Rediscover Local and Asian Flavors in an Exquisite Weave at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie

The genteel neighborhood of Valencia in Quezon City becomes an unexpected destination for inspired renditions of Pan-Asian cuisine in an elegantly secluded setting. A gem of a find, step inside Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie...

Filipino and Asian flavors are creatively reimagined at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie weaving comfortingly familiar notes executed in refreshed interpretations for one of the most unexpected culinary discoveries in the neighborhood. Housed in a 1950s home, the regal structure becomes the setting for vibrant local and Asian flavors with a modern and contemporary spin. Explore and rediscover comforting and even nostalgic flavors at the neighborhood's newest hidden gem. At Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie...

Far off the beaten track from the usual commercial districts, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie is a welcome change of pace with its own playfully inventive take on Filipino and Asian cuisine. The cuisine and the setting comes together in a perfectly harmonious and deeply intertwined tightly knit tapestry for a unique dining experience for groups and families or a solo flight for a respite from the hectic urban pace. 

A bright red door points the way to the lavish culinary treats of Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie...

...revealing the elegantly classic lines of the past blending with the new. The graceful structure is given new life celebrating the unique cuisine of Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. 

A bar presents infinite possibilities for that cool night out. Be sure to ask for the schedule of the live musical performances too. 

At the second floor, a much bigger and wider dining space awaits for that memorable feast with friends or family...

...or if you prefer a private room for more intimate gatherings, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie has you covered.

Arriving early, the shifting light of the late afternoon sun was a sure sign for a soothing cup of coffee. The coffee selections at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie offers interesting options for that afternoon coffee break or after meal beverage from their Vietnamese Egg Coffee (P 150) to the Coconut Latte (P 200). 

But it's the Sea Salt Latte (P 200) with its pronounced sharp yet soothing hints tempered by the bold and deep notes of coffee for that perfectly balanced finish that sets the mood and tone for the early evening feast at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Other coffee options include the Iced Mint Mocha Latte (P 240) and Iced Pandan Latte (P 200) alongside other staples like Cafe Americano (P 75), Cappuccino (P 150), Cafe Latte (P 175) and Mocha Latte (P 200). 

From their Appetizers menu, the Krapow Sisig Nachos (P 390) reveals Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie's unique approach to flavors drawing inspiration from the continent's vast arsenal of traditional staples and cuisines. Exactly why it took so long for someone to pair the ubiquitous local sisig with nachos comes as a real surprise, but Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie wastes no time in presenting this novel mash-up of distinct flavors. The buttery richness of the savory sisig and crisp nachos and kropek combine for a delectable play on textural contrasts. Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie goes a step further by infusing Asian aromatics and soy to the local staple, transforming it further by topping it with creamy cheese sauce, sour cream and fresh salsa. The result is festive burst of flavors and textures with each component complimenting the other. 

The Pork and Shrimp Dumplings (P 370) is Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie's playful take when tortellini meets gyoza. Savory minced pork and succulent fresh shrimp made richer with its blend of Asian aromatics combine for a familiar and flavorful filling completed by the soft yet firm and mildly chewy bite of the tortellini. Laid on nutty and spicy homemade chili oil and herb emulsion crowned by crisp fried onions and leeks, one tortellini is immediately followed by another. The sharpness of black vinegar ties each contrasting flavor together. The fusion of diverse culinary styles and traditions becomes a recurring theme at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie, so just sit back and enjoy each tasty bite. 

Other must-try appetizers include the Aromatic Braised Mussels & Clams (P 470), Teppan Salpicao (P 510) and Crispy Calamari (P 430). 

Local flavors, garden fresh greens and succulent seafood along with pork conspire for a flavorful medley with the Ultimate Ceviche (P 530), a refreshing salad with fresh tuna loin kilawin, grilled shrimp and pork belly, tender squid and mussels draped in a tart ceviche dressing. The salad is topped with a variety of pickled vegetables, red egg and a creative combination of fresh and green mangoes for that play on sweet and sour notes. Each ingredient comes through with its distinctive notes enhanced by a side of nam jim jaew or Thai style chili dipping sauce. The play of fresh, clean and savory notes tease the palate with each bite, releasing even more intense notes. 

It's a hearty salad with its mix of pork, seafood and vegetables in one dish. The tartness of the ceviche dressing cleanses the palate just in time for the next round of dishes at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Other vegetable dishes include the Fresh Lumpia Banh Xeo (P 290 Petite/P 515 Grand), Steak and Watermelon Salad (P 405) and Enoki Tempura & Asian Hummus (P 405). 

After the appetizers and salad, the main courses were served...

...starting with the Kare-Kare Stone Pot Rice (P 760). Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie clearly impresses with this dish, With its near risotto-like texture, the premium Japanese rice and thick thick peanut stew form a savory union with a flavorful richness that lingers long on the palate. Large slabs of tender beef, ox-tail and tendon brings the beefy punch to the dish complemented by the vegetables but it's the peanut stew and Japanese rice that clearly makes this dish one of those must-try items on the menu. 

The Kare-Kare Stone Pot Rice is listed as good for four, and the side of bagoong or fermented shrimp paste will have you going for another spoonful as a complete meal in itself. The stone pot keeps the dish warm, but you really won't have to worry about that. This dish goes really fast. Other rice dishes include the Loaded Garlic Rice (P 90/P 165) with three kinds of garlic, the Scallion Fried Rice (P 95/P 170) with scrambled egg and Steamed Pandan Rice (P 55/P 110). 

