Anticipating a truly special occasion, we chose to indulge in the à la carte delights of the celebrated East Ocean Palace, renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine. We envisioned ourselves savoring each dish in a refined and intimate setting, an ambiance that would perfectly complement the culinary artistry. While the meal certainly delivered on flavor, the overall experience fell slightly short of our lofty expectations.
First Impressions: A Visual Masterpiece
Stepping into the lobby of East Ocean Palace is an experience unlike any typical restaurant, where diners are immediately visible. Instead, guests are welcomed into a spacious and elegantly designed area that sets the tone for what’s to come. The eye is immediately drawn to a stunning chandelier, its soft glow casting a warm, inviting light across the room. To the right, a grand staircase, adorned with a rich red carpet, leads the way to the upper levels. On the left, two sleek GWM SUVs are prominently displayed, blending modern luxury with the sophisticated ambiance of the space.
The restaurant had already unveiled its Christmas 2024 decorations, featuring a winter theme. This festive touch added a magical layer to the surroundings, and makes you feel like you're about to enter a dining palace fit for royalty. From the outset, the interiors promise a luxury experience, setting high expectations for what lies ahead.
But does the a la carte dining experience live up to that grandeur?
While East Ocean Palace is clearly designed with private banquets and large gatherings in mind, we opted for an à la carte dining experience given that our party consisted of only five people.
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The Dining Room: A Familiar Setup
Guests can choose to ascend to the dining area via the grand staircase, an elevator, or an escalator, each offering a unique perspective of this inviting space.
Upon reaching the second floor, guests are warmly welcomed by friendly staff who guide them to the à la carte dining area. This floor boasts a variety of private rooms and banquet halls, making it an ideal choice for hosting events of any size. Among these spaces is the à la carte dining room, which, while modest in atmosphere, does not match the grandeur we had highly anticipated.
It felt like a typical Chinese restaurant, featuring simple and functional decor with round tables conducive to communal dining. Our table was discreetly situated along the side of the dining area, offering a sense of seclusion. A shimmering gold, translucent curtain partially separated us from the neighboring tables on either side, creating a modest degree of privacy while maintaining an open feel towards the front.
However, when it came to culinary excellence, East Ocean Palace certainly delivered. We sampled a variety of Chinese dishes, each one impressing us with its authentic flavors and masterful execution. Given our party of five, the attentive staff thoughtfully suggested ordering smaller portions, which proved to be an excellent recommendation. A particular highlight was the Okra Bacon Roll, a dish so delectable that we found ourselves ordering it three times.
Birthday Noodles: A festive and flavorful dish, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. The noodles were perfectly cooked, tossed with a medley of vegetables and savory sauce, making it a delightful centerpiece for our celebration.
Sautéed Ginger Onion Chicken with sea cucumber in claypot. The tender chicken, combined with fresh ginger and onions, created a fragrant and savory dish, while the sea cucumber added a unique texture.
Regular Chicken Feet: A unique and refreshing appetizer.
Double Boiled Fish Maw Soup: This luxurious soup was rich and nourishing, featuring tender fish maw and a clear, flavorful broth that warmed our hearts and souls.
Homemade XO Sauce with Tofu on Clay Pot: A savory delight, the tofu was infused with the robust flavors of homemade XO sauce, served sizzling hot in a clay pot to enhance its aromatic appeal.
Fried Spareribs Coated with Sweet Olive Sauce: These spareribs were a hit, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with a delectable sweet olive sauce that added a unique twist to the dish.
Sautéed Beef Cubes with Peppers and Onions: Juicy beef cubes sautéed to perfection with vibrant peppers and onions, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that was simply irresistible.
Another beef dish, the name of which unfortunately eludes us, was equally satisfying. Both beef selections were remarkably tender and bursting with flavor.
Sautéed Chinese Kale with Garlic: A classic vegetable dish, the Chinese kale was sautéed with garlic to bring out its natural flavors, providing a fresh and healthy complement to our meal.
East Ocean Fried Rice: This fried rice was a delightful mix of ingredients, each grain perfectly seasoned and cooked, making it a satisfying and essential part of our dining experience.
Steamed Black Sesame Masachi (dessert): A sweet ending to our meal. It is quite similar to mochi, often considered the Chinese counterpart. Both are crafted from glutinous rice, resulting in a delightfully chewy and soft texture.
Throughout the meal, we were graciously served complimentary jasmine tea brewed from fresh leaves, rather than tea bags, adding a delightful touch to the dining experience.
Our culinary adventure comprised twelve dishes, encompassing mains, rice, soup, a vegetable dish, and a dessert, all served in petite portions. The final bill hovered around P10,000+. While the quality of the food and its nuanced flavors were undeniably commendable, the pricing felt somewhat steep.
However, the visual presentation of the dishes proved to be a slight letdown. For a restaurant that cultivates such a luxurious image, the aesthetic of the plates seemed rather ordinary, reminiscent of a mid-range Chinese establishment. Although the flavors were exquisite, the lack of imaginative presentation left us yearning for a more visually captivating dining experience.
Be Aware of the Prices
It’s important to note that dining here doesn’t come cheap. The prices for a la carte dishes are on the higher end compared to other Chinese restaurants in Metro Manila. For reference, a private dining room for 10 people costs around ₱30,000, and that’s the cheapest option. If you’re planning a meal here, be prepared to spend.
The Atmosphere and Extras
A standout feature of East Ocean Palace is its live seafood aquarium, home to an impressive selection of fresh catches, including lobsters, sea mantis, rock lobsters, tiger and wild groupers, mud crabs, and more. This makes the dining experience more interesting, especially for people who enjoy fresh seafood.
The atmosphere in the a la carte area, however, falls short of the upscale vibe found in the lobby and private dining rooms. While clean and functional, it lacks the grandeur that initially greets you. Perhaps our expectations were set too high.
Perfect For:
Large celebrations, private events, and corporate banquets
Seafood lovers who enjoy fresh, high-quality dishes
Diners who don’t mind paying premium prices for excellent Chinese cuisine
Final Verdict for A la Carte Dining:
East Ocean Palace dazzles with its grand interiors and festive atmosphere, but the a la carte experience leaves room for improvement. While the food quality and flavors are top-notch, the visual presentation and standard dining setup don’t quite match the upscale image the restaurant portrays. Add to that the higher price point, and it’s clear that this venue is better suited for private dining or large celebrations rather than intimate, casual meals.
Would we go back? For a banquet, celebration, or seafood feast with friends and family—absolutely. For a casual a la carte meal, we’d think twice considering the price and overall experience.
📍 Location: East Ocean Palace, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City
Have you tried East Ocean Palace? Share your thoughts below! Did you opt for a la carte or private dining?
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