Whenever we have a craving for Xiao Long Bao, Tien Ma’s Taiwanese Cuisine in Retiro is our go to place. I think because this is the nearest resto that has XLB we like. Nearest means — di na kami magbibihis and we could go wearing our pambahay, LOL! A couple of weeks ago, my sister who calls herself Anney treated us for dinner there. As usual, tinanong nya si Ykaie where she wants to eat. And this dumpling monster said she wants XLB.
So off we went and our first order were Classic and Cheese XLB. As expected, it was meaty, soupy, and flavorful.
Yep, that’s my sister goofing off while I show here how to take pictures using my S-Pen. And that’s Twinkle hiding… heehee.
The XLB were followed by these Hello Kitty Bola-Bola Siopao — also meaty and tasty but it was served with cold, jiggly sauce in a saucer. We ended up dipping the siopao in the sauce. I wish they heated the sauce para naman thick liquid sya and hindi jelly-like. The Buchi, however, were freshly cooked. It was served piping hot and crunchy — just how we liked it.
These Pan Fried Pork & Shrimp Dumplings are loved as well. Very tasty and it really goes well with ts dipping ssauce. Daddydoodledoo ordered the Aspagarus with Mushroom so we have vegetables. the taste was okay.
I like the Hot and Sour Soup, also served piping hot. It’s filled with pork, tofu, and mushrooms. The Fresh Spring Rolls doesn’t taste as much and the peanut sauce it came with was also cold and jiggly.
First time to try the Kung Pao Shrimp and I didn’t like it. Same with the Chicken Feet, mas gusto ko ang chicken feet sa Mandarin Sky at QC Finest Cuisine.
This Honey Walnut Chicken, I like, though. The chicken pieces were crispy and the honey sauce was on point — perfect balance of sweet and salty.
All in all it was a great dinner. I know we’ll still be back at Tien Ma’s Taiwanese Cuisine but now I know what not to order next time.
