Tucked along a quiet street in New Manila is a post-war house that’s found new life as a neighborhood restaurant, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie.
Photo: WhenInManila
From the outside, it still looks like your lola’s home: sturdy, familiar, and unassuming. Inside, the space feels relaxed, with soft lighting, old wood, and a few modern touches that add warmth without trying too hard.
It’s easy to settle in here. Nothing feels staged or fussy—just good food, easy service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to take your time.
Drinks that set the mood
Our meal began with drinks—a thoughtful lineup that sets the pace for what’s to come.
The China Doll was a light gin-based cocktail with a touch of fruit and spice, refreshing without being overly sweet.
For those who don’t want anything alcoholic, the Lola Amore is perfect. It’s a pandan-citrus mocktail that’s pleasant, fragrant, and crisp—the kind that pairs well with something savory.
Photo: WhenInManila
For coffee drinkers, the Sea Salt Latte offered a soft balance of bitter and sweet, topped with a creamy layer of foam.
But the Qui Taro was the one that stood out, a whiskey cocktail mixed with purple yam cream. Smooth, earthy, and unexpected, it felt like a quiet nod to local flavors—simple, balanced, and well-executed.
Photo: WhenInManila
Comfort food with a thoughtful twist
The first to arrive was the Krapow Sisig Nachos, a generous pile of chips topped with rich, savory pork sisig. It wasn’t the usual crispy kind, but the savory mix still hit the right notes: meaty, tangy, and satisfying. A drizzle of cheese tied everything together without making it heavy. It was a great starter to ease into the meal.
The Steak and Watermelon Salad followed—a light yet balanced dish, featuring slices of grilled beef laid over crisp greens and cubes of sweet watermelon. This mix of textures worked well: tender meat added depth, fresh fruit kept things bright, and the dressing tied it all together with a subtle tang.
Photo: WhenInManila
It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like an afterthought: refreshing enough to reset your palate, but with enough bite to remind you you’re here for a full meal.
Then came the Sinigang X, a hearty soup that feels like a mix of sinigang and tom yum. The broth was tangy and aromatic, with just enough spice to warm you up.
Photo: WhenInManila
Inside were shrimp, pork, chicken, and enoki mushrooms—a generous mix that made each spoonful different from the last. It’s the kind of soup you’d want on a rainy day, rich and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Up next was the Showstopper Lamb, which lived up to its name—tender, fall-off-the-bone meat served with four different sauces. The lamb had that slow-cooked richness you’d expect from a kaldereta-style dish, but the sauce wasn’t too heavy. It had a gentle kick that added warmth without overpowering the meat’s flavor.
Meanwhile, the Hainanese Tinola was an unexpected favorite. Served in a stone pot with Japanese rice, it reimagined the classic comfort dish as something deeper and heartier. The chicken, grilled in an almost inihaw style, carried a smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the creamy, risotto-like rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels both familiar and new—warm, flavorful, and perfect for rainy days.
Photo: WhenInManila
The Fluffy Suklati Mousse came last, prepared tableside in a simple but thoughtful gesture that made it feel more personal. Expect dark and deeply chocolatey mousse, rich without being too sweet. It came with whipped cream on the side, topped with a light dusting of grated dark chocolate, a small detail that tied everything together.
Photo: WhenInManila
Qui is the kind of place that doesn’t rush you out the door. You come for the food, but you stay a little longer. Maybe for another drink, maybe just to sit and talk.
There’s comfort in how unpretentious everything feels, from the menu to the space itself. It’s proof that a meal doesn’t have to be loud or complicated to be memorable: just honest, well-made, and shared in good company.
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