it’s like what you say, that’s pretty darn smart of them!
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