Cozy Cantonese Gem at Mitsukoshi BGC: Crispy Duck & Comforting Home-Style Flavors

While wandering around Mitsukoshi BGC today, I found myself feeling a little more tired than usual — must be getting older, haha. So I popped into Choi Garden on the second floor for a casual bite. This place is a well-loved Chinese restaurant, and honestly? It’s earned every bit of its great reputation in Manila!

As one of BGC’s most consistent Cantonese spots, it’s always popular with locals and expats alike. Their signature Peking-style roast duck is a must-try: perfectly crisp golden skin, tender meat, and just the right balance of seasonings. Pure comfort on a plate — if you haven’t tried it yet, you really should!

The space feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in. Soft yellow lighting, light wood tables and chairs, and simple wooden lattice dividers keep things clean and elegant, without any flashy over-the-top decor. It has this quiet, refined Chinese charm that looks beautiful in photos — I can already imagine how lovely it would be to shoot here in a qipao!

Best of all? It’s never loud or chaotic. This is the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal without shouting over noise. Pure dining comfort.

Right by the entrance you’ll also find a glass seafood case filled with live fish, crabs, and shellfish — you can taste the freshness before you even order.

What I ordered today:🥦 Beef with BroccoliCooked to absolute perfection. The beef is silky and tender, paired with crisp, sweet broccoli in a light savory sauce that lets the natural ingredients shine. This is my go-to order every single time I come here!

🍖 Sweet and Sour PorkThe balance of tang and sweetness is spot on. The coating is thin and crispy, not tough or greasy, and the meat inside stays juicy and soft. Just one bite and you’ll reach for another — though if you’re not a fan of sweet-sour flavors, this one might not be for you!

🍲 Winter Melon Seafood SoupThe perfect finish. Light, clear, and incredibly flavorful, packed with fresh shrimp and shellfish I couldn’t quite name. Warm, soothing, and gentle on the stomach — I ended up going back for seconds and thirds!

What I love most: they don’t overload dishes with heavy spices just to suit local tastes. You’ll spot little local touches here and there, but overall the flavors stay clean, light, and true to classic Cantonese cooking.

Portions are generous, service is warm and attentive, and every bite feels like a little taste of home.

Have you found any great Chinese restaurants in BGC? Drop your favorites in the comments — I’d love to check them out!

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