Li Li Chinese Restaurant: Dimsum Fest at Hyatt Hotel

After a feast at Market Café two months ago, I found myself at the luxurious hall of Hyatt Hotel yet again. This time though, I'm in for a Chinese dimsum fest at one of the hotel's pride, the award-winning Li Li Chinese Restaurant which didn't only receive recognition from Philippine Tatler and Dineasia but was also part of Miele Guide's top 20 best restaurants in Asia.

LiLi Upper Dining Area LiLi Hyatt Dining Area

Located at Hyatt Hotel's 5th floor, this lavishly-decorated restaurant takes after a very prominent socialite in Hong Kong by the name of Lili Ho. Influenced by her high life, travels and love for tasteful art, the restaurant reflects Lili's elegant and charming home in Hong Kong not only through its authentic Cantonese cuisine, luxurious oriental interiors, sophisticated conversation pieces and ambient lighting, but also with its dining areas and function rooms.

Tea Making Area Tea Pot

Aside from an upper and a lower dining section which houses table seating mostly for fours, Li Li also has a tea bar which boasts of a beautiful collection of Chinese teas. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. What captivated me at Li Li are their selection of function rooms inspired by actual portions of the socialite's home.

The Library

My favorite among the function rooms is the Library, a spacious and cozy dining room which doesn't only house a big round table for twelve, but also features books and mementos both of art and travel. Although the library is where men hang out after dinner during Lili's time, the Library at Hyatt Hotel's Li Li Chinese Restaurant is gender neutral.

Bai Ling Fei Fei

There are also private function rooms to pay homage to Lili's two daughters -- Bai Ling and Fei Fei. Both of these rooms are fairly small when compared to the Library. However, these rooms have a distinct charm with their warm color scheme and soft lighting.

The Drawing Room The Wine Cellar

Another interesting room with a gender-based origin is the Drawing Room. Inspired by a section in Lili's home where women "withdraw" while men gather at the Library, the Drawing Room exudes a soft and feminine charm with a peach color scheme, decorative mirror and its own pantry. And last among the five function rooms was the wine shelves-lined destination for our dimsum feast, the Wine Cellar.

Complimentary Pickles and Peanuts

Before indulging in a festive selection of Chinese dimsum, our group first enjoyed these complimentary pickles and peanuts. Although the pickles were nothing extraordinary, the peanuts somehow reminded me of the ones I've tried at Xin Tian Di albeit not as soft and sweet.

Shanghai-style steamed pork and crab meat dumpling Xiaolongbao

To start off the dimsum fest, we had Shanghai-style steamed pork and crab meat dumpling also known as Xiao Long Bao. These soup dumplings had a delicate and silky skin which encloses the pork and meat fillings swimming in a flavorful broth. Dabbed with some black vinegar and ginger shreds, these babies taste delicately beautiful.

Sio Mai

We were then served with this basket of Sio Mai which are steamed pork and dried scallop dumplings. After discovering meaty bundles of goodness at Frostea, my standards for good sio mai definitely upped by a whole notch. And as expected, Li Li didn't fail to deliver. These Sio Mai were very meaty, savory and oh-so-yummy.

Har Gao

We also got to sample the dimsum favorite Har Gao or Hakaw which are steamed shrimp and bamboo pith dumplings. Although I just had a recent allergy breakout, I wasn't able to fight off the urge to devour these lovely shrimp dumplings. With a soft and slightly chewy coat encasing three pieces of plump shrimps, there was no way I'd say no.

Pan-fried Shrimp and Spinach Dumpling

After a steamed start, we were off to fried delights with this serving of Pan-fried Shrimp and Spinach Dumpling. With juicy plump shrimps, savory spinach and a beautiful and crunchy green coating, this plate of fried dimsum was another winner.

Deep-fried Taro and assorted seafood dumpling Beijing-style Wok-Fried Pork Dumpling

Every dimsum dish tasted great, but I was definitely partial to the Deep-fried Taro and Assorted Seafood Dumpling which was served with sweet chili sauce. The crisp flaky skin was a delight to munch, but it was the sweet and savory taro and seafood filling that got me hooked. We also sampled a serving of the Beijing-Style Wok-Fried Pork Dumpling which was very meaty despite not being a total head-turner.

Deep-fried Bicho-Bicho Shrimp Wasabi-Mayonnaise

We also got to try the Deep-Fried Bicho-Bicho which enclosed shrimp bits and was drenched in wasabi-mayonnaise. Although I'm not really a big fan of bicho-bicho in general, Li Li's savory seafood version converted me to a believer.

Lobster and Asparagus Dumpling

The dimsum selection at Li Li was more than enough, but Executive Chef Josef Miklavc even prepared a beautiful off-menu platter of Lobster and Asparagus Dumpling for our group. Although there's a cliché -- don't judge a book by its cover, these dumplings taste as good as they look. And if you're wondering, the bird centerpieces were edible.

