Lau Chan Restaurant — Restaurant in Manila

The tl;dr is that food and service were decent, but our overall experience was bad. If you wanna know more about decent food and service, cockroaches, and the PWD ID issue, read on!

I'll start with the food. It was decent. We had hotpot and that part was mostly okay. Some of their balls were fresh. Unfortunately, there was a fishbone in one of the handmade fishballs. Some of their items were also out of stock, but it wasn't as detrimental as the fishbone that got my gums.

Next, the atmosphere. When we were deciding where to go for dinner, we were warned about cockroaches infesting the restaurant. Apparently, about 30 years ago, 2 cockroaches crawling from different directions is what made my family stop going here. In our most recent visit, we still saw a cockroach. To see is to believe after all! Anyway, the ambience was just not giving... Something about the lights and the walls were just uncomfortable. The other more concerning bit aside from the cockroaches is the feel of the chairs. It's hard to sit back and relax because the sandalan part of the chair is too straight, probably 90°. It's even more uncomfortable than the lights. Given everything I've described, it's hard to relax in that environment.

The service getting a 3 involves a very good thing and a very bad thing; i.e. averaging a 1 and a 5.

I'll start with the 1/5. We had PWD IDs, and we were refused the discount because our ID numbers were not in the system. Now this is not my first time hearing about the issue of the DOH system involving PWD IDs. All we needed to do was prove our legitimacy (we have proof prepared every time), and it'd be fine, right? Even then, one of the higher-ups (elderly woman) rejected our proof, saying that she doesn't think our PWD is fake, but that our numbers were not in the system, thus not honoring us the discount. Now I know there are multiple sources on the Internet saying this is illegal, and I was ready to contest the higher-up, but one of my companions decided we'll just be pacifists and pay in full. Admittedly, I'm not paying, so I didn't fight harder, but as a PWD, I feel injustice, even ableism. The systems in society are already stacked against us PWDs. Finding a good job and maintaining the job as a PWD is already hard enough, and then having to pay for therapy and medications on top of that!? That's kinda what the PWD discount is for, to make up for the struggles we face every day. To use the system (wherein the government is slow at implementing it) as the reason is a big slap in the face. We did what we needed to prove that our PWD IDs aren't fake, and yet because it's not in the system, they wouldn't accept our proof??? So yeah, to end our meal like that was absolutely abhorrent. It's gotta be one of the worst, if not the worst, endings I had after eating out.

The 5/5 for service has to do with our main server. She knew what she was doing when working on our hotpot. Normally we're used to cooking hotpot by ourselves, but having her and other assisting waitresses around made it so much easier to focus more on eating and less on the cooking. Service was pleasantly excellent on this aspect. This was a weekday night with a specific server, so our experience might not be the same as others'.

Overall, the food was decent but I won't be back. Sorry to compare but I can get the same food quality (or better) elsewhere without the injustice and ableism.

If you are a PWD and your ID is not in their system, I RECOMMEND YOU AVOID EATING HERE to save you the drama, because not even proof of your disability will make...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lau Chan Restaurant and indulging in their exquisite shabu shabu. As a passionate food enthusiast, I must say that this experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The star of the show, undoubtedly, was the shabu shabu. Lau Chan Restaurant takes great pride in their authentic and high-quality ingredients, and it truly showed in every bite. The selection of thinly sliced beef, tender and marbled to perfection, was a testament to their commitment to excellence. The moment the beef met the bubbling hot pot, it transformed into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

The broth, an essential component of any shabu shabu experience, was a work of art in itself. Lau Chan Restaurant offers a variety of flavorful broths, each prepared with utmost care and attention to detail. Whether it was the rich and savory miso broth or the delicate and aromatic vegetable broth, each sip was a burst of heavenly flavors that complemented the ingredients beautifully.

What truly elevated my shabu shabu experience at Lau Chan was the impeccable service provided by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. They guided me through the process with grace and patience, ensuring that every aspect of my meal was top-notch. From explaining the different cuts of meat to suggesting the perfect dipping sauces, their expertise added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

Furthermore, the attention to detail in the presentation of the shabu shabu was remarkable. The vibrant array of fresh vegetables, such as crisp lettuce, plump mushrooms, and crunchy bean sprouts, provided an enticing visual appeal. The colorful assortment of dipping sauces, ranging from tangy ponzu to fiery chili oil, allowed me to customize and enhance the flavors according to my preferences.

In addition to the exceptional shabu shabu, Lau Chan Restaurant also boasts a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The clean and elegant decor, coupled with soft lighting and comfortable seating, created a serene environment perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or family. The staff's genuine warmth and hospitality added a personal touch that made the overall experience even more memorable.

In conclusion, my visit to Lau Chan Restaurant and the delectable shabu shabu I savored there surpassed all my expectations. The high-quality ingredients, skillful preparation, and outstanding service truly made it a dining experience to remember. If you are a shabu shabu aficionado or simply looking to embark on a culinary adventure, I highly recommend paying a visit to Lau Chan Restaurant. Prepare to be enchanted by their exceptional offerings and leave with a satisfied palate and a heart full of...

This is my favorite shabu-shabu restaurant in the Philippines and believe me I have tried many. You will never find another one like this.

Crowded and noisy during peak hours but what do you expect? People are contented with the food and making happy conversation over their meals.

Friendly staff. I have been eating here since I think 1999? Eversince my days with Lepanto Ceramics.

I bring my family here, my clients here. Pre-pandemic, I visited this place 1-2 a month to eat here.

Great place, just can't say that enough.

If there was a bad side to this place....it would have to be limited parking space but hey the guard will help you sort that out. Just gotta be patient.

Cheers at daghan salamat sa mga staff sa Lau Chan.....

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