A Dim Sum Feast by the Bay and More at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel's Li Li

You can find the ubiquitous dim sum just about anywhere in the metro, but when you find yourself at the heart of old Manila by the bay, there's always Li Li...

Dining on delicate dim sum is elevated to a whole new level at Li Li, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel's fine dining Cantonese restaurant. Each steamer is an expression of Li Li's culinary creativity and mastery by its Hong Kong chefs using the freshest and finest ingredients prepared in the traditional way. Dim sum, which literally means "touch the heart," becomes a memorable experience in itself...at Li Li.

Li Li has five private rooms for eight to sixteen guests which can be reserved for special functions and gatherings, each one elegantly appointed with bold red and vibrant gold accents transporting you back to the royal courts of bygone imperial times. I've always visited AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, but it was my first time at Li Li. And I've been hearing quite a lot of good things about Li Li's signature dim sum (for more on AG New World Manila Bay Hotel Hotel, see my previous posts, Made in Saga: The World's Best Comes to New World Manila Bay Hotel... and What's New at The Fireplace...on the best steaks this side of the metro at The Fireplace,  Savor The Flavors of Spain at New World Manila Bay Hotel's Market Cafe on the hotel's buffet restaurant and Meet me at The Lounge. At New World Manila Bay Hotel on the tasty offerings of the hotel's Lounge). Black truffles and foie gras in dim sum, that's enough to get you excited and curious...

The courteous staff led us to our private room at Li Li, as we eagerly awaited a royal Cantonese feast. A pot of freshly brewed Jasmine Tea (L) is served, kicking off your dining experience at Li Li, along with tasty appetizers like Pickled Cabbage and Boiled Peanuts (R). Here's an insider tip, try the refreshing Guava Iced Tea.

Then, the first bamboo steamer arrived with Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling, Wild Mushroom, Vegetable (P 258), ornate dumplings topped with indulgent black truffles. The neatly folded dumpling is filled to the brim with fresh ingredients, adding to the rich textural contrasts and clean flavors with each bite. The deep and nutty notes of the black truffles and wild mushrooms come through, followed by the subtle sweetness and clean hints of the vegetables. It's the perfect first dish in an epic dim sum feast at Li Li.

No dim sum feast is complete without the traditional hargao, and Li Li takes it a level higher with the addition of foie gras. Li Li's Hargao Steamed Pork Dumpling, Foie Gras (P 498) delivers all the comfortingly familiar flavors of the classic hargao, and more. The infusion of the savory richness of foie gras sets Li Li's hargao apart from the usual dim sum variety, delivering bold flavors without overpowering the subtle notes of the pork in a delicate balance. 

The Deep-Fried Taro Dumpling, Minced Duck, Black Truffle (P 288) is yet another inventive and indulgent take on traditional dim sum, with black truffles adding that flavorful punch. The distinct notes of the minced duck blend seamlessly with the earthy hints of black truffles, capped by the light and airy crisp outer layer of the dim sum for contrasting textures.

Take a closer look at Li Li's deep-fried taro dumpling, and you can imagine the delectable crispness with each bite. Just perfect.

But there's more. Li Li's Deep-Fried Ham Shui Kok Stuffed, Minced Pork, Chicken (P 210) is a savory dumpling with equally bold flavors made even better by deep-frying until golden brown. The pork and chicken combine for a double dose of savory notes, covered in light, pillow-soft yet crisp dough.

People swear by Li Li's Baked Barbecued Pastry Puff (P 238), with tender pork wrapped in a light, buttery and flaky pastry sprinkled with sesame seeds. And I don't blame them. One bite immediately lines your palate with the sweet and smoky hints of the tender barbecued pork followed by the buttery richness of the warm pastry. And it just can't get better than that. Craving for dim sum? Be sure to check out Li Li's daily Unlimited Dim Sum offer (see contact details below). 

But it does. While at Li Li, why not complete your feast of dim sum with their signature mains? Start with Li Li's Signature Hot and Sour Seafood Soup (P 330), a thick flavorful broth loaded with fresh succulent seafood. The dark broth is richly seasoned with spices, yet the lingering heat soothes the palate and brings out the flavors of the seafood, just what you need before the next dishes. 

The Barbecue Suckling Pig Combination Platter (P 548 for two/P 929 for four) is an impressive dish with slices of pork and chicken laid on fresh jellyfish salad. The meat is fork-tender and juicy, but it's that light and crisp outer layer of crackling that just makes this dish another favorite at Li Li. And once you start, you just can't stop.

The fresh and briny notes of plump shrimps and sweet mangoes come together with Li Li's Crispy Fried Shrimp, Mango Cucumber Salad (P 980). Each bite of the succulent fried shrimp is announced by an audible snap, perfectly finished by the creamy mayo dressing and sweetness of the mangoes. Light yet full of fresh flavors, this one's another must-try dish at Li Li.

That evening, we also sampled some of Li Li's new dishes, including the Taro Tower with thin and crisp taro strips in a tart dressing...

...the hearty and comforting Three Egg Soup with fresh vegetables simmered in a thick broth...

...and the Braised Noodles with Shredded Abalone, Mushrooms, and Bean Sprouts in light soy sauce, each one reflecting the wide variety of flavors at Li Li.

Extra rice? Go ahead. Li Li's Yeung Chow Fried Rice, Barbecued Pork, Shrimp (P 580) completes the Cantonese feast at Li Li's, perfect when paired with the nest dish...

Li Li's Wok-Fried Angus Beef Tenderloin, X.O. Sauce (P 1,680-200 g) capped our indulgent Cantonese dinner, with fork-tender slices of premium beef topped with fresh vegetables draped in a thick sauce. Nothing like prime beef for dinner, but save room for dessert...

Perfect endings on a sweet note, indulge in Li Li's tempting Masachi Balls with White Chocolate and Steamed Malay Cake Egg Custard (P 180), perfect with a cup of freshly brewed tea...

...or go all-out with Li Li's Signature Chilled Mango Pudding (P 250), pure indulgence in a glass. From dim sum to savory mains and desserts, enjoy authentic Cantonese flavors by the bay at Li Li's.

Li Li is located at Level 5 of AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil corner M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila or call 02 252-6888 for inquiries and reservations.

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