Tao Yuan Restaurant Opens in Robinson's Magnolia

Tao Yuan Restaurant Robinson's Magnolia facade

The seafood restaurant that originated from Singapore, Tao Yuan Restaurant, has recently opened a branch at Robinson's Magnolia. The restaurant is still in a soft launch phase, but from the looks of things, they are off to a good start.

We first tried their branch at Resorts World Manila. Unfortunately, we've never been to their mother branch in Malate - the branch that garners the best reviews.

The place is similarly designed with most high-end Chinese restaurants - elegant and elaborate. Having been categorized as a seafood restaurant, it is a given that aquariums that features the freshest catch are part of the interior design. This one didn't disappoint. They have lots of it and kids love them!

Tao Yuan Robinson's Magnolia boiled peanuts

Complimentary Boiled Peanuts for starters

Tao Yuan Restaurant Crabmeat and Corn Soup

Once again, we gave in to the request of our boys and ordered the Crabmeat and Corn Soup. We found the consistency watery and the taste was a bit bland.

The Steamed Shrimps were cooked well. The meat's tender and have a subtle touch of sweetness to it. You could really taste the freshness in the shrimps. The one that ups the steamed shrimps' flavor is the dipping sauce, but the one they had that day was too oily for our liking.

One of the main reasons TaoYuan Restaurant has repeat customers is because of their Hainanese Chicken Rice, which has been regarded as one of the best by many. Their version is tender and juicy, and the savory poaching liquid is thicker than most. The one that makes their Hainanese Chicken extra good are the sauces, especially the green onion sauce. The combined sauces {Green Onion, Chili, Sweet Soy} makes all the difference.

In terms of restaurant-prepared chicken of the same nature, we still prefer Boon Tong Kee's over Tao Yuan's. However, out of all, Chef Stevie's Hainanese Chicken Rice is still king!

Hainanese Chicken Rice Sauces at Tao Yuan Restaurant Robinson's Magnolia

The Steamed Lapu-Lapu {Grouper} with Soy Sauce was perfectly cooked and the aroma was excellently enticing. The meat was soft, flaky, and succulent.

We like the option of having the fish deboned right on the table. Our server was very skillful in deboning the steamed grouper and it was actually quite entertaining to see. She carefully arranged the meat neatly - after the form was ruined during the deboning process - before serving it to us.