Ni Hao, Big Mao! In Cebu
China lends itself to Cebu in the form of awesome authentic cuisine found all over town. While I swear to the God Almighty that I will never tire of the traditional lauriat and dimsum favorites, I have to say I am a sucker for havin' me some BIG MAO!
Located on the second floor of the Terraces in Ayala Centre Cebu, BIG MAO boasts of bringing us "the new taste of China." Their modern approach to classic Chinese dishes is a total palate-pleaser. BIG MAO is on my top 3 best Chinese restaurants in the city. They serve your dishes quick and hot in about 8 minutes max. The waiting staff is lightning fast and very pleasant. The place is simple in its decor so as to put focus on the vibrant dishes. It is always cool and smells terrific as you pass by. Despite the arousing aroma, the food doesn't stick to your clothes when you leave. It has a pretty straightforward design. Minimalist brown with red accents and a little pop of color from the Warholish Mao Portraits mirror the contrast of old and new seen in their ecclectic menu.
Katy Recommends
Start with the jellyfish & century egg. It's a refreshing way to begin the meal. As in Chinese custom, we order family style. So for rice eaters, I recommend their specialty Yang Chow fried rice. Otherwise, the Crispy Noodles with Seafood is a great neutralizer. Good meat dishes include the succulent Salt & Pepper Spare Ribs, Beef with Broccoli,and of course, theMinced Pork. If that's too much red meat for you, go for the Chinese fried chicken or the Ostrich in Chinese Style Sauce. Seafood dishes like the Fish Fillet in Garlic Overload do not dissapoint, either. Also try the dimsum sampler if you are a group of four, up. You can't come to BIG MAO without ordering Min Min's Prawn Roulade. This signature dish is an innovation of prawn wrapped in nori, deep-fried and drizzled with rich sauce.
Of all the Chinese restaurants, I frequent BIG MAO because of the speedy service, quality dining experience, and overall ridiculously good food at extremely affordable prices! All dishes go for less than P200. Most of their competition is usually pricey and more of a place you go celebrate a big occasion (and have to spend a little more). But at BIG MAO, a good meal with great people at even greater prices is what appeals to the Cebuana in me.
