Like the tiny red flower that blooms in Malaysia, this restaurant’s name, Red Ginger, must have been inspired by that plant.
It is a bloom unique to Malaysia, giving a fragrant scent, and is used mostly to flavor soups.
The result is a multilayered collection of tangy and spicy dishes worthy of its tag: Southeast Asia Gourmet Destination.
Red Ginger
The Boulevard, upper ground floor, City of Dreams, Asean Boulevard, corner Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque; tel. 8008080
This is the place whose offerings span the borders of Southeast Asia— from Singapore to Thailand.
Food range includes not only the ever-popular Sate and Mee Noodles, but also unfamiliar dishes that are worth discovering.
Dining area—The décor is dominated by a big wall with green sunburst design. Glass tubes are used as dividers.
Service—Quick, indicative of an efficient kitchen.
Staff—Gracious and neat.
Suggested orders—Examine the menu carefully and find what excites you.
We chose what, to our mind, best represented the region.
There is a wide range of dishes using the galangal (ginger), giving the fare a unique Asian taste.
We started with Popiah, Crispy Fried Barbecue Duck with Iceberg Lettuce and Chili Garlic Sauce plus the Hot and Sour Soup of Seafood done with Thai basil. This is much like the familiar Tom Yang Soup.
Our main courses from the grill ranged from the traditional Siam Chicken Seasoned with Garlic and Lime to the Honey and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly, slightly similar to lechon kawali.
We also had the Squid and Pork Fillet with Hoisin Pepper Sauce and, the best among the lot, the Indonesian-style Angus Beef Cheek, with Baby Potatoes and Crispy Shalot.
The meat was a melt-in-the-mouth cut and the flavor was certainly a mix of the various Asian spices used.
We hail the chef, the multi-awarded Indonesian Audi Budiman, and his assistant David for a brilliant collection, a big come-on for those wanting gourmet Asian food.
The price tag will not hurt the pocket.
Service and government charges are included in the bill. Senior cards are honored.
Rating – 3 Spoons.
