1/19/2012: To P.F. Chang’s or Not to P.F. Chang’s in Manila?
In my recent trip to the U.S., I found out that when people crave Chinese food they either go to a quick serve Panda Express or to one of the most popular American Chinese restaurant chains there — P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.
P.F. Chang’s, with its modern Asian ambiance, is like the Friday’s of Chinese restos, accented with huge Chinese decor and artifact replicas.
I saw the restaurant’s logo in one of the boarded-up construction sites in BGC. Are they finally opening a P.F. Chang’s branch in Manila? I asked a few people in the foodie community and got confirmation about its opening.
Here is our P.F. Chang’s experience in California…
P.F. Chang’s is definitely not a quaint, little Chinese resto. This chic-looking bistro restaurant has a bar set-up and dim mood lighting at night. It is a favorite hangout for family gatherings and bonding with friends.
Starters, Soup & Salads, Lunch Traditions
Chicken & Duck, Beef, Pork & Lamb, Seafood
Noodles, Miens & Rice, Vegetarian Plates, Sides, Gluten Free Menu
Specialty Cocktails, Sake, Asian Wine, Beer, and Tea & Coffee
Sparkling, White and Red Wines
Signature Desserts and Dessert Cocktails
Salt & Pepper Calamari ($7.45). Tender strips of calamari lightly dusted and toasted with a salt and pepper mix and green onions served with a dipping sauce.
One of the best sellers is their Salt & Pepper Calamari. The food is good, but more on the safe side and clean-tasting without any overpowering flavors.
Most of the sauces are served separately for those looking for something bolder or spicier.
Ginger Beer ($3.00). Fresh ginger and lemon juice mixed with pure cane sugar.
I liked this refreshing concoction. We were told that it is made in-house daily.
Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($7.95). Our signature appetizer. Wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks and served with cool crisp lettuce cups.
Another P.F. Chang’s favorite. The lettuce wraps were pleasantly not too oily and had just the right flavor.
Kung Pao Chicken ($13.95). Chicken breast stir-fried with peanuts, chili peppers and scallions.
The Kung Pao Chicken was not too sweet and not that spicy. I prefer my Kung Pao with a lot more oily peanuts, spicy chilis, and flavorful scallions, though.
The Great Wall of Chocolate Mini Dessert ($2.25). Six rich layers of frosted chocolate cake topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, served with fresh berries and raspberry sauce.
Tiramisu Mini Desserts ($2.25).
The desserts were not memorable at all. But I do remember thinking that they were really sweet.
Overall, I liked P.F. Chang’s ambiance and attentive service, and the fact that our Chinese favorites were available there. It’s good that they also support special dietary needs with their vegetarian offerings and gluten-free menu specials.
It can be considered a safe, reliable restaurant choice. However, I find the taste a bit safe and “Americanized”.
I’m not really excited about the opening but I’m curious if P.F. Chang’s will be as successful as the Friday’s chain in Manila. Do you think its concept will work locally?
Best of luck to P.F. Chang’s in Manila!
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
San Jose, California
Website: www.pfchangs.com
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Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. We paid for our meals. We are not connected with the owners or any organization promoting P.F. Chang’s in Manila.
P.S. Please share if you heard anything about its opening and who’s bringing it to the Philippines. Thanks! 🙂
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=558899&publicationSubCategoryId=81
Thanks for sharing that March 18, 2010 article pa.
“Archie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts Inc. (GRCI), which acquired the Philippine franchise for P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, says that the new restaurant chain is aligned with the company’s other major assets that are CPK, Orchard Road and The Establishment, as they all offer a quality menu in a guest-oriented setting that includes cozy interiors and a fun atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experiences.”
Ah… I’m a fan of CPK, but not Orchard Road or The Establishment.
either that or, we hit up many of the no branded chinese fast food restaurants.. 😉
msg lang katapat para tangkilikin ng Pinoy. sad but true.
Looks like they’re opening in Alabang Town Center next week.
https://twitter.com/#!/pfchangsph
I meant the week after the next. Haha.
Looking at it, the dining experience seems like a mix of Zong’s and Friday’s. I think it should do well given that there are few alternatives to bistro style Chinese cuisine 😀 !
you kinda lost me when your over all experience was good. you “liked” almost all the food they served. well truth be told we each differ on our standards when it vomes to taste in general. come on their food is just plain bad. yayks.