Ongpin Mañosa Restaurant Co. — Restaurant in Manila

Appalling.

It is with a heavy heart that I write this, after all it is one of the oldest restaurant in Ongpin (if this and Chuan Kee are both established 1940). But in the spirit of honesty and fairness to other restos I reviewed, I have to recount my truthful experience.

I had always wanted to eat here but the last time I tried to, they were not open to dine in, take out only, as the pandemic had just ended.

The price is similar to other Chinese restaurants like Ilang Ilang, Sincerity, Uno Seafood, etc., but I say it is not justified here.

Overpriced as we paid more than php 750 for 3 items. Even a small mineral water costs php 50.

For one, the portion is little. They are served in a small size bowl that you have to be careful for the overflowing food not to drop. Second, the non ambiance. It is not airconditioned and looks like an old house. And not in a charming antiquated way. There were small roaches on the floor, wall, and I even saw what looks like one inside the pancit. It made me lose my appetite quickly. Third, we were not served free hot tea unlike in other restos like David's or Hap Chan.

Some of their staff are boisterously chatting giving an uncomfortable feel. There was no other customer dining in. A couple came for take out.

The waitress who gave the menu was impatiently waiting for our order instead of giving us time and kept suggesting their bestseller, maki.

There is a corkage fee of php 300 (they said it used to be php 500) for outside food and drinks.

A lot of the items we wanted (like taro, seafood or chop suey) were not available.

Fried rice with sausage bits is just ok. Oyster cake too oily but delicious. The onions mix well with the oyster pieces. Pancit canton's sauce looks too dark and unappetizing. Tastes very salty for me. It is also the special (not the regular variant) yet not really loaded on toppings/ingredients.

Serving time is fast. There is toilet and hand wash area (with dirty dishes).

Indeed it was so as the other paying customers who negatively reviewed it. I have read their warning but I want to see it for myself.

No improvement in service still, as if one is not encouraged to come back.

I do hope they take criticisms constructively so their business will still thrive. I really do, as this is a legendary...

Old school authentic chinese cuisine. If you want to experience unfiltered, non glamorized Chinatown food, this is a recommended place. True hearty food without the glittering deception of most modern stores. We ordered sweet and sour pork, siomai and fried rice plus 2 softdrinks. Cost us around 900 php. First of all, wait time is ok, you know it is just being cooked after you order. The pork was soft and crispy (perfect!) and the sauce is how it should be done, thick , sweet and not overwhelmingly sour. The fried rice was also good. Serves 1-2 people for the small bowl. The siomai is my favourite. Its a huge chunk of Chinese flavored meat. yeah! The overall taste is awesome and good for the price. The place, as old school as you get, just be careful with floor as it sometimes can get a bit slippery and the chairs, you might need to double it up if youre a big person like me (pvc chairs). Not airconditioned but it keeps the food integrity (warm). Overall, i recommend visiting it for those truw food enthusiasts. Not as picturesque as other modern restaurants, but it has its own calming chinatown vibe plus you can feel its history (the people working, the architecture, the cramped coze space, the heat coming from the kitchen). Will definitely go back...

My family and I have been going to Mañosa since forever. It still has the BEST-tasting maki (we prefer it WITHOUT the "mi" /noodles), chami/ stir fried thick noodles with assorted toppings and cha-o-yee /fried gabi cake! This is a big deal because many of my family members and extended family are good cooks as well.

Problems with the place: Not hygienic. Not well-maintained, even before the fire that occured years ago. Undermanned so they would close the airconditioned area on the 2nd floor and service takes too long even for something that is already there right in front of you which they only need to scoop into a bowl. BIGGEST PROBLEM? Owners DON'T CARE. They have no energy; no concern for their customers; no concern for the resto itself.

I sure wish their attitude would change because they really are an institution and nostalgia takes me back there every so often. The food is really topnotch in flavor. Due to the apathetic owners however, I am afraid that this place would...