China Blue By Jereme Leung — Restaurant in Pasay

TL;DR: There are many impressive Chinese fine dining restaurants in the country. China Blue is not one of them. What would seem as a very obvious strict dress code was clearly disrespected and the management went the extra mile to spoil our evening.

China Blue’s biggest problem is unfortunately something that can’t be solved no matter how hard they try to work on their dishes. Their food is mostly fine, but compared to other well-known fine dining Chinese restaurants, one thing that supposedly draws people here is the ambience and atmosphere.

Right in the middle of the restaurant, they seated a 6-person group, majority of which were only wearing t-shirts and shorts. One of them was even wearing slippers. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, except there was a VERY APPARENT sign at the entrance stating the specific dress code. Smart casual. Surprisingly, no one did anything about it except attempt to tell the person who was wearing slippers. After he ignored this, nothing happened.

We tried to explain to the manager, Jane, that everyone who came all the way here made a clear effort to respect the dress code, or simply just respect the reputation of a fine dining establishment. At first I asked if they were giving some sort of special treatment just because this was a group of Chinese men. Her very confusing response was “sir actually they are Korean”. I speak Chinese, I obviously know the difference.

The management even took it another level by telling us that “we couldn’t kick them out because they’re already seated”. Imagine trying to enjoy a dinner and having the management of the place make you look like you’re the one who wants to kick people out? Their last attempt at a solution was to offer us free dessert. Insulting. We very calmly just said, if you have a rule that you post at the entrance and let people in regardless, can’t you take down the sign instead? Their response was, “sir, sorry, we have a reputation to protect here.” The response speaks volumes about who they want to protect, and it’s definitely not the restaurant.

It’s extremely disappointing to know that based on other Google reviews, this has happened many times already. It’s even more disappointing to know that probably, had these people been fellow Filipinos, the treatment would not have been the same. The front desk had all the time in the world to stop me at the entrance to check my vaccine records, but come in shorts, slippers, and the appearance hinting you come from a certain preferred country? Expect...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at China Blue, a Chinese restaurant that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that set the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

First and foremost, the menu at China Blue offers a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, showcasing the depth and richness of Chinese cuisine. Whether you're a fan of dim sum, stir-fried delicacies, or aromatic soups, you'll find an array of options to satisfy your palate. The menu features a balance of familiar classics and unique creations, offering something for everyone.

One of the highlights of my dining experience at China Blue was the impeccable quality of the ingredients. Each dish was prepared with care and showcased the restaurant's commitment to using fresh and authentic ingredients. The flavors were vibrant, and the presentation of each dish was artful, elevating the overall dining experience.

The service at China Blue was top-notch. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine they were serving. They were more than willing to provide recommendations, explain the ingredients, and even accommodate dietary restrictions. Their professionalism and warm hospitality added to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.

The ambiance of China Blue was tastefully designed, blending modern elements with traditional Chinese aesthetics. The restaurant's décor exuded elegance, with attention to detail evident in every corner. The comfortable seating arrangements and soft lighting created a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

In terms of value for money, China Blue provides an excellent dining experience. While it may be slightly pricier than some other Chinese restaurants, the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience make it well worth the investment. The portion sizes were generous, and the attention to detail in each dish made it a memorable culinary adventure.

Overall, China Blue is a gem among Chinese restaurants. It offers a delightful combination of authentic flavors, exquisite presentation, and exceptional service. Whether you're a connoisseur of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, I highly recommend visiting China Blue. It is a place where traditional Chinese flavors come alive, leaving you with a sense of culinary satisfaction and a desire to...

I ended up eating at China Blue several times during my stay at the Conrad Manila, and honestly, it became a bit of a comfort spot for me. From the very first visit, the staff made me feel at home. They greeted me by name each time, which I really appreciated, and were always warm, respectful, and upbeat.

The menu is massive, which can be a little overwhelming at first. But once you start exploring, it’s easy to find favorites. For me, the standouts were the seafood soup, the roasted duck, and the seafood fried rice. There was another type of fried rice I had that I really liked too, but I forgot the exact name. Either way, the portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and well-crafted.

What really surprised me was the pricing. Given the elegant setting and high quality of the food, I expected it to be pricey. Instead, it turned out to be very affordable, especially for a hotel restaurant. It felt like you were getting fine-dining quality without the fine-dining bill, which made the whole experience even better.

The vibe of the place was also memorable. One night, I counted at least four birthday celebrations within an hour. The staff had fun with it, bringing out cakes and singing, and it made the atmosphere feel lively and full of life. It’s clearly a favorite among locals too—not just hotel guests—which says a lot.

If I stay at Conrad again, there’s no question I’ll be coming back to China Blue. The convenience is great, but what really wins me over is the combination of flavor, service, and a welcoming environment. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a place you actually look forward to...