Tuan Tuan's Creamy and Dreamy Curry Dishes for P168

When we were looking for something "new" to try in Robinsons Manila, I initially suggested for something a little healthy. That was when I thought of Early Bird Breakfast Club, one of the new set of restaurants that opened up in the mall. Unfortunately, since I wasn't liquid enough (given that the restaurant was temporarily on cash basis), I backed out.

We strolled some more around the area until we saw this place called "Tuan Tuan". Then, I remembered I've been wanting to try it, so we all decided to settle there. Cutting the long blabber short -- Tuan Tuan just bumped itself up as my top restaurant here in Robinsons Manila.

Uh-oh cash basis only
As mentioned, I was running out of liquidity (given that I'm pro cashless payments). It pains to know that the restaurant only accepts cash. However, I'm already sold. I saw the menu (the curry in particular), and I already started imagining the curry sauce touching my lips. So, my mom ended up paying, and my debt raked another P1k.

Restaurant beneath and above a staircase
This Tuan Tuan  branch is situated right above and below a stair. This for me added some novelty to which I  admire. It's crazy how they were able to leverage on the layout and still keep the ambiance casually modern and possibly posh.\

But ey, don't let the poshness appeal scare you away. In fact, the prices here are very much reasonable and perhaps even affordable considering the brand.

Limited yet specialized menu
Now, given that they have limited kitchen space, the offerings may not be as expansive as a regular branch. Still, you'll find here curry, wings, laksa, desserts and drinks.

For this night, we tried two curry dishes, the wings, the turnip cake and nai cha.


The Nai Cha (P98) was a slight downer for me and my younger brother. It had a very light taste that was close to being bland. Now, while I usually would have enjoyed the subtle sweetness, it also had subtle tea taste which made the entire thing taste like water and milk. Still, I'm hopeful. Maybe it was just my timing that was off.

We may not have a "perfect" start with the nai cha, but everything that followed was. This Turnip Cake with XO Sauce (P98) was an ultimate star! The visuals made it look like it's worth P200 and up, and the taste further pushed this up to maybe P300. Yeah, that's the value of this dish for me!

The turnip cakes were crispy on the outside and creamy mushy in the inside. The cakes were also rightly seasoned, but became even magical with the XO (scallop-based) sauce. To seal the deal, it also had a playful kick. Wonderful! 

The House Ginger Wings (P148) may not have the same visual wow-factor as the earlier appetizer, but my mom really loved this one! The ginger was spot on -- not too intense, just enough to tickle the buds with its minty taste.

My oh-my! This Beef Yakiniku Curry (P188) was a killer. One bite and my heart stopped. The beef was tender and the sauce cradled its way to my palate, tickling it with a creamy and well-defined curry taste. Also, the curry spice was just right, and it won't make you cringe as you take a spoonful. Everything was balanced, and I simply fell in love. 

Rejoice pork and fry-food lovers! This Porkchop Curry Rice (P168) shall also sweep you off your feet with the same curry goodness as the beef yakiniku. The pork may not be as heavenly tender, but it was soft enough to create that dreaminess. Also for the price, this one definitely stands out! Slow clap.

Oh by the way, you can request to have the sauce on the side, just in case you want more control over your dish.

There you go! We definitely had a good time here in Tuan Tuan, and I can't wait to taste the curry once again. Please leave your thoughts by commenting below. Also, please like my Facebook page and/or Instagram account. Cheers!

Tuan Tuan- Overall Ratings and Summary

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Note: Unshaded stars are equivalents of half-stars. The ratings reflect my personal experiences on the times I dine here.
Place ★★★★
Taste  ★★★★★
Service  ★★★★☆
Value for Money ★★★★★
Budget: at least P168 each for a personal bowl of a curry dish
No. of visits for this particular restaurant/branch - 1 || Date of last visit - July 1, 2018

Tuan Tuan definitely caught us by storm. It's one of those restaurants I wished I knew (or existed) even years ago. It instantly became a favorite, and it is now my new go-to place for a comfort food. Prices here are beyond reasonable, and the quality is definitely above what you'll be paying for. Try any of the curry dishes! So good.

Next time, I'll try the laksa. It seemed tasty when it was served in another table. Two-thumbs up!

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Tuan Tuan Brasserie 

Location: G/F Robinsons Manila - Midtown Wing, Pedro Gil, Manila

Service Charge: NONE

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