The Art of Dining at Qui Pan Asian Brasserie

Nestled on a quiet street in New Manila, we discovered Qui Pan Asian Brasserie—a charming restaurant housed in a two-story ancestral home built in the 1950s. The place gives a warm and inviting ambiance, reminiscent of dining at your grandmother’s house. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff who guided us to our table.

This is what would greet you as you enter the restaurant. I opted not to take photos of the entire first floor out of respect for the other guests.

The restaurant features a charming al fresco area at the back, making it an ideal spot for late-night coffee, a bottle of wine with friends, or even dining with your beloved fur babies. The soft glow of string lights in the garden creates an intimate and almost magical ambiance.

If you're seeking a more intimate dining experience, the restaurant offers a private room on the second floor available for rent. This cozy space accommodates up to 10 guests and is perfect for any special occasion. For a consumable rate of Php15,000, you can enjoy the room for 3 hours, complete with its own private bathroom for added convenience and comfort.

Their menu presents a delightful fusion of Filipino favorites, expertly infused with flavors from across Asia, resulting in bold and exciting taste profiles. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to take diners on a culinary journey where vibrant Pan-Asian influences beautifully meet the rich traditions of Filipino cuisine. I was pleasantly surprised by the dishes served to us and I genuinely enjoyed every bite!

Started our meal with this Steak and Watermelon Salad (Php405), featuring perfectly grilled USDA beef tenderloin atop a refreshing bed of juicy watermelon cubes, cherry tomatoes, and crisp baby arugula. The dish is elevated with a blend of Ilocano vinegar reduction and a tangy Asian vinaigrette for a harmonious burst of flavors.

The Saigon Rolls (Php360); were an excellent appetizer choice! Filled with a flavorful mix of vegetables, vermicelli, tofu, and cashews, all wrapped in delicate Vietnamese rice paper, and topped with shrimp, they were absolutely delicious. The texture was perfect, soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the cashews and paired wonderfully with the sweet tamarind peanut dip.

Asian BBQ Platter (Php730 petite); Served with five delicious sticks, this dish features grilled sweet and smoky pork belly, tender beef tenderloin satay, flavorful octopus satay, Thai-style grilled chicken fillet, and grilled scallion prawns, all accompanied by a zesty Asian salsa. It also comes with a side salad, salted egg, eggplant ensalada, satay sauce, chili garlic oil, and nam jin jaew. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the variety of dipping sauces and sides, but I ended up trying them all and couldn't decide which one I liked best. Each sauce and side added a unique flavor, enhancing the skewers and making each bite even more enjoyable!

Who would have thought a Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich (Php480) could taste this amazing? This delightful creation features a juicy Thai-inspired fried chicken thigh fillet, roasted marinated eggplant with arugula, melted mozzarella, sarciado sauce, and pickled vegetables, all perfectly nestled in a soft ciabatta. It's definitely another must-try!

The Oxtail Kare Kare Stone Pot (Php760) is by far the best I’ve had! They’ve taken our beloved Filipino beef and peanut stew classic to a whole new level. Tender chunks of beef and boneless beef shank are served over premium Japanese rice, all beautifully coated in their signature Kare Kare sauce. While I’ve always loved my grandmother’s Kare Kare, this one has definitely earned its place as my second favorite!

Ending a great meal with some sweet indulgence! I tried two of Qui's favorite desserts, starting with the Fluffy Suklati Mousse (Php380 petite/Php490 grand). It was such a delight to watch it being prepared right at the table. The mousse, made with creamy, chocolatey Suklati batirol, was light and airy, topped with fresh whipped cream. I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious it was!

Imagine this – Puto Bumbong is already a delicious treat, but when you turn it into Puto Bumbong Basque Cheesecake (Php 430)? Now that’s something extraordinary. Picture the rich, luxurious mantequilla combined with the crispy toasted glutinous rice, all wrapped in a decadent Basque cheesecake. What kind of sorcery is this?

Qui offers an impressive selection of drinks, ranging from cocktails and mocktails to refreshing fruit shakes, coffee, and even beers – they truly have something for everyone! I was pleasantly surprised to discover they serve Vietnamese Egg Coffee, and I’ll definitely be returning for that unique treat. I also had the chance to try two of their recommended mocktails, and they did not disappoint!

Lola Amore (Php120); Qui's House Blend Tea, featuring a delightful mix of pandan, lemongrass, calamansi, and lemon, topped with a beautiful blue lavender foam. This refreshing drink is inspired by the cozy vibes of Manila's rainy season, Lola Amore. How adorable is that? I enjoyed it as it offers a unique twist on the usual tea blends and is truly refreshing!

Saigon Sour (Php120); This refreshing drink combines the zesty flavors of three citrus fruits, fragrant basil mint water, and a touch of creamy condensed milk. Every sip delivers a delightful burst of lip-smacking goodness!

I didn’t try their cocktails since I had to drive home, but I’m definitely looking forward to returning for them! Overall, I absolutely loved everything that was served, from the food to the drinks — everything was fantastic. The staff were incredibly friendly, taking the time to explain each dish and being so attentive to our needs. I would absolutely bring my family and friends here so they can experience how delicious every dish is!

Qui Pan Asian Brasserie, located at 14 Castillas St., Valencia, QC, they'll welcome you daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Enjoy live acoustic performances every Friday and Saturday evening. For the latest updates on exciting promotions and offerings, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. For reservations, you may contact them at 0917 867 8811.