Experiencing the Best of Chinese Cuisine in the Philippines: 7 Restaurants to Try

Being one of the largest countries in the world, it’s understandable that China also has one of the most diverse cuisines. Chinese food is also among the most influential and, thanks to its wide range of flavors and ingredients, also the most popular. Indeed, you can find a Chinese restaurant in almost every city you visit.

In the Philippines, outside of Binondo, Manila— which is touted as the oldest Chinatown in the world—Cebu City is where you can find a great concentration of authentic Chinese restaurants serving genuine Chinese cuisine. Historically, many Chinese immigrants have made their way to this central Visayas island where they set their roots and made their mark. As a result, Cebu City boasts some of the best Chinese restaurants in the country. So, if you’re traveling to Cebu, make some room in your tummy for some Chinese fare after you’ve had your fill of Cebu’s classic lechon and exotic tuslob-buwa. Here’s a list of must-try Chinese restaurants in the city.

Mott 32 Cebu
One of Cebu’s hottest new restaurants is also one of the world’s most exclusive. Mott 32 is an upscale Chinese restaurant chain, with its first branch established at 32 Mott Street in New York—hence the name. To maintain their impeccable quality, the restaurant chose to limit their locations to just one per country. In the Philippines, you can only find Mott 32 in NUSTAR Resort and Casino, one of the newest Cebu resorts that opened last 2022.

Mott 32 specializes in Cantonese cuisine with influences from Beijing and Sichuan cuisines. Make sure to come early and order their signature Peking duck and barbecued Iberico pork. These come in limited quantities per day, so don’t miss out on these must-try dishes. 

Xin Tian Di
Are you a dim sum fan? If so, you wouldn’t want to miss eating your fill of authentic Cantonese-style dim sum at Xin Tian Di. As with Mott 32, this restaurant is located inside the NUSTAR Resort and Casino and is open 24 hours daily! 

If you’re craving authentic dim sum favorites such as pork and shrimp siu mai, prawn har gao, and prawn dumplings, Xin Tian Di should be on your list of restaurants to visit in Cebu. Aside from dim sums, you can also order traditional Chinese roast pork, noodles, and other Asian specialties in Xin Tian Di.

Huangdi
Another newly opened Chinese restaurant in Cebu is Huangdi, which provides foodies with authentic Szechuan-style dishes. Its luxurious atmosphere fits its exquisite cuisine such as braised lamb with mushrooms, chamomile-smoked duck, Kurobuta pork, shrimp dim sums, and scallop dumplings Take note that Huangdi is open for reservations of 10 people up for now.

You can find Huangdi at NUSTAR Resort and Casino, along with other great restaurants.

The Ching Palace

For those in search of an elegant dining experience steeped in tradition, The Ching Palace at Salinas Drive is the place to go. This restaurant’s charming ambiance and classic Chinese dishes create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The Ching Palace offers every Chinese favorite such as patatim, crispy pork belly, braised pork spare ribs, and more. They cater to large family gatherings, which means portions are for sharing.

Tim Ho Wan
Known all over the world as the cheapest Michelin star-rated restaurant, Tim Ho Wan conquered dim sum lovers’ hearts with their authentic but affordable Cantonese-style fare. It was their signature baked barbecued pork buns that made the restaurant a true standout, which is what gave them a coveted Michelin star.

There are 7 branches of Tim Ho Wan in the Philippines. The one in Cebu City is located at the SM Seaside
Complex.

Ding Qua Qua
Cebu is a paradise for foodies with diverse budgets. For affordable everyday Chinese fare, Cebu delivers with Ding Qua Qua. Located at Harbour City, it’s these kinds of Chinese food that makes native Cebuanos nostalgic. 

As any urban Cebuano would know, Ding Qua Qua is home to affordable but high-quality dim sum. It offers a variety of siu mai to choose from: classic pork and shrimp, mushroom, quail egg, and bacon. What’s more, they even have a dim sum buffet for kids and adults, so you can try all their dim sum offerings for a steal.

Dimsum Break
Great Chinese food doesn’t have to break the bank and Dimsum Break proves that point. This local favorite is known for its budget-friendly yet incredibly delicious dim sum offerings. Whether you’re craving siomai or hakaw, Dimsum Break has you covered. If you don’t know what to order, try their original steamed fried rice that definitely hits the spot whether you’re hungry or not.

Dimsum Break branches can be found all over Cebu but its original home is Harbour City.

Cebu City is a great place to try authentic Chinese cuisine. From the opulence of Mott 32 to the affordable charm of Dimsum Break, there’s something for every palate and budget. So, whether you’re a Cebuano resident or a traveler looking to savor the best of Chinese cuisine, don’t miss out on what Cebu has to offer. Explore the flavors, traditions, and innovations that make Chinese cuisine in Cebu a truly unforgettable experience. Come hungry and leave with a heart full of delicious memories!