How Can The Wong Place Be So Right?

In a city filled with various dining options, Wong Place emerges as a refreshing destination for Chinese comfort food, inspired cocktails, and uniquely quirky vibe.

Grant Teng, a professional body builder, foodie, and self-taught mixologist, came from a family of restaurateurs. His parents, Eric and Emelda Teng, brought international restaurants such as Mango Tree, Genki Sushi, Tung Lok, and Sen-Ryo to the Philippines (managed by his sister, Mia). And while the family helped out with Wong Place, Grant agreed this restaurant is his baby.

Grant recalls, “We started thinking about this I think early last year. We took some time to think about what kind of restaurant we wanted. And I think that's when we decided the most common thing among us: Chinese food. And what we wanted was leaning towards comfort food.”

He adds, “We went more towards like the Hong Kong style because I remember the times we traveled to Hong Kong. And we know there are already a lot of Chinese restaurants in Manila, so what we wanted to do this time was to make it a bit more different. And how I thought I could add my own juice to it by adding a bar.”

The 95-seater restaurant boasts of a fully stocked bar and over 30 classic and innovative drinks. Come at the right time and you may just find Grant behind the bar. Grab a seat and pick your poison from a carefully curated selection of Asian-inspired cocktails and drinks designed to complement your meal with names like Salt & Smoke, Sick Leave, and Kiamoy Margarita that pique both curiosity and appetite.

“It's comfort food, drinks, you know, cocktails, nice vibes. It's much more towards the classics. We didn't try to do too much fusion or play around too much. But the fact is it’s just in a different way in a different environment,” Grant explains. 

What sets Wong Place apart is its unique concept, driven by a passion for great food and the creation of cozy communal spaces. The restaurant's interior is a delightful blend of stylish aesthetics, quirky elements (like random plastic fruit hung as solitary decor on a wall), and playful pop culture references. The vibe inside will make you think of “In The Mood For Love” by famous Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, perhaps of the colors of the interiors. And keep an eye out for hidden lucky cat figurines that add an extra layer of charm and fun to the dining experience.

“I don't think I'm like funny and quirky, but I think it does define me more as a person: So many hobbies, like cooking or making drinks. I used to be an architecture student and now I’m into fitness. So there’s a lot of things going on in my head. Just me doing a lot of random things,” Grant shared, adding that he also designed their gorgeous menu.

As for the food, it’s definitely the reason why you should visit Wong Place. It took Grant’s team roughly six weeks to finalize the menu, making sure there’s a balance of his personal favorite flavors as well as classic Chinese dishes with an HK flair, and even offers with their own twist.

Start off your meal with their Salted Egg Taro Chips, an addictive snack that goes well with cocktails, which is why it was such a hit for everyone at the table. The rich umami from the salted egg glaze is only made better by the thin and crispy taro chips without being too greasy. 

The Pork Chop Fried Rice, one of Grant’s personal favorites, may look unassuming but the proof is in the bite. The tender, bright pork chop is seasoned well with a hint of sweetness and not too salty, while the fried rice — without all the bells and whistles we usually see from most Chinese-inspired versions — is a tasty accompaniment that enhances the flavors of the pork chop. 

If you’re looking for tender pieces of beef that’s bursting with juicy umami flavors, get the Black Pepper Wagyu Cubes.

The Calamansi Chicken is a nice local twist to a Chinese restaurant favorite. The chicken pieces are crunchy outside, juicy within, and that calamansi-forward glaze was tangy and sweet — perfect snack with drinks or as a meal with some fried rice!

The steamed Beef Balls are hefty and flavorful, make sure to order some Wong Chow Fried Rice to go with it because it screeeams for some rice. 

Their Beef Wonton Noodle Soup is “very much very close to Hong Kong standard”, giving off a warmth you’ll find in most hole-in-the-wall shops in HK. 

Don’t worry about the spice level of the Sambal Shrimp Fried Noodles. It’s spiced just right to keep you coming back for more. Just make sure to eat it right away to keep the noodles from drying out. 

The tofu in the Mapo Tofu was so silky and the ground pork lent its robust flavor to the thick, spicy sauce. A great addition to the table for sharing to add some kick to your meal.

For desserts, they have dainty little cups of homemade ice cream! The Salted Egg Caramel and the Thai Tea flavors are must-tries. 

Whether you're seeking comfort in traditional Chinese dishes or looking to embark on a culinary adventure with innovative creations, Wong Place has something for everyone.

Wong Place | G/L Verve Residences Tower 2, Bonifacio South Street, 7th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City | open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily | Contact  0917 512 3304 or (02) 8254 8074 | FB: @wongplacePH | IG: @wong.place) | To see the menu, click here