Mandarin Tea Garden (SM City Cebu)

Mama and I went to SM today not for a stroll nor for shopping, but to correct our series of unfortunate events. Will burst about that on the next post.

We were looking for a good place to dine in. We opted to go to restaurants we haven't tried yet. We passed by Mandarin Tea Garden, Neo Neo, and Rai Rai Ken (situated in a linear manner), but went back to our way to Mandarin Tea Garden. It was our first time there. Honestly, I just noticed this restaurant today. I don't know why. It's across Executive Optical and beside Neo Neo.

There are a variety of food choices in its menu. What I like most about its menu is the Seafood section. I absolutely salivate for seafood. Thus, I immediately ordered for shrimp curry (not really the name stated on the menu, pardon me, but I forgot), although my first choice was patatim and baked spare ribs. Mama ordered sweet and sour fish fillet. She was gonna order a pork viand, but I told her "Healthy living, Ma". For the drinks, Mama just ordered Sprite because she's not experimental, but I ordered milk tea. The excitement to finally taste a milk tea was high. For months, I have been longing to try a milk tea, but I just don't know where to buy one in Cebu (coz I'm a loser). Thank goodness, Mandarin Tea Garden has them, from the name of the restaurant itself. HA!

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet for only Php130

Shrimp Curry for only Php150

le sumptuous food

the super delish Cold Milk Tea with Sago for only Php48

Mama and I's verdict: we're satisfied! We went out of the Mandarin Tea Garden with big smiles on our faces and with full tummies. The sweet and sour fish fillet was super delicious and its sauce was so luscious. Sadly, I have a thing against super sweet food, so I did not enjoy eating the chunks of pineapple. It was too sweet, but the entire food was really appealing. The shrimp curry was just as yummy and sumptuous as the sweet and sour fish fillet. Perhaps I'm too obsessed with shrimps that I was overly joyed eating the shrimp curry. The cauliflower, carrot, and veggies also added more flavor to the shrimp curry. I love veggies! Hee. I would have preferred the shrimps to be skinless until their tails, though. The chefs left a portion of hard skin just before the tail. Munching the hard skin is too annoying. Anyway, still yummy, so I devoured them. Lastly, the cold milk tea with sago was heaven in each sip. I wanted more, but my tummy was already aching due to fullness.

Additionally, the restaurant has a good ambiance. The service was fast. The waiters and waitresses are kind. The food are affordable, considering the serving size and amount. And oh, plain rice costs Php20.

Mama and I loved Mandarin Tea Garden, and Mama even formulated plans to eat there again for some family occasions or for some time alone. Me? I will keep on coming back to Mandarin Tea Garden for the milk tea, and of course, all their delicious food.

Visit Mandarin Tea Garden at SM City Cebu.