Du Hsiao Yueh: A century of flavor lands in Glorietta 2 • PhilSTAR Life

Walking into Du Hsiao Yueh in Glorietta 2 feels instantly reassuring—bright, orderly, and warmly welcoming. The open kitchen is a thoughtful touch: Customers see chefs at work, chopping and stirring with practiced ease. It’s a reminder of the hidden labor behind each dish, and a gentle nudge to trust in the care and cleanliness of the food being prepared.

At the heart of it all is the restaurant’s iconic Dan Zai Noodles. First served in Tainan, Taiwan in 1895 by fisherman Hong Yu-Tou during the “slack fishing season,” this humble bowl became the foundation of a culinary institution. Today, it remains Du Hsiao Yueh’s signature offering—shrimp-based broth fragrant with garlic, topped with minced pork imported from Taiwan. Modest in size but deeply flavorful, it’s the dish that built a 128-year legacy.

There’s a gentle tuning for the Filipino palate—familiar dishes like rice and noodles are central, set meals offer value for diners, and added favorites like Roast Pork, Xiao Long Bao, or Chilled Taho help bridge what people already love with what they may be discovering.

Another crowd favorite, the Xiao Long Bao bursts in the mouth with soup and meat, offering joy in every bite. Priced lower than many competitors yet uncompromising in quality, it’s a must-order.

The menu extends far beyond these classics, offering a tour of Taiwan’s vibrant food culture: Minced Pork Rice, hearty and savory, beloved for its simplicity. Chicken Chop, crispy and juicy, inspired by Taiwan’s street food scene. Taiwanese Grilled Sausage, smoky and sweet with just the right richness. Oyster Omelette, soft eggs and tender oysters with a lightly crisped edge. Milk Tea, smooth and balanced, the perfect companion to a meal.

One of the restaurant’s most appealing features? The kitchen is out in the open. Watching the chefs at work reminds you of all the hidden labor and passion that go into every bowl and dumpling.

Each dish reflects a philosophy: to remain faithful to recipes cherished for over a century while ensuring Filipino diners find comfort and value in every plate.

Authenticity with heart

The story of Du Hsiao Yueh is as compelling as its food. “Hsiao Yueh” literally means “slack season,” referring to the months when the seas were rough and the fishing scarce. During this downtime, Hong Yu-Tou turned to noodles to support his family. What began as survival evolved into a tradition that defined Taiwanese cuisine.

Bringing Du Hsiao Yueh to the Philippines is more than launching another restaurant. “It’s about sharing a 100-year-old culinary heritage with the Filipino dining crowd by letting Filipinos experience authentic Taiwanese flavors and culture ... not your usual Chinese or Japanese cuisine,” says owner VR del Rosario of Viva Foods.

For VR del Rosario, president and COO of Viva International Food and Restaurant Inc., bringing Du Hsiao Yueh to the Philippines is both a business venture and a personal mission. His wife is half-Taiwanese, and after countless trips to Taiwan, Du Hsiao Yueh became their go-to restaurant. “We wanted to share a 100-year-old culinary heritage with Filipinos,” he says, “so people can experience authentic Taiwanese flavors without having to leave the country.”

That authenticity shows in every detail. Century-old cooking techniques are preserved, ingredients are carefully sourced, and the restaurant highlights dishes often found in Taiwan’s bustling night markets—now elevated for the local dining scene. As their motto goes, “The Best of Taiwan, here in the Philippines.”

The space radiates a friendly confidence—where every table, every corner, seems to say, “Relax. Good things are cooking.

A cultural journey at the table

Dining here is designed to feel like more than a meal—it’s a cultural journey. From the premium yet cozy interiors to the attentive, welcoming staff, every element contributes to a holistic experience. Filipino diners are often surprised at how different the flavors are from the usual Asian fare, yet how quickly they feel familiar and comforting.

Regulars already know to order beyond the Dan Zai Noodles: the Taiwanese Sausage, Oyster Omelette, Chicken Chop, and Roasted Pork are favorites that anchor the menu alongside the signature staples.

If Du Hsiao Yueh were a person, the team says, it would be “warm, dependable, family-oriented, and authentic—someone who values tradition but welcomes everyone like family.”

Looking ahead

The choice of Glorietta 2 as Du Hsiao Yueh’s first Philippine home was no accident. The mall remains an iconic Makati landmark with high foot traffic and a diverse, steady customer base—perfect for a heritage brand seeking a wide, appreciative audience.

Expansion plans are already on the horizon, with hopes to bring authentic Taiwanese cuisine to more malls and cities across the country. The next store opening will be at Estancia Mall, Pasig this December–marking the sixth Du Hsiao Yueh branch in the Philippines. The goal remains steady: to introduce Filipinos to the richness of Taiwan’s food culture while staying true to Du Hsiao Yueh’s authentic roots.

Final slurp

In the end, dining at Du Hsiao Yueh is both satisfying and enriching. The Dan Zai Noodles alone can win you over; add Xiao Long Bao, Minced Pork Rice, or even just a glass of Milk Tea, and you leave with more than a full stomach—you carry with you a taste of Taiwanese heritage, lovingly shared.

So take a seat, watch the chefs at work, and savor the flavors. It’s more than eating out—it’s tasting tradition, one comforting slurp at a time.