Chinese cuisine has always been a perennial favorite of Filipinos. Whether it is the humble congee and shu mai, to festive offerings such as pata tim or Peking duck, there is always a dish that fits any occasion and budget.
King Chef has carved a name for itself as one of the go-to restaurants for diners who crave authentic Cantonese food without breaking the bank. Since its humble beginnings in Banawe in 2010, the restaurant has steadily strengthened its presence, becoming a household name among Chinese communities and a favorite of lovers of Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant recently opened its 8th branch at Alphaland Makati Place. Located at the heart of the business district and surrounded by iconic landmarks such as RCBC Plaza, Makati Medical Center, Ayala Columns, and other business buildings and residential condominiums, the new branch of King Chef differentiates itself from other branches by focusing on the business market. This is evident with the inclusion of three private VIP dining areas where meetings can be held over good food.
Meanwhile, the al fresco area is the perfect location for office workers who want to enjoy a quick bite before going back to work.
King Chef CEO Marites Ang said that while the restaurant takes pride in its strong Cantonese cuisine, it also offers dishes that come from China’s other regional cuisines. “Around 80 percent of our menu is traditional Cantonese cuisine. This is the cuisine that Filipinos know when we talk about Chinese cuisine. But we also feature dishes from other regional cuisines such as Szechuan items.”
Ang also attributed the success of the restaurant to the long-time employees that have been working in the company for years. “We have chefs that have worked with us since we first opened. We also find ways to help expand their repertoire. We hold a market basket-style competition every year where chefs can come up with new dishes. The winners get to have their dishes included in the menu and we also bring them to different Chinese restaurants so that they could try different dishes from different regions in China,” she said.
While the expansion might seem slow considering it is only the 8th branch in nearly 15 years, Ang explained that this was a deliberate choice to ensure that each location maintains the quality and standards that have made the restaurant such a popular destination.
