We've all tried the nian gao (locally known as tikoy), round fruits, steamed whole fish, and even the prosperity toss for Chinese New Year -- but have you ever heard of the treasure pot?
Also called pen cai or poon choi, the treasure pot is a centuries-old braised dish that includes layers of ingredients that are believed as "lucky" by the Chinese, from pork knuckles to premium abalone. A feast for both the eyes and the palate, it is best eaten with the family to symbolize harmony and prosperity throughout the year.
Unsurprisingly, this luxurious one-pot meal comes with a hefty price tag. But if you're willing to splurge this Chinese New Year, we've found a restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig that offers this dish.
For a whopping P10,800++, you can order a treasure pot at The Empress Dining Palace, located at 7th Avenue in Bonifacio High Street. It is filled to the brim with 18 Chinese delicacies such as sea cucumber, a variety of mushrooms, bean curd, pork knuckles, Peking duck, abalone, and more. Each ingredient is prepared separately before being layered carefully in the pot.
Savor the treasure pot with Empress' selection of classic Cantonese cuisine and select dishes from China's northern region. Its other Lunar New Year offerings include the prosperity toss salad (P1,080 for small, P2,080 for large), which consists of raw fish, vegetables, sauces, and condiments; radish cake (P1,280) which symbolizes good fortune; and the well-loved nian gao (P588), a glutinous rice cake.
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Empress also has takeout products for private celebrations at home, from customizable hot boxes to dim sum platters and baskets. If you want an all-you-can feast, the restaurant has a dim sum weekend breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at P1,088+_ per adult and P588++ for kids aged 12 years and below. Children below 3 feet get to eat for free.