Through Lam’s Kitchen, Chef Lam Ling Kui, also known as Chef Ben, brings with him years of experience in cooking authentic Cantonese dishes in some of Hong Kong’s most popular teahouses and hotels.
Lam’s Kitchen, which prides itself in serving “rich, diverse and authentic” Cantonese flavors, recently opened in Bonifacio Global City, just in time to provide more dining options for friends and families who can now eat out with lesser restrictions.
The newest Cantonese “fast casual” restaurant to open in Metro Manila, Lam’s Kitchen is the brainchild of Chef Lam Ling Kui. From working in tea houses in Hong Kong to eventually becoming an executive chef in a five-star hotel, Chef Ben, as he is known to friends and colleagues, has learned and mastered the cooking techniques and methods used in Cantonese dishes.
Those out for a quick meal can now have a bite of honest-to-goodness Cantonese dishes that only Lam’s Kitchen has to offer. House specialties include Curry Beef Brisket, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Seafood E-Fu Noodles, Poached Lung Kong Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork and Deep-Fried Squid with Salt & Pepper. The restaurant’s Dim Sum selection, which includes bestsellers like Steamed Shrimp Dumpling and Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, is also a must-try.
Cantonese flavors have a universal appeal, says Chef Ben. “It’s similar to the taste of most Asian dishes. But the way we prepare it requires an elevated skill, particularly on the cooking and methods applied to it, from preparation to plating.”
Chef Ben has found the perfect partner in Yvonne Lee, a restaurateur who not only practically grew up eating Cantonese cuisine, but also became pretty much inspired with the way the chef prepares them. Meeting him brought Yvonne back to a Hong Kong takeaway shop where her father used to bring her. “[Chef Ben] prepares authentic, straightforward Cantonese cuisine. I felt like I was transported back to the streets of Mongkok or Causeway Bay. And I wanted to bring that kind of dining experience here in the Philippines.”
No surprise then that Lam’s Kitchen’s tagline is “experience authentic Cantonese cuisine.” Since it soft-opened with take-out and delivery services, customers have readily warmed up and enjoyed its wide array of mouth-watering dishes. The biggest surprise is Chef Lam’s “greatest hits,” flavorful dishes, actually, that are also quite affordable.
“A special item on the menu is our whole roasted suckling pig, which is usually served in a fine-dining restaurant or five-star hotel. You would not normally find that kind of dish executed by a small takeaway shop. But here in Lam’s Kitchen, we not only offer typical Cantonese meals, but also exquisite dishes that require more elaborate preparation,” says Yvonne.
“Chef Lam uses both modern and traditional techniques to elevate the classic Cantonese dishes. Although he does the usual steaming, stir-frying, pan-frying, baking, boiling, deep-frying and stewing, the most important technique in Cantonese cuisine is cooking using the wok, which brings out the flavor in every dish,” she adds.
Lam’s Kitchen, which is located at the ground floor of Citi Plaza, 34th St. corner Lane D, BGC, is open for takeout from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as for pick-up/delivery through call and mobile orders on GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pickaroo.
“We are so excited to open our doors to Filipino foodies who have a heart for Cantonese dishes. We look forward to delighting you and satisfying your cravings with our wide array of delectable cuisines. And whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal or everyday home-style Cantonese food, you can find it here at Lam’s Kitchen,” says Chef Ben.
To know more about Lam’sKitchen, check out its official Facebook page (facebook.com/LamsKitchenPH) or follow them on Instagram (@lamskitchenph).