The Tom Yum X (P 610) is an excellent soup option at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie loaded with grilled pork, chicken and prawns. Simmered with vibrant aromatics and infused with local sinigang flavors, the Tom Yum X pleasantly jolts the palate with its richly seasoned base smoothened by the richness and subtle sweetness of the pork, chicken and prawns. The creative twist with the sinigang flavors brings an added layer of flavors to the broth that's great for sharing and good for 2-3. 

The Roast Pork Belly and Creamed Spinach (P 520) with a slab of juicy crisp pork on a bed of creamed spinach becomes a flavorful combo but Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie makes it even more flavor forward by adding pickled green mangoes, cucumber, onions and fried shallots with a side of nam jim jaew to the dish. The result is a complex play on flavors perfectly complementing the crisp slab of pork belly and creamed spinach. The mix of sweet and tart notes pair well with the richness of the pork belly, with the pickled green mangoes, cucumber, and onions bringing bursts of flavorful notes to complete each bite. 

The aptly named The Fried Chicken (P 515 Half/P 920 Whole) is Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie's own take on a classic. Richly marinated in spices, grilled peppers and a blend of Asian aromatics before being drenched in their seasoned house specialty breading, The Fried Chicken is cooked until crisp, juicy and golden brown paired with Asian Slaw, Eggplant Ensalada and Piri Tamarind Gravy.

The breading itself is packed with flavor from the complex blend of spices, seasonings and aromatics completing the juicy notes and crunch of The Fried Chicken. Perfectly executed, the flavors bring some homestyle comforting goodness with each bite. 

The Ox-Tail and Galbi Stew (P 720) is another dish high on my list of personal picks at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Imagine USDA Beef Ox-Tail and Shank stewed for hours with green apples, soy sauce, roasted sesame and leeks and topped with wok-tossed bok choy, mushrooms and bone marrow and you have another hearty dish fresh off the kitchen of Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. 

Think of it as your traditional Korean style beef stew leveled up in that distinctive Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie style with ox-tail, bone marrow and mushrooms. The collagen-rich ox-tail gives this stew a buttery and silky smooth texture plus bold beefy notes. It's a dish that calls for extra rice, and add that extra dab of bone marrow for the ultimate beef fix. 

In between bites, enjoy a refreshing sip from one of the house specialty beverages like the Lola Amore (P 120).  A mocktail with Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie's house blend tea made with pandan, lemongrass, calamansi and lemon topped with blue lavender foam, the Lola Amore takes its inspiration from Manila's rainy season cooling you down from the very first sip. Not too sweet with fresh and deep soothing notes, the Lola Amore pairs well with many of the Asian and local dishes at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Cocktails, mocktails, fruit shakes and beer, an extensive selection of libations completes the stellar cast of Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. 

Noods always adds a festive vibe to any feast, and the Crispy Pan Laksa (P 990) with Manila and Malaysian noodles, crisp vermicelli, pan-seared shrimps, diced and ground pork, grilled squid, premium fish balls and fried tofu slathered with rich and thick coconut shrimp bisque is yet another creative fusion of Asian flavors in a bowl. Each order is good for 5-6, and you can tell with the size of the massive bowl. 

The creamy coconut enriched shrimp sauce is poured separately and then mixed on your table. That first bite immediately reminds you of the popular local palabok, but almost at the same time you know it isn't quite exactly the same. But you do know this is richer with deeper and rounder flavors. The infusion of coconut cream and laksa seasonings and spices makes this noodle dish different elevating it from the usual. From the generous load of savory toppings to the rich coconut shrimp bisque, the Crispy Pan Laksa by Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie is one of those dishes that define the inventive culinary style of the neighborhood's newest dining destination.

It's this mix of local and Asian flavors that makes the menu at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie so uniquely creative yet comfortingly familiar. It's a style that continues with their indulgent array of sweet and tempting dessert creations. And it's time for dessert...

The Puto Bumbong Basque Cheesecake (P 430) with its luxurious mantequilla and toasted glutinous rice reimagines the traditional Filipino dessert with its indulgent play on textures and flavors. Each soft and chewy bite lays creamy buttery notes to the palate for yet another unique dessert in the style of Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. 

The wittingly named Quiramisu (P 330) is another elegant take on a popular dessert rendered in the creative style of the new restaurant with broas, Hojicha cream, cashew crumble, cashew praline, edible flowers and Hojicha syrup...

...while the Fluffy Suklati Mousse (P 380 Petite/P 490 Grand) prepared by your table side takes the local suklati batirol reinvented as a lavish and sinful dessert. The creative transformation of popular dishes becomes a signature trademark of the neighborhood's newest dining destination, and their playful spins are also part of the restaurant's appeal as shown in their "not your usual" dessert creations.

The table side presentation takes you back in time with its nostalgic serving style...

...intricately topped with edible flowers and garnished with an orange peel branded with the restaurant's name. The rich, deep nutty notes of the local chocolate fills the palate with its decadent notes smoothened by the fresh and silky whipped cream. That's how you cap your lavish feast at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. 

From starters to mains and desserts, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie consistently showcases its inspired spin on local and Asian flavors in an elegant and seamless weave. The blend of traditional flavors in a modern and creative style makes each dish from the extensive menu stand out for a unique dining experience in the genteel neighborhood of Valencia. 

With so many dining options in the metro, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie takes you to the quiet part of the neighborhood for an unexpected yet pleasantly surprising deep dive into familiar local and Asian flavors reinterpreted with a bold and innovative style. Rediscover familiar flavors reinvented with unrestrained creativity and masterful execution hidden deep inside a quiet neighborhood, at Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie...

Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie is located at 14 Dos Castillas, Valencia, Quezon City, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/quimanila and https://www.instagram.com/quimanila/ for more information and updates or call 0917 867 8811 for inquiries. 

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