Chinese cuisine has always been part of the Filipino table whether in a natal celebration, christening, wedding celebration even holiday feasts like Christmas and New Year there’s always one or two Chinese-inspired menu.
My mom who came from a well-known and big family knows Spanish language and various Spanish even Chinese cuisine. In fact, when I told her about our Food Tasting Event in this featured blog post, I remember her telling me the meaning of “COMIDA” (which literally means Chinese food in Spanish). She was interested what the restaurant offers and even said that she wished to celebrate her next birthday in a Chinese restaurant.
We arrived just on time around quarter to 12. By the way, this is a Food Tasting Event held lunch time. We (Marge and I) took the Ortigas route and ride a jeepney going Tiendesitas. We thought it was the easiest way going there but we were wrong, we walked about 3-4 blocks going Comida China De Manila (formerly Panciteria San Jacinto-Pasig). Honestly, we’re really not familiar around Pasig area. 
I was caught in awe as I look into Comida’s interior. When we were led inside the function that’s when I felt much more at home for its cozy and homey, still with class and formal ambience.
It was like a dejavu as I scan into each Torres’ collection and their muebles. I instantly remember my Uncle’s house, the Basa Clan where they used to live in Sampaloc, Manila. We still had this tukador and other stuff that could have high value these days.
It was my first time here at Comida and one thing I love is the wooden flooring which they managed to maintained. We were greeted by Comida China De Manila’s President Mr. Benny Torres and Mr. Chino Esguerra. They shared stories about Panciteria San Jacinto and why they decided to change the name to Comida China De Manila.
Panciteria San Jacinto is one of the favourite restaurants of Manilans in the pre-war and post-war era which has survived to this day – has changed its name to Comida China De Manila. Located along E. Rodriguez, Jr AVe. (C5) in Pasig City, the present-day Panciteria San Jacinto is a favorite destination of Chinese food aficionados. The lure of bountiful lauriats, all-time Chinese favorites and the discovery of new things on the menu (like dimsun and the unique flavorful Comida China Soup) have lured them to Panciteria San Jacinto – Pasig since it opened in 1996.
Comida China Chow Mein – the famous noodle dish served here since Panciteria San Jacinto started many years ago and still the favorite by old customers even the new ones.
We were immediately served with a glass of home brewed Iced Tea. It’s doesn’t have a strong tea taste, it’s semi-sweet and taste even better when put with lemon.
Comida China Soup is an old favorite says the owner, This savory soup is made with eggs, pork, green peas, carrots and fat choi. It’s a great way to start your meal. I like it’s thick consistency and the richness in flavor. I haven’t tasted a soup like this before.
The first photo is the Fried Rice with Roasted Barbeque Pork and Chinese Sausage and the second one is the Yang Chow Fried Rice. I prefer the Yang Chow Fried Rice, it’s not very flavorful compared to the first one. With that it doesn’t overpower the taste of other dishes.
COLD CUTS PLATTER is definitely one of my favorite. It’s an appetizer platter consisting of roast barbecued pork, lechon Macau, Chinese sausage, pata hamon, seaweed and century egg. Among the cold cuts I love the lechon Macau for its crunchy and tender meat. The seaweeds has an interesting flavor, it’s a bit salty but taste good.
On the left side is the PINSEC FRITO, a deep fried wanton wrapper with a minced pork of shrimp filling, perfect with sweet and sour sauce. It’s another great appetizer, it’s crunchy and I can recognize the filling whether pork or shrimp.
AMPALAYA CON CARNE a well-know Chinese dish with sliced beef and sliced ampalaya (bitter melon). It has the right degree of bitterness stir-fried in a tasty sauce. The owner told us that this dish has won many “converts” who have discovered the pleasure of eating ampalaya. I eat ampalaya and have tasted this dish from other Chinese restaurants but this one is much better. it’s not too bitter compared to other version of ampalaya con carne.
FRIED LAPU-LAPU WITH SWEET and SOUR SAUCE a deep fried Lapu-lapu topped off with sweet and sour sauce. A must try here in Comida.
BEANCURD with FISH with cuts of fresh tofu and battered fish fillet that are topped with a tasty brown sauce prepared with sautéed garlic, tomatoes and yellow beans.
CAMARON REBOSADO CON JAMON is a classic Binondo dish, it is deep fried battered shrimp with ham. All I can say is that this is really delicious. It’s flavorful inside and crunchy outside.
FRIED SHRIMP BALLS – the best dish I had that day. I love it’s generously filled-shrimp balls served hot and freshly fried. It’s tender inside. Though I’m allergic to seafood I can’t help but taste this one and finish two pieces. 
Well, I don’t have to worry I have my meds with me and the best thing is that I didn’t even felt any allergic reaction the whole time even the next day. 
Who wouldn’t want to try SIOPAO – Comida’s siopao is big in size and generous on pork filling.
ALMOND JELLY a semi-sweet cold dessert.
After a delightful and stomach filled lunch, we were allowed to look at some of the Torres’ collection located in another function room. It’s filled with coca-cola products and collectibles from way back.
With Mr. Benny Torres and Blogger Lyn
Catering and in-house feasts are all still part of the Comida China De Manila offerings. Younger generations who may not have even heard of the term “Comida China” are suddenly discovering the charm of experiencing Chinese food with Spanish titles.
“It’s part of our mix culture. The food itself and the names of the dishes are all part of our history. Perhaps through our new name we will be able to make younger generations become more aware and proud of our colorful past and the interwoven influences in our history.” – Mr. Benny concludes
Visit Comida China De Manila and discover the all-time Chinese cuisine you were looking for. Their dishes totally differs with other Chinese restaurants, aside from the delightful dish that’s light on the pocket you’ll surely enjoy looking at some interesting items inside their restaurant. I am very thankful that I was included to be part of the Food Tasting Event.
For more information, visit Comida China De Manila on Facebook or call (02) 671-5942, (02) 914-0832, (02) 914-0830
Drexler is a 10-time NBA All-Star and was voted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. He won an NBA Championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995 and was named one the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. Drexler was also a member of the storied ‘DREAM TEAM’ that won an Olympic gold medal in 1992.
