Putien: A Different Side of Chinese Cuisine

Going through Putien’s menu can get a bit alienating and overwhelming as its Chinese cuisine deviates from what we’re accustomed to in the Metro – but honestly, when in doubt – just opt for any of its noodle dishes and just load up on its home-made chili and you’re good! However, do allow me to recommend you other dishes you can spice up your meal with.

SHREDDED PORK WITH SESAME BUN (P138/pc – minimum order of 2 pieces)

A delightful appetizer that would definitely satisfy would be its Shredded Pork with Sesame Bun – yes, the deep-fried sesame buns can get a bit greasy – but I love the slight sweetness to it (taste profile and texture are very similar to fried mantou) and oh, once you load up the shredded pork with delicious caramelized onions and it’s heaven! Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty as the restaurant thoughtfully provides you with gloves and wet wipes!

PUTIEN CRISPY OYSTER (P498)

I actually thought that the Putien Crispy Oyster was served in an omelette style – similar to how most Chinese restaurants serve this dish (which I’m really not a fan of as I really don't like the starchy texture it comes with). That’s why I was shocked to see Putien serve us with a mountain of perfectly crisp oysters that I actually enjoyed eating! This is actually a really nice value-for-money starter and meal filler!

STIR FRIED CHILI CLAMS (P498)

I’ve always loved stir-fried clams – which yes, usually means exerting the extra effort of having to dig through clam shells – but it’s always worth doing so if the sauce it comes with is as delicious as Putien’s. Theirs is a little spicier than the usual tausi sauce it typically comes with as it mixes in its killer house-made chili sauce. This was so good to pair with rice and noodles!

FUJIAN SEAFOOD LOR MEE (P518)

I’ve yet to try a bad noodle dish from Putien – but yes, it’s best to manage expectations that most of them are on the blander side – as they’re made to pair with its tastier viands. The Fujian Seafood Lor Mee is a hearty and soul-warming dish that’s simply comforting. This is a huge bowl that can be comfortably shared by 4 to 5 pax (and yes, this includes multiple servings) – paired with shrimps, clams and greens; this noodle dish can be good on its own if you mix in some seasonings/sauces.

DEEP FRIED CHICKEN WITH GARLIC (P608/P1188)

The price point of Putien’s Deep Fried Chicken with Garlic is quite steep. It’s perfectly executed – from the crisp skin to the marinated meat and the gorgeous garlic bits showered atop it – but I don’t myself shelling out money for this dish again – especially as you can easily get delicious fried chicken elsewhere.

HOMEMADE BEAN CURD (P398/P597)

The Homemade Bean Curd makes for a good vegetable dish; as it features delicious tofu with skin soaked in incredibly tasty sauce. A multitude of fresh vegetables such as carrots, baby corn and mushrooms lend weight, color and bite to this dish.

Putien

5F, The Podium, 18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong City

Date of Visit: July 11, 2023 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua , Jem Chua and Stephanie Chua