A whiff and a taste of Hong Kong at Hanobe Express

*This establishment is now CLOSED.*

If my hubby had his way, we'd be having Chinese food 24/7 all day every single day. Suffice to say, I've dined at a great number of Chinese restaurants both here and abroad.

Last Saturday, we stumbled upon two places called Hanobe. One was a bigger, more spacious Chinese restaurant which served only short orders. While we originally wanted to eat there, there was only two of us and their viands are good for 3-4 people. It was the ideal group meal place but it was much too serious for a rush lunch. We wanted something quick and less bountiful, so the waitress pointed us to Hanobe Express, which was located one unit to the right of Hanobe.

The exteriors practically screamed "Hong Kong" with the variety of cured meats which hung behind the glass window of Hanobe Express. I expected the place to be hot, smokey, and cramped like most quickie Chinese places but we were greeted by a very coolly air-conditioned and clean place. It is admittedly small. Hanobe Express can probably seat three groups of four people max.

Don't bother asking for a menu -- there's none! Everything they have to offer is printed on a large mirror on the wall, which is again, very Hong Kong-ish in style. Hubby ordered Rice Topping with Beef Kenchi (P145, pictured above right) while I settled for Rice Topping with Lechon Macau (P165, first photo below). We wanted to try their noodle soup so we went for a bowl of Honey Roast HK Asado Noodle Soup (P145, second photo below).

I loved my Rice Topping with Lechon Macau. The lechon skin at the edges was very crispy and crunchy while the meat was soft and tender. They also served it with this vinegar-based spicy ginger sauce which went with the pork so perfectly. We didn't really fancy hubby's Rice Topping with Beef Kenchi. Yes, the beef was also tender but the smell and taste was reminiscent of Chinese temple fare. There was this medicinal aroma that I just couldn't get used to. Honey Roast HK Asado Noodle Soup was okay -- the taste of egg in the noodles and soup was very strong. I liked the fact that the soup was not oily and MSG-laden. In fact, it had a nice clean taste which you would probably enjoy if you don't have an aversion to eggs. The asado was perfect. The pork was lean and it had just the right amount of sweetness.

Lunch at Hanobe Express was a very HK-esque eating experience indeed. It reminded me of those small eateries in the sidestreets of Hong Kong I'd make quick stops at while shopping. The next time my Chinese food nazi father-in-law feels like eating out I'll surely recommend the full-fledged Hanobe restaurant next door.


Hanobe Express
99 Maria Clara St. cor Banawe, Quezon City
731-4381 / 731-4371

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