Mien-San Noodle House

 

Before entering college, I used to always pass along Granada street going to and coming from school. I've always noticed the little shops and restaurants lined up on both sides. Most of them have come and gone. Just recently though, a Chinese restaurant located here caught my attention because of all the cars double-parked along the street -- mostly causing traffic. Apparently, Mien-San has always been there since 1995 (talk about a hole-in-the-wall restaurant) but the owners renovated it recently to accommodate more customers. I decided to check it out and see what the fuss is all about.

I dragged my family there a little before 10 pm and was surprised to see the place still full. We were lucky enough to get a table in the second floor.

Century Egg with Tofu (tofu not pictured) (P88) and Sea Cucumber Salad (P45)

 

I ordered these two appetizers. I love a side of century egg to start my Chinese meal but I must say that I especially liked the sea cucumber salad. The only downside was that the serving size was so tiny -- even for an appetizer.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (P128)

 

Their fried rice is good for 2-4 persons. It reminds me of the good old Yang Chow fried rice that I  used to have.

Beef with Broccoli in Oyster Sauce (P258)

 

This is definitely my favorite among all the dishes that we ordered. We usually just automatically order this because this is one of those staple dishes that people usually have at Chinese restaurants. But after taking a bite of that tasty, tender, perfectly-cooked beef, I realized that a simple dish like this can actually taste really good! For some reason, it kind of tastes like steak. I highly recommend this dish.

Hot Sour Soup (P88)

 

I didn't like their hot sour soup so much. In fact, we didn't finish the entire bowl. It was too spicy for my taste and left my throat burning.

Vegetable Tofu Soup (P88)

 

I liked this soup better. It may seem a bit bland to others but I like its clean taste. It helps balance everything out.

Deep-fried Spareribs (P248)

 

Their salt and pepper spareribs are really good, too. It's crunchy on the outside but still tender and moist on the inside. It's not too salty, which is good, although it lacked more of those chili sprinkled on top.

Steamed Shrimp Radish Dumplings 6 pcs. (P88)

 

I was excited to try their dumplings because I'd heard some great reviews on them. I was a bit disappointed with their steamed shrimp radish dumplings, though. It had some pretty strong and distinct taste to it. I didn't quite enjoy this dish.

Xiao Long Bao 4 pcs. (P60)

Their Xiao Long Bao was so-so. I even found the broth inside a bit "malansa." Other than that, the dumpling wrapper still had a bite to it because it was perfectly steamed.

Fish with Black Beans and Vegetables (P258)

 

This was another pretty tasty dish. The fish was cooked just right and the sauce was neither too salty nor too bland.

Second Floor

Mien-San at night

 

Overall, Mien-San has some really good (and affordable) dishes to offer that are worth trying. It has earned quite a following from its loyal customers that is why it is jam-packed almost every night. I shall go back next time and try their other interesting dishes that seem very promising.

Now that I have already experienced Mien-San, I'm curious to try the other tiny food establishments beside and across it as well.

Mien-San Noodle House

 40 & 42 Granada St., Villa Ortigas II
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(63 2) 721-5794, (63 2) 723-0558