Bird Centerpiece of Dumpling

After a series of great-tasting dimsum delights, we were off to a sweet end with Li Li's famous Glutinous Dumpling with White Chocolate and Fine Peanuts.

Glutinous Dumpling with White Chocolate and Fine Peanut Hyatt's Signature Guava Iced Tea

It was my first time to try this very original carb-loaded dessert, but boy it was good! The peanut-crusted glutinous rice had just the right thickness which coated a dollop of creamy and sinful white chocolate. Of course, we didn't only have the right meal ender, but also the perfect meal companion, Hyatt Hotel's Signature Guava Iced Tea which was a truly refreshing blend perfect for a hot scorching summer day.

THE VERDICT

I honestly don't go gaga for dimsum, but after this trip to Li Li Chinese Restaurant, I can't help but wish to go back for another visit. Every single dimsum dish we got to try was of excellent quality which proves why this restaurant has been a consistent award-bagger. And of course, who would dare ignore the lavish interiors and overall ambiance of Li Li's home in the comforts of Hyatt Hotel? With outstanding food, service and atmosphere, I can definitely promise Li Li that I'll be back for more.

Taste - 5/5
Ambiance - 5/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3.5/5
Overall Value - 4.5/5

Eat-All-You-Can Rates:
Dimsum All-You-Can (12nn to 3pm) - P788++
Sunday Buffet (with desserts & free-flowing drinks) - P1,550++


Li Li Chinese Restaurant, Hyatt Hotel
5/F Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila, Pedro Gil cor. MH del Pilar
Manila, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 245-1234
Official Website
Facebook Page

64 comments:

  1. OMG DUMPLINGS. I've never been to this part of Hyatt before but the place looks very interesting. What did the edible birds taste like, Sumi? XD

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  2. @Aileen: The chef actually suggested that we don't eat the bird decors.. hahaha.. XD Although it's edible daw, it probably won't taste good.. :))

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  3. 5/5 taste, if it is highly recommended by Sumi ,it must be really good .I believe you. Now, who is gonna invite me there?

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  4. Hope you didn't get allergies from the shrimp. They look too good to say no to. :)

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  5. Now I am craving for Chinese Food. LOL

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  6. Love the bird centerpiece. So cute! =)

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  7. I really want to try Xiao Long Bao. I ate in a Chinese restaurant buffet in Cebu and was looking for a Xiao Long Bao but wala ):

    I wanna try this on my cheat day! ;)

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  8. great food! and the price is pretty good too for a hotel buffet. i suddenly want to try that little duck!

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  9. you made me craving for dim sum!!!
    i love them from ongpin to hong kong to penang!

    lucky you for having sampled li li!

    -http://docgelo.com/ (kindly change your blog roll, thanks!)

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  10. wow 5 out of 5! I'm not gaga over dimsum too because we can cook them at home. But I really enjoyed lili's dimsum. =D Haha but not as much as you who ate twice as much =p

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  11. Wow, I love dimsum... especially the steamed variety... it's like comfort food for me. Dimsum all you can sounds good and reasonably priced! Must check it out with the family. :D

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  12. That dumpling covered with white chocolate captured my attention =)...so does the guava iced tea too.

    Love the name of the restaurant. Do they have one in Hong Kong as well?

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  13. I go gaga for dimsum! Haven't tried Market Cafe yet and then there's Lili na. Now, I'm torn which one to go first.

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  14. I haven't been to Hyatt yet, and this line up is quite appetizing. Amazing food creations!!!

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  15. More than the food, I was fascinated by your tale of how each room has its own story. Now I'm curious about the life of Lili. I want to learn more about her. Hehehe This is not to say though that the food doesn't look good. Those dumplings look exquisite!

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  16. oh my.i can hear the dumplings calling my name haha

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  17. wow, coming from a chinese food lover like you, this really must be good!

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  18. awwww! you are really enjoying life's pleasures! Food food! I so love dumplings and siomai! and that bird centerpiece is adorable...you almost don't want to eat it. The place looks amazing! perfect for a family dinner.

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  19. Super wow! No wonder you're so happy and can't forget about the fest. Heavenly serving, indeed!

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  20. Beautiful food presentation! I think I can stay here and eat 24/7 if possible...lols.

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  21. WOW 4.5! Hehe should go there. Place looks great and the food is yummy looking! Ang nice dn ng shots :)

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  22. like what i say before. pag maganda ang ambiance ng isang resto for sure maganda ang feeling mo habang kumakain i like the library room..
    tas ang food, namiss ko tuloy ang binondo foodtrip.

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  23. wow ang tsalap! i missed my outing with my brother at the Cafe Cesario in Cebu where we ate dumplings! but this one is extraordinary ha. i am interested with spinach. hehe

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  24. this got me craving for dimsum!!! yummyyy ;D

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  25. Beautiful place... and the food looks yummylicious too! :P
    Wish I'm in PH and tried those food, esplly the Lobster & Asparagus dumpling and the glutinous dumpling with white chocolate & fine peanuts.. or maybe, all of the above... now I'm drooling! lol

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  26. wow, this made me crave for these...'hope to experience this dining someday soon

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  27. Great review and shots! :)

    wow, that place is fit for royalty. hehe. It feels a bit intimidating to be in such an environment.

