Chinese food is highly varied and regional, and more and more, our metro is offering the best and most authentic foods from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore — whether by way of Chinese immigrants or mega-chain restaurants like Crystal Jade or Din Tai Fung. Either way, we’ve rounded up the best Chinese restaurants in the city and we let you in on what to order, on whatever budget.
 

Dong Bei Dumpling

This hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop on Binondo has the formula right: a no-frills dining experience, affordable eats, and freshly made fare. Dumplings, available in a slew of varieties like pork, kuchay, and shrimp (PHP120 for 14 pieces), are made fresh on the spot at the front of the shop. But if you’re done with dumplings, they have a few good noodle- and soup-based dishes like beef noodles (PHP120) and side dishes like fried egg with tomato (PHP120) and fried beancurd (PHP220) to fill up on too. 624 Yuchengco (formerly Nueva) St, Binondo, Manila; +63 2 2418912,  Facebook. Mon-Sat 9am-7:30pm, Sun 9am-5pm.

Tim Ho Wan

This humble Mongkok dim sum restaurant catapulted into global fame after its original Hong Kong outlet received a Michelin star in 2010, making it “the cheapest Michelin-star restaurant”. The fare here is simple, but executed with precision and consistency, with the “Big Four Heavenly Kings” (its four top sellers) leading the way. The Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (PHP145) are seriously worth the hype – crusty, slightly sweet, meaty, and decadent. But the Steamed Egg Cake (PHP85) is also amazing, thanks to its light, fluffy texture and delicate flavors which simply melt in your mouth.  G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 4708836. Daily 12nn-9pm. 
 

Lan Zhou La Mien 

This Binondo eatery on Benavidez Street specializes in handmade Cantonese-style noodles, which are made fresh in house. The noodles are springy and with a welcomed slightly doughy taste reserved only for authentic la mien. There are roughly 20 soup dishes to be had here, some graced with the presence of dumplings, as well as dry dishes like kan pan lamien (PHP150) and cha ho fan (PHP180). But real la mien lovers should try the beef la mien (PHP140) which is served with tasty morsels of tender meat and a flavorsome broth. 1354 Benavidez cor Masangkay St, Sta Cruz, Manila; +63 2 5599466. Daily 8am-9pm.
 

Crystal Jade Dining In

Singaporean chain Crystal Jade has a series of Chinese restaurants under its belt, but their Dining In restaurants are slightly more formal and plate up family-style traditional dishes with a contemporary touch. You can’t go wrong with a sampling of their roasted dishes via the BBQ Combination (PHP800 for small; PHP1,200 for medium; PHP1,600 for large) which includes three types of meats such as roasted Peking duck and steamed chicken with conpoy. There’s also the excellent live seafood menu which highlights crabs, prawns, lobsters, and a variety of seasonal fish. If you’re up for a splurge, don’t miss the Baked Lobster with Superior Broth (market price). 7th Ave Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig; +63 2 8085233, Facebook. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sat & Sun 11am-11pm. 
 

Shang Palace

Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, offers Chinese favourites such as their famous Shang Palace Peking Duck (PHP2,488 for half a duck; PHP4868 for a whole duck) alongside items such as double-boiled soups and premium live seafood. As tempting as their a la carte menu is, their lunch buffet, Dim Sum Plus (PHP888), which available everyday except Sundays, takes the cake. This deal includes unlimited dim sim, appetisers, soup, noodles, rice, and one main dish. 2/F Makati Shangri-La, Ayala cor Makati Avenues, Makati; +63 2 8138888, www.shangri-la.com. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm, Sunday 10:30am-2:30pm. 
 

Din Tai Fung 

Taiwan-original xiao long bao specialists Din Tai Fung has recently set up shop in the country and we couldn’t be happier. The obvious order is the xiao long bao (PHP150 for 5 pieces; PHP315 for 10 pieces), and no table is complete without it. These steamed mounds are filled with succulent pork and soup and are best enjoyed with fresh ginger and vinegar. But almost everything on the menu is worth a try here, especially the shrimp fried rice (PHP210) and the braised beef noodle soup (PHP295). G/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong; +63 2 9971935 or +63 2 9971936. Daily 11am-9pm.
 

Peking Garden

For fine northern Chinese food, there’s Peking Garden to settle your cravings and their team of chefs from Hong Kong ensure that the preparation is authentic. Skip the shark’s fin (for obvious reasons) and opt for other delicacies like barbecued Peking Duck (PHP2,600), beggar’s chicken (PHP1,200), and fried hand-made noodles with shredded beef and green pepper (PHP380 for small; PHP570 for medium; PHP760 for large). Their dim sum are also on-point with a selection that includes minced shrimp and chives dumplings (PHP180) and steamed supreme soup and pork dumplings (PHP200). 4/L Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati; +63 2 7290719, www.pekinggarden.com.ph. Call for operating hours.