Shang Kee Chinese Buns Delicacies: Classic Pork Belly and more!
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| Shang Kee Chinese Buns Delicacies |
I have to admit that the first time I visited Buendia Food By The Court, I did not pay much attention to Shang Kee Buns PH. They were selling only one kind of food, which is siopao-like and priced at Php150. I was like, "whaaaat... Php150 for a siopao?".
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| Owner Christine Choco |
In my next visit, I learned more about Shang Kee Chinese Buns and their products, and met the owner, Christine Choco. It was her husband, Charlie Choco, a chef, who thought of putting a twist to the classic cua pao, that is famous in Hong Kong and Taiwan, by infusing flavors from other countries such as Japan and America. "Shang" comes from Charlie's middle name, while "Kee" means trademark or brand in Chinese -- and that's where they got the name.
Based on what I observed, although siopao and cua pao are both made of steamed buns, cua pao's bun is almost halved, opened and sandwiched in between are the meat, sauce, and veggies, versus in siopao where the meat filling is enclosed in a bun. Something to note as well is that Shang Kee Buns' cua paos are way bigger than the usual size that it can even be shared by two not-so-hungry people.
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| jumbo cua paos |
I got to taste three out of the six variants and here's what I think.
Classic Pork Belly (150Php)
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| Classic Pork Belly |
Let's start with the Classic Pork Belly. I'd say it is called "classic" as [1] traditional cua pao makes use of pork belly as filling, and [2] its taste makes it an all-time favorite that no matter what age group you belong, you'd love this variant. The pork belly is so tender, and I don't know what sweet sauce or marinade was placed on it but it was really good! No wonder it is their best seller. I'd definitely recommend this as well.
Crispy Chicken (150Php)
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| Crispy Chicken |
Crispy Chicken reminds me of chicken sandwich in fast food restaurants or burger joints. But I would still say that this has some edge due to its soft, fluffy, and tasty buns perfectly complementing the crispy chicken. The sauce also goes really well with the chicken and the fresh veggies giving a really delightful experience.
All-American (150Php)
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| All-American |
Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and more! Almost like your typical burger but in a cua pao form -- that's the All-American. It is so loaded and I guess the bacon is enough to make you drool. But if you still long for more fillings, you can have add-on ham, bacon, egg, or cheese for around Php 20-25.
If during my first visit I didn't consider Shang Kee Buns PH, this second visit changed my perspective big time! Now I look forward to trying the other three variants: Pulled Pork, Chicken Teriyaki, and Peppery Beef. It's a perfect handy, all day meal!
Shang Kee Chinese Buns Delicacies
Buendia Food By The Court
Gil Puyat Avenue Corner Bautista Street, San Isidro, Makati City
Disclaimer: I was invited as a blogger to feature this stall at Buendia Food By The Court. I did not pay anything. Pictures with my watermark are mine.
