7 Palatable Reasons to Visit and Experience Mai Pao
Nothing beats Chinese food. The aroma, rich flavor and the combination of spices and colors contribute to the overall character of every dish. I have always been a fan of Chinese cuisine as most of you are. I am familiar with its rich and distinct flavor as I had eaten it almost everywhere – in small dim sum places, the hotels, and restaurants in Manila where I used to reside, in China when I went there on vacation with my family and in every opportunity and place where I can. When I used to visit Bacolod I already had the chance to eat at Mai Pao. So when I relocated to this city I already knew where to go to satisfy my craving for Chinese food.
Mai Pao opened in 2002 and is one of the more established local restaurants in the city. It is owned by celebrity chef Jayps Anglo and his parents together with other business partners that include his good friend Martin Villa-Abrille (Mai Pao’s Manager).
Since I wanted to get an update on their current menu and other new offerings I got in touch with Martin and he responded positively to my request to give them a visit. When I arrived at Mai Pao, Martin warmly welcomed me and introduced me to his friend, businessman Mr. Manuel Barandiaran and Mr. Oscar Anglo, father of Chef (Jayps) JP Anglo. It was a pleasure to have met these gentlemen who were friendly and accommodating. As we went on, I learned that Chef JP Anglo would come once in a while to check everything personally. He wants to ensure that they continue to improve service and update their menu regularly. Of course, thanks also to the power of modern technology that makes it easier for him to look after his business.
Martin revealed that every time Chef Jayps would come to Mai Pao he would order his favorites which are Mushroom Siomai, Fried Hainanese Chicken, Salt and Pepper Squid and Minced Pork with Tofu.
Excited and hungry, I tried some of Mai Pao’s new menu offerings and a few of their best sellers that Martin and his staff prepared.
Here are the 7 Palatable Reasons to and Experience Visit Mai Pao:
1. Hot and Sour Soup– thick and rich soup base with loads of mushroom, tofu, and vegetables. It has a sour blend and just the right amount of spiciness for added kick.
2. Mai Pao Fried Rice-colorful blend of rice, chopped quid balls, eggs, peas, carrots and topped with shallots.
3. Ku Chai Dumpling– I love dumplings! Steamed but firm filled with meat and kutchay. Really savory. Oh, the kutchay comes straight from the Anglo’s backyard.
4. Salt and Pepper Squid– evenly-coated squid with just the right blend of salt and pepper to taste. The squid is firmly cooked and not rubbery when you chew it. Also great as pulutan with beer.
5. Fried Hainanese Chicken– savor the flavor of hainanese chicken that’s fried to perfection and topped with ginger sauce and other spices.
6. Crispy Wonton Shrimp– crispy and delicious shrimp dumpling that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. I tasted how fresh the shrimp was and it goes well with hoisin sauce as a dip.
7. Honey- Soy Glazed Spare Ribs– marinated bite size pork cutlets and coated with Mai Pao’s very own seasoned breading. Crisp on the outside and juicy inside.
Other things that I like about dining at Mai Pao are their customer oriented staff and fast service. They will soon be offering delivery service, but in the meantime, they entertain phone calls for an advance order of takeout food. Their contact number is 433-80-90. Mai Pao is located at 6th st. Lacson Bacolod City.
The author with Martin Villa-Abrille (Mai Pao’s Manager) and Mr. Manuel Barandiaran
