Panciteria Lido Cocina Tsina: Home of Pugon-Roasted Asado (1936)

*(From L-R: Chami; Steamed Fish Fillet; Asado; Fried Shrimp Balls; Drunken Lechon Macau; Poached Tofu; Fried Rice; Hot Belgian Chocolate)

What comes to mind when we hear Panciteria? Pancit or Pansit (Chinese pian i sit; "something conveniently cooked fast"; noodles) is a Filipino staple next to rice. Almost every nook and cranny in the Metro has a Panciteria with their own version of this Chinese food tradition. Be it guisado, asado, wanton, etc., served "for long life" at birthdays and almost every occasion. But at Panciteria Lido they offer so much more.

I live in Quezon City and frequently passing E. Rodriguez, I came to notice Panciteria Lido. Anticipated its opening but put off foodie visit until last week and the trip was truly worth it!

Conceived in 1936 by Chinese Chef Lido in Binondo, it started as an eatery serving different noodle dishes Filipinos have grown to love like wanton, guisado, asado all seasoned to fit the Filipino palate.

Chami-special (petit P112.00; mucho P185.oo0)

Noodles made of flour, water and eggs kneaded into long strips sprung in Northern China around AD 100. At Panciteria Lido, their Chami or Chami-special is still the reigning Pancit version specially seasoned to fit the Filipino palate.

Steamed Fish Fillet Soy sauce (P255)

Dory fillet steamed drenched with special soy sauce is delightfully light and melt in your mouth. Non-fish lovers may be converted!

Pugon-Roasted Asado (P267.00 per 1/4 Kilo)

Chef Lido went through lengths of experimentation to perfect this dish 70 years ago! Made of marinated overnight pork loin meticulously roasted in a "Pugon" (brick oven) making it tender but juicy and thereby bringing out a melody of flavors and its signature sweet sauce. A definite must try!

Fried Shrimp Balls (P275.00)

I'm a big fan of shrimp and have tried almost every fried shrimp ball there is in Manila from restaurants to food stalls. Chef Lido's Fried Shrimp Balls are not only bigger in size but every bite is indeed a shrimp-full delight.

Drunken Lechon Macau (P257.00 per 1/4 Kilo)

Another must-try and best seller is their Drunken Lechon Macau. It may look like the Filipino Lechon Kawali but the difference is in the taste. Panciteria Lido has mastered the balance between crunchy and meaty plus its not oily.

Poached Tofu (P105.00)

For vegetarians or a light side dish to accompany any of Panciteria Lido's dishes you might want to try their Poached Tofu. They also have Braised Tofu in Hotpot (P180.00)

Fried Rice (Yangchow P65.00 per cup/ Mucho P185.00; Lido Fried Rice P65.00 per cup/ Mucho P180.00)

Rice is a Filipino staple and at Pancit Lido's you may choose from Yangchow Fried Rice or Lido's Fried Rice be it solo for a cup or mucho good for (2-3 persons)

Hot Belgian Chocolate

To cap your fully satisfying meal the unconventional dessert way, try their Belgian Hot Chocolate. Which is for me the best Hot Chocolate I've tasted in the Metro! Belgian chocolate in its finest form and every sip engulfs you with an overwhelming rich taste. Best savored slowly as an alternative to their signature beverages Iced coffee and their must-try Syphon-filtered Coffee.

Syphon-filtered Coffee

Introduced and has been a favorite since 1994, this delectable coffee is made with Panciteria Lido's special bean blend brewed using a 100-year old method, "syphon" or "siphon" wherein a tube running from the liquid in a vessel to a lower level outside the vessel causes an atmospheric pressure which forces the liquid through the tube.

Three Cups Chicken

Developed over a decade ago, Three Cups Chicken or "San-bei-ji" is also a top dish originating from China's Song Dynasty in Jiangxi. Also a specialty of Ningdu, it is served in the traditional earthernware sizzling hot.

Panciteria Lido prides itself not only with original "Wok"- style cooking, no added MSG and authentic Chinese dishes but also of their well-researched and developed ground breaking dishes combining only the freshest ingredients, methods and a balanced Chinese-Filipino distinct taste.

At present they have branches in:

West Avenue Westlife Building, West Avenue corner Bulacan Street, Quezon City
Telephone: 02.374.7494 / 02.448.5165

SM Fairview Upper Ground Floor, Annex 1, SM Fairview, Quezon City

Telephone: 02.355.5436

New Manila Ground Floor, The Capitol towers, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., New Manila, Quezon City (Across Trinity College)

Telephone: 02.414.5436

I must say with what I have experienced, Panciteria Lido is definitely a sound investment and the ROI (Return of Investment) rate as of present competes with most food establishments in Metro Manila. And as observed, majority of their daily sales come from bulk orders and delivery orders (414-5436). So for franchise inquiries please do click here Panciteria Lido Franchise

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