DaTang Jardin is the latest addition to Burgos Circle‘s row of restaurants. Formed by the Taiwan International Restaurant Chain Group, Alley’s Cat and DaTang Express, the recently opened establishment in BGC offers dishes inspired by China‘s eight traditional cuisines in a garden-inspired setting.
The two-story restaurant can accommodate up to 40 people and is ideal for power lunches or intimate weeknight dinners. The dishes generally have a sweet finish, which one might think is to cater to Filipinos’ penchant for sweet things; but that’s mostly because the cuisine in Taiwan generally bears this sweet flavor profile.
A good way to start a meal here might be to try some of their appetizers, which is a selection of chicken, beef or vegetable dishes served cold.
Tomato in Plum and Red Wine Sauce (P130), Tofu Salad (P130) and Kimchi (P130)
Their version of Homemade Kimchi, which is not as spicy as the Korean version, deserves an order or two; as well as the Tomato in Plum and Red Wine Sauce, which is more like dessert because of the sweet sauce.
Simmered Beef Shank in Homemade Sauce (P350)
Other appetizers such as Simmered Beef Shank in Homemade Sauce and Tofu Salad would likely require a couple of tries before being liked. Cold beef is rare in Filipino cuisine, and this could be odd to some diners. They could definitely be more tender, too. The Tofu Salad, meanwhile, has a light pungent sauce that might make one wrinkle their nose at first try. Then again, some tastes might just be acquired.
Stewed Patola and Clam (P280)
If you’re up for something a little more suitable for the rainy weather, the Stewed Patola and Clam is a good way to go. The broth makes all the difference – light, deep and comforting, a perfect setup before you get to the heavier dishes.
For the main course, DaTang Jardin has a wide selection of vegetable, chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes that are already familiar to the Filipino palate.
Dry-Fried String Beans with Minced Pork (P250)
The Dry-Fried String Beans with Minced Pork involves string beans, minced pork and garlic bits tossed together. The combo, while not exactly unheard of, makes for a worthy vegetable dish for the table.
Squid in Honey Sauce (P280)
The Squid in Honey Sauce has quickly-fried pieces of squid in honey sauce that would make any seafood fan happy. While the squid could be served hotter, crisper and finished with a sprinkle of salt for contrast in flavor (not to mention, the sliced tomatoes don’t add anything to the dish); it’s a dish that will likely please any discerning group.
Sweet and Sour Pork (P150)
Sweet and Sour Pork is a mainstay in most Chinese restaurant menus, but DaTang’s is a revised version, featuring chunks of pork and bellpepper slices in crispy wanton cups. The sauce, which is tasty, but for the sake of giving justice to the name, could use a little more salt and tang to balance the sweet finish.
Right now, DaTang Jardin seems like a promising spot for future dinners with colleagues or friends, but it might be better to wait it out for a little while and give the place a chance to beef up its restaurant operations.
DaTang Jardin
11 am to 11 pm
Unit B, Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 888-6868
