Man Ho: Cantonese Flavors at Manila Marriott Hotel's New West Wing

There are few restaurants in the metro that offer authentic Hong Kong style Roasted Goose with its rich and succulent notes complemented by an equally rich and flavorful plum sauce. One of them is Man Ho at Manila Marriott Hotel...

Located at Manila Marriott Hotel's new West Wing, Man Ho adds an elegant spin to traditional Cantonese cuisine with its wide range of signature dishes including Roasted Goose. Dining at Man Ho brings the total experience, from its authentic cuisine to its courteous and attentive service and luxurious interiors in one memorable feast...

Since it opened late last year, guests at Manila Marriott Hotel have yet another dining option with Man Ho's creative and elegant take on traditional Cantonese cuisine (for more on Man Ho, see my previous post, Elegant Cantonese Cuisine at Man Ho, Now Open at Marriott Hotel Manila's New West Wing). The impressive interiors with its high ceiling and panoramic glass windows brings in natural light to accentuate its muted wood tones. And if you want just a little more privacy... 

...Man Ho offers diners both private and semi-private rooms too for intimate gatherings.

One weekend afternoon, the friendly staff at Man Ho led our group inside one of their exclusive private rooms. Set up for ten to twelve guests, with its own flat screen LED TV and comfort room, a casual lunch of traditional Cantonese flavors is transformed at Man Ho, and you just know it's going to be special.

Traditional condiments and tasty appetizers were then laid on the table...

...along with a pot of soothing green tea kept warm by a candle below. It's the little touches that add to your dining experience as the first courses were served.

Man Ho's signature Smoked Duck Breast with Mango (P 328) offered sweet, tart and savory notes with every bite of the succulent juicy duck. The richness of the tender duck, with just a whisper of smoky hints, is tempered perfectly by the sweet mango for contrast. 

The Marinated Suckling Pork Leg (P 368) is another tasty dish, with tender fall-off-the-bone and melt-in-your-mouth pork draped in a light yet flavorful sauce. Each bite lines your palate with a savory richness capped by the delicate sweetness of the suckling pork leg.

The vibrantly colored Braised Seafood Soup with Caviar (P 628/person) is a thick and comforting soup with fresh seafood. The sharpness of the caviar adds an indulgent layer of flavor to the dish. I've tried this dish before during the opening of Man Ho, and it remains one of my favorites.

Other options include the boldly flavored Hot and Sour Soup with Seafood (P 368/person) and the hearty Braised Crab Meat Soup with Sweet Corn (P 428/person).

Man Ho also offers a sumptuous selection of fresh seafood dishes, including the Scallop and Asparagus in X.O. Sauce (P 1,488) with delicately seared plump scallops...

...the day's fresh catch elegantly plated with the Seafood in Potato Nest (P 888)...

...and the Crab, Straw Mushrooms, and Poached Seasonal Vegetables (P 568) with its fresh and clean flavors.

A duo of beef and pork dishes were served next, starting with the Beef Fillet with Black Pepper Sauce (P 1,188),  with cubes of fork-tender beef, mushrooms, and peppers in a mildly spicy pepper sauce...

...followed by the Fried Pork Ribs with Spicy Salt (P 888) with richly seasoned pork ribs bursting with flavor with each crunchy bite. Our Cantonese feast at Man Ho continued with the arrival of the main dishes...

...starting with the Pink Garoupa Steamed with Soya Sauce (based on prevailing market price), a delicately steamed whole fish topped with fresh scallions...

...followed by Man Ho's signature Roasted Goose Hong Kong Style (starts at P 800 good for 2-4 persons). The goose, like duck, has a thin layer of fat between the meat and skin for rich flavors, but I find goose has milder, more delicate flavors with less of the gamey hints of duck. Served with plum sauce and hoisin sauce, just dip the goose lightly on the sauces so you don't overpower the subtle flavors of the roasted goose.

A feast like this requires heaping mounds of rice, and Man Ho's Fujian Style Fried Rice (P 568) covered in vegetables and meat with a thick sauce is a meal in itself.

The Yang Zhou Style Fried Rice (P 488) offers comfortingly familiar flavors, pairing well with all the dishes at Man Ho. Extra rice? Yes, please.

But save room for dessert. Man Ho offers a wide range of traditional Cantonese desserts, including the glutinous Coconut Mustard Muchi (P 48/piece), soft and chewy bites with an indulgent sweet filling coated with coconut, perfect with a cup of green tea.

And you just have to try the Steamed Custard Bun with Egg Yolk...

...for that perfect finish to an elegant and authentic Cantonese feast at Man Ho.

Settle down and relax with a freshly brewed Latte after a satisfying meal...

Or better yet, why not enjoy a tipple with Man Ho's signature cocktails like the refreshing Enlightenment (P 375) with chamomile tea, St. Germain liqueur, and fresh lemon juices; the brightly colored Blushing Dragon (P 325) with Absolut Vodka, mixed berry puree, fresh mango juice, and cranberry juice; and the cool Fengshui Flow (P 280) with ti guan yin tea, banana liqueur, dark rum, cream, and creme de cacao...

...or go green and go with the Man Ho Grasshopper (P 325) with jasmine tea, zen green tea liqueur, cucumber juice, and midori. From starters and appetizers to mains, desserts and cocktails, Man Ho's elegant spin on traditional Cantonese cuisine is a welcome addition to Manila Marriott Hotel's many dining options. Head west to the new West Wing for a taste of classic Cantonese flavors...at Man Ho. 

Man Ho is located at the new West Wing of Marriott Hotel Manila, No. 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, Manila or call (632) 988-9999 for reservations. 

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