City of Dreams Manila’s award-winning fine dining Chinese restaurant Crystal Dragon brings Cantonese dining to Metro Manila with a newly launched a la carte menu, masterfully curated and prepared by Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean and his culinary team.
Crystal Dragon Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean
Renowned for its refined interpretation of Chinese cuisine that balances heritage and innovation, Crystal Dragon showcases the artistry and precision in Chinese fine dining, where premium ingredients and delicate techniques come together in harmony. The restaurant’s refreshed interiors add to the distinctive dining experience.
Braised Fish Maw with Grouper in Superior Broth
Tea-smoked Australian Beef Short Ribs and homemade buns
Among the standout new Cantonese creations on the menu are Baked Crab Shell stuffed with Mushroom and Black Truffle, Braised Fish Maw with Grouper in Superior Broth, and Tea-Smoked Australian Beef Short Ribs served with Homemade Buns, alongside premium dried seafood such as Braised Sea Cucumber with Assorted Premium Dried Seafood in Claypot, Braised Whole Two-head Abalone with Hokkaido Sea Cucumber and Supreme Abalone Sauce, and the acclaimed Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Golden Broth, offering distinctive textures and deep savory flavors.
Crispy Rice with Assorted Seafood and Superior Broth in Stone Pot
Each dish is a testament to Chef Chan’s craftsmanship and creativity. To complement the new creations and please long-time guests, some of Crystal Dragon’s timeless sought-after dishes remain.
Chaozhou Style Deep-fried Prawn Balls
The new dimsum selection, available exclusively at lunch, includes Goldfish Dumpling Filled with Shrimp and Diced Pumpkin, “Ham Sui Kok” Iberico Pork with Black Garlic, Deep-fried Black Swan Taro Puff, and Chaozhou-style Deep-Fried Prawn Balls. These bite-sized delights join an array of beautifully presented creations, impressing diners with the artistry of dim sum. Also available at lunch is a six-course set menu for a minimum of two persons, at P3,800 net per person.
Traditional Whole Roasted Duck carved tableside continues to headline the other barbecue specialties such as the Crispy Roasted Chicken, and Roasted Crispy Pork Belly. Other tempting meat and poultry options are Flaming A5 Wagyu Beef with King Oyster Mushroom; Pan-seared New Zealand Lamb Rack, Cumin, and Spiced Salt; Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables; and Sweet and Sour Iberico Pork with Pineapple.
Fresh seafood takes center stage with Grouper or Spotted Grouper, Green Lobster, Mud Crab and Live Shrimp, prepared to diners’ preferred cooking method, whether steamed, deep-fried, stir-fried, baked, or poached, together with their choice of sauce; Wok-fried Prawn with fragrant XO sauce; Pan-seared Cod Fish with Yellow Pepper Sauce; Braised Sliced Grouper, Roasted Pork, and Homemade Tofu in Claypot; Poached Hokkaido Scallop in Golden Sour Broth; and Pan-fried Tiger Prawn with Supreme Soya Sauce.
Snowbird’s Nest and Milk Pudding in Coconut
With nearly three decades of mastery in Chinese cuisine from the kitchens of fine dining Chinese restaurants and five-star hotels in Southeast Asia, Chef Chan is celebrated for his precision and respect for tradition. His philosophy is simple yet profound, he lets the finest ingredients speak for themselves. “Our goal is to bring joy to diners through flavors that feel balanced, satisfying, and memorable,” Chan said. Chef Chan’s culinary skills were highlighted at a Six-Hands Dinner that also featured two of Melco’s Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant chefs, held in April this year at Crystal Dragon.
Dimsum expert Chef She Chong Ngooi
Working with him is City of Dreams Manila executive chef-Chinese, Khoo Teng Jin, better known as Chef Danny, whose almost three decades of acclaimed culinary experience span luxury hotels across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and China. Chef Danny guides menu development, while Chef Chan oversees Crystal Dragon’s kitchen operations. Completing the team is dimsum chef de cuisine She Chong Ngooi, who brings nearly two decades of experience in the intricate craft of making dimsum.
The new menu continues to reflect City of Dreams Manila’s eco-conscious operations. Dishes incorporate locally sourced produce, cage-free eggs, and responsibly sourced seafood, while the restaurant actively reduces single-use plastics and food waste. Menu icons highlight vegetarian options, plant-based alternatives, sustainable seafood, and chef’s recommendations, guiding diners toward responsible choices.
With the culinary leadership of Chef Chan, the launch of the new menu builds on Crystal Dragon’s dining distinctions, including Philippines’ Best Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024 and 2025, and its consistent inclusion in Tatler Best Philippines restaurants list. The restaurant was also featured in Lifestyle Asia’s 2024 CRAVE coffee table book, which spotlights 15 of Manila’s finest dining establishments.
Crystal Dragon is located on the upper ground level at the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star-rated Nüwa Manila, and is open daily for lunch from 12 noon to 3 pm and dinner from 5 to 11 pm. For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 8800-8080, email crystaldragon@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
