My Take on Food at P.F. Chang's in Alabang Town Center

When I wrote about P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Media Launch last month, questions from friends and some readers came rushing in asking me if the dishes they serve were any good. Most of them live far from Alabang Town Center and they wondered if it’s worth the travel hence, they sought opinion. Days after its opening which somehow created a noise in most of social media platform, mixed reactions from people were very apparent.

Some said that the food at P.F. Chang’s Philippines are nowhere near as good as the one they serve in other countries, while the others commented that they are satisfied and happy with it. I have not eaten in any branch of P.F. Chang’s aside from the one in Alabang; so technically, I do not have point of comparison.

If you want a blow by blow comparison of how good P.F. Chang’s here in our country as compare to its other branches, then I cannot give you that as of yet. But if you just want to know my opinion which focuses mainly on food that P.F. Chang’s, particularly in Alabang Town Center serves, then please feel free to read on.

Chang's Spare Ribs (Php650)

Let me start with my favorite dish among the ones I have tried, the Chang’s Spare Ribs.  A wok-seared ribs in their own Asian barbecue sauce, served with Asian slaw salad.  I am ready to be disappointed when I realized that it is not the usual fall off the bone tenderness kind of ribs but the taste makes up for it.  There’s the push and pull of sweet and savory flavor with a haunting smokiness to it.  The slaw salad that comes with it is just an added treat since the ribs are good on its own.

Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Php285)

Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps is probably the one P.F. Chang’s is known for.  It reminded me of Chicken Sisig wrapped in lettuce I had at Tatung’s Garden Café, only this one is made up of wok-seared minced chicken, mushroom, green onions, and water chestnut.  It is meant to be eaten with crispy rice sticks and the special P.F. Chang’s sauce which the food attendants or meal creators as they call it, will prepare for you.

Northern Style Spare Ribs (Php650)

If you prefer a downright simple ribs dish, you may opt for their Northern Style Spare Ribs.  It is simply a wok-braised ribs dish that comes with 5 spices that you can rub into the ribs for added flavor.  It has the same tenderness as the Chang’s Spare Ribs, but in terms of flavor, it is way simpler.

Dynamite Shrimp (Php295) / Chang's Spicy Chicken (Php320)

The Dynamite Shrimp got my approval for a good presentation.  It’s a crispy shrimp with zesty sauce served on a martini glass.  I love this appetizer as compare to the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, only the portion is way smaller because of its presentation.  I am not big on spicy food and I was a bit apprehensive at first with the term dynamite, but I find it addicting after popping a couple of shrimps inside my mouth.

Chang’s Spicy Chicken is made up of diced chicken breast with sweet and spicy sauce.  Breast chicken part is known for its rather bland flavor as compare to other parts, but with the right way of cooking, it can be as delightful.  P.F. Chang’s managed to do that.  I love how the blending of flavor does not overpower each other, while the texture gives out an impression of a well cooked chicken.

Dumplings (php255)

The Dumplings were okay for me.  I love that I can eat it without having to dip it in soy sauce and still be satisfied with the flavors.  First bite and it is already apparent that it was freshly made since the juices oozes out of the meat and the wrapper was rather still in its state.

MOngolian Beef (Php695) / Shrimp with Candied Walnuts (Php795)

Made up of U.S. Angus beef, their Mongolian Beef is another dish that one should not miss.  Tender and flavorful, it’s one of those I truly enjoyed up to the last bite.  Another interesting dish is the Shrimp with Candies Walnuts.  The combination of plump shrimp fried with batter, walnuts, and honeydew melon I find odd at first.  Not to mention that the sauce covering the ingredients resembles to that of a condensed milk.  But it was surprisingly good! The bend and break in the texture and the play of flavors was pleasing to the palate.

Lo Mein (Php225) / Sichuan-Style Asparagus (Php280)

For the noodle dish, I have tried their Lo Mein.  It is stir-fried egg noodles with mushrooms, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, celery, and onions.   Very simple and yet flavorful.  It is also available on kids menu, only without the veggies and with an added chicken bites.  I have also tried their Sichuan-Style Asparagus.  It is a delightful bend from my usual steamed asparagus because of its spunky spicy flavor.  It is included on their vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Chengdu Spice Lamb (Php900) / Buddha's Feast (Php295)

The Chengdu Spice Lamb is one dish I find really interesting in terms of flavor.  The lamb was so tender and while you can taste all the other spices incorporated to the dish, it’s the hint of mint that makes it all the more exciting to the palate.

Another vegetarian dish I have tried was their Buddha’s Feast.  Combination of tofu and mixed vegetable in a light sauce.  You can request for it to be steamed or fried.  I love how the vegetables were still crispy while the taste was slightly sweet.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro also serves impressive line of cocktail drinks and alcoholic beverages.  I was able to try their Lucky Cat Martini and I am quite satisfied by it.  While I can enjoy cocktail drinks at a certain time of the day, it’s their Tamarind Iced Tea that I find rather pleasing and refreshing during the time that I had my lunch there.

P.F. Chang’s also caters to diners who prefer their food gluten free.  They highly suggest that diners should inform the meal creators of their food allergies or special dietary need so that they can adjust the dish preparation to the customer’s needs.  A special plate with P.F. Chang’s logo will be used for gluten free dishes that will be served. For the entrees, you have the option to be served either brown or white rice.

Again, I do not have basis in terms of comparison with the dishes that they serve in other branches worldwide.  However, with my experience at P.F. Chang’s I can say that I am happy and satisfied.

While I respect the importance of authenticity when it comes to food, it is a given fact that tweaking or tailor-fitting a dish to fit into your target market’s palate is just one way to stay in the business.  Many if not all restaurants hailing from other locations do that.  It is a given formula.  See how the Burger Mc.Do tastes different here compare to the one they serve in the U.S., or in any other country for that matter?    In terms of pleasing the palate of the people they intend to cater to, in my opinion P.F. Chang’s is so far doing a good job.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

The Streets, Alabang Town Center
Muntinglupa City
Philippines
contact no.: 0927-5333445
email add.: marketing@globalresto.com
website: http://pfchangs.com.ph
facebook page: P.F. Chang's Philippines

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