The first time I tried duck misua or duck soup was when I was a kid having Sunday lunches with family in Binondo. I didn’t like it during the first few years since it tasted herbal (plus anything that once flew other than chicken meat, I don’t eat.) For a half-Chinese, I don’t eat pigeon and duck and goose meat. Seriously, I love my dad (he’s Chinese -100% concentrated) to pieces but I’m barely Chinese. I’m not one to pretend that I am.
Through the next few years though, I’ve come to like duck soup. I was in secondary school by this time and I look forward to sipping the piping hot (now) familiar herbal soup. I still refrained from eating the meat though. But as years and years passed, the duck soup has become a homey food for me –relaxing me from head to toe.
The small restaurant in Chinatown we frequent has already closed down or moved elsewhere when I was in college. I tried ordering duck misua or soup from restaurants in San Juan or Manila but nothing comes close to that favorite childhood memory. I learned eating duck meat (but I’m still very picky) when Bubba and I started going out some 3 years or so ago. He loves duck meat and was in crazy search for the best when we were in Hong Kong in 2008.
This month, I’m glad that I found another restaurant to get my duck soup fix. I was floored on how good their sibot/duck soup was.
I really don’t frequent Banawe that much but I know that area is fully loaded with many restaurants. Cantonese Soup Kitchen is one of the restaurants side by side with others that you will barely notice it drowning with so many colorful signages. But it’s a gem to discover, as one will be in for a real Cantonese treat. Upon entering CSK, big size photos of family and friends enjoying the food decorate the red wall. On the left side is the photo of their grandmother who owns the duck recipe. Upholstered seats make for comfortable dining despite the small space.
On the Table
Sibot or Duck Soup PHP 195
The duck soup arrives on the table and I feel the excitement around. Some were trying duck soup for the first time and they weren’t fretful of the dark brown translucent soup color. I caught a waft of the broth and was thrilled that even before my tongue touched the dish, it already introduced itself to me. Duck soup was made of medicinal Goji berries and other herbs that each sip makes for a soothing and enjoyable experience. More so, the duck meat was very tender and tasty.
I also tried a bit of the spare ribs, tofu and fish dishes but wasn’t able to eat much since I had to run off because my mom was waiting for me at a nearby restaurant and I needed to go to a birthday poker party in Makati. I left earlier than the group but from the looks of it, the group enjoyed the rest of what they ordered from the menu.
Seafood Dish
Garlic Spareribs
Fish in Soy
I will definitely be back with my family. It’s probably the best duck soup I’ve tasted in a long time and it lovingly brings me back tender childhood memories that warm both taste buds and heart. Cantonese Soup Kitchen also has a variety of other soup concoctions in their menu that might be worthy to try.
Cantonese Soup Kitchen
Unit C-847 Banawe cor. Linaw Sts.,
Quezon City
(632) 743 5249
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