Update (Mar 13, 2015) — Da.u.de Tea Lounge is closed, but it has a spin-off called Sweet Tea by Da.u.de (5/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong. +63932 8517683)
COCONUTS CRITIC’S TABLE — The da.u.de Tea Lounge, located on the ground floor of Net Lima Building in Bonifacio Global City, may be known for its hot and cold tea beverages (which use dried and brewed tea leaves), but my friends and I made a great discovery: the food there is even more spectacular.
We started with a hot bowl of Roast Pork Pho (PHP180 for one, PHP240 to share) made special because its broth is infused with tea. (Yes, tea; tea usually find its way to the bowls and plates, not just the mugs and glasses.) After this hot and hearty dish, we went for a series of sinful orders.
The Crisp Pork Banh Mi (PHP340) may be stuffed with vegetables but there is no denying how sinfully good the sisig tastes when used as palaman. As if that’s not heavy enough, this sandwich (which comes with hoisin and sriracha sauces) also has thick potato wedges on the side.
We also enjoyed da.u.de’s Tinapa Mac and Cheese (PHP390). This comfort food was made even better with the unexpected addition of tinapa, its smokiness blending well with the creamy cheese of this pasta dish.
Undoubtedly my favorite was the Singaporean Soft Shell Chili Crab Po’ Boy (PHP390). Get ready to make a mess eating this sandwich; there’s no other way to enjoy it. The spicy and juicy chili crab is so flavorful and the soft bread does a good job taming the intense flavors of the crab. This was so good I didn’t even touch the fries on the side, and I am definitely going back to da.u.de for this. If there is one item you should try/go back for, it is — hands down — this.
The desserts are a must-try, too.
I enjoyed an assortment of macarons (the Earl Grey tea flavor is really interesting) plus the Coconut Tea Panna Cotta with Earl Grey, Watermelon and Santol Compote (PHP260). The panna cotta is creamy yet mild, which is a good thing because the santol compote is tart. The result? A perfect combination that would make you ask for a second serving. The addition of watermelon is unexpected but it strangely works well with the rest of the other flavors.
So the next time you’re craving for tea, head to da.u.de and make sure you have a lot of space for food. Because this tea lounge isn’t just about beverages; with all its good food offerings (care of chef Ramon Antonio), it really is about food, too.
Da.u.de Tea Lounge, G/F Net Lima Building, 4th Ave cor 26th St, Bgy Fort Bonifacio, BGC, Taguig.
Coconuts Critic’s Table reviews are written based on unannounced visits by our writers and paid for by Coconuts Manila. No freebies here.