    Would love to try their dimsum particularly the xiao long bao :)

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  28. grabe, natakam naman ako sa dumplings! at ang sosi ng lugar ha :)

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  29. what a beautiful restaurant :-) yummy and delish foods Sis...what a food feast :-)

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  30. My husband is a chinese food fan. I should definitely treat him here one time because I'm sure he'll simply enjoy the experience! I just need to save up for it a little bit more since it is a bit pricey for just dimsum.

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  31. Hmm.. im starving right now. :'s
    ang ganda ng food presentation

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  32. I've never heard of an eat-all-you-can dimsum before, and now I'm green with envy! Looks a little overpriced, but I'm sure with its high-quality taste, it was all worth it. :)

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  33. The food and the place looks great. Can't help but notice the bird centerpiece comes with the sympathetic eyes that says... don't eat me. Such a nice centerpiece. =>

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  34. The dimsum-all-you-can promo sounds nice! If only I have a big appetite!

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  35. I suddenly remembered the Xiao Long Bao at Din Tai Fung in SG. Food all looks so delish!

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  36. Wow... Napa ka formal ng Setting ng Resto..:)
    Ganda.. hehehe...
    At parang ang Sarap ng mga Pagkain..
    Kakagutom..:)

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  37. I'm not a fan of dumplings. @_@ Di ko pa natry kainan yan. Ganda ng ayos ng resto na yan:)

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  38. I'm not very particular with the Chinese foods. What I like in one of the function rooms is the library. I like reading books on art and travel.

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  39. Your food escapades are to die for!! i love each and every dimsum and you made them look really really intriguing!! love the asparagus dimsum they look like little goldfish haha :D
    Rovie, The Bargain Doll

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  40. i'm really fond of dimsum and i think i'm willing to shell out 788 for an eat-all-you-can :)

    btw, the place really looks expensive. kung sa bagay, nasa hyatt :)

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  41. Oh dear dumplings. Oh dear. And eat all you can?!

    OH MY DEAR!

    Expect a blog post soon about this place. Thanks Sumi!

    Hakao here I come. *pulls on DTM's sleeve and eggs him to read your blogpost*

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  42. An array of scrumptious dishes!
    I am starving just staring at those
    DUMPLINGS... I want to try
    "Hyatt Hotel's Signature Guava Iced Tea"

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  43. Looks really expensive, judging from it's furnitures and fixtures including the cutleries, well, on the other hand...AWESOME DIMSUM!!!! :))

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  44. Oh my that xiao long bao! I love it when you bite into it and the soup bursts out, bliss!

    Anyway will add this to my long list of go-to's hahaah! and with the 5/5 taste rating, I'm excited to try it! :D

    Great shots as always Sumi *thumbs up*

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  45. 'Just dropping by. I'm salivating, I love dumplings.

    http://theluckytraveler.blogspot.com

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  46. I want to eat the Bird decor ha ha ha! Great shots shobe Sumi! Please teach achie how to do this kind of shots! I would like to try the Deep-fried Taro and Assorted Seafood Dumpling served with Thai sweet chili sauce.I also want to sample a serving of the Beijing-Style Wok-Fried Pork Dumpling awwww tsalap siguro!

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  47. Wish to visit this place too. HYATT wait for me! Great offerings. Good food!

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  48. Noooo! I can't Resist the temptation to eat! Aarrrggghh! :)

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  49. The foods looks so yummy:) and nice rating hehe:) just dropping by:)

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  50. So many dimsum, so little space in my stomach lol! I like the Library too :-)

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  51. wow wow wow... those dimsums looks really great. those are mouth watering...

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  52. Sarap naman ... I definitely love Chinese food especially dimsum. I just don't know if I can afford Li Li.

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  53. I am such a DIMSUM BABY... this post just got m drooling.

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  54. grabe nagutom ako ah, i love dimsum so much

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  55. Woaaah, dimsum galore. I've heard from a lot of people that this place is good. I'll probably bring my parents here, they love dimsum too! :) THank you for sharing.

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  56. love your food photos, sumi!

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  57. a must try because i love eating siomai..=)

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  58. Their Sio Mai it looks delicious

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  59. Great ambiance, good food. Can't wait to try it!

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  60. The foods oh so yumy! I Love Dimsum! ;)

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  61. With tomatoes, turnip, cucumber and other sculptural vegetables to create elegant and intricate decorations to the plate, and the use of exquisite fine china for dining ware, Chinese cuisines really become a true art form complete with aesthetic beauty, wonderful aroma, and great taste. Phoenix Chinese Restaurant

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