Cheyenne Suarez

QC eats: Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie serves new flavors within old walls

Article (news)

Reyma Deveza

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770958896291Qui-About-Banner-1536x560.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Handout </div>Looking for a unique restaurant that is ideal for family events, romantic dinners, or simply for friendly hangouts? Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie could be the food destination that you are looking for.Located at 14 Dos Castillas St. in Valencia, Quezon City, the restaurant is nestled within a renovated ancestral home which was built in the 1950s.The name of the brasserie, which combines a cozy atmosphere with a classy vibe, is derived from the owners&#x27; family name: Panlaqui.Qui not only reflects the Panlaquis&#x27; Kapampangan heritage but also pays tribute to Asian flavors.  Every corner of the venue gives diners a different feel. Its exterior is already inviting as it flexes the beauty of a heritage home. Once you step inside, you will immediately notice the interior&#x27;s vintage design, from its charming floors, and ceilings, to the warm greetings from the staff.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770957854672826bad6c-8e88-4422-9c44-a1a9f83221de.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>Hokkaido Corn and Clam Chowder. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17709578777746d9c6d78-115f-4e88-9b38-a3f5f4885c3a.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>Crispy Calamari. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</div>Now two years strong in the business, Qui continues to draw crowds, serving Filipino classics infused with and elevated by Asian flavors.Just recently, ABS-CBN News was invited to try some of its dishes which are among the guests’ favorites. These include Hokkaido Corn and Clam Chowder, a cream soup which combines Japanese sweet corn and Manila&#x27;s clams; its Show Stopper Lamb, a leg of Australian lamb braised using Asian flavors and spices;  Baked Salmon with Japanese aioli, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese; and Indo-style Crispy Calamari.Qui&#x27;s dessert, Fluffy Suklati Mousse, is a sweet experience, as it&#x27;s prepared tableside for the diners.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770957951131c0d78977-fab7-4d57-89ef-745752f233d5.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>Enoki Tempura &amp; Asian Hummus. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770957965491428b64ec-6bf6-4fbf-9d7d-f7583e5de4be.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="950"/>Show Stopper Lamb. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770963730932f4cd4952-880f-46e2-acf0-738742fe4f27.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Fluffy Suklati Mousse. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News </div>The highlight of the dining experience at this Quezon City hidden gem is the story behind its every dish which, according to its owner, was inspired by their travels abroad.Qui&#x27;s menu is a combination of techniques from Western countries and the flavors of Asia. &quot;Actually ang mga pagkain diyan ay favorites ng family namin &#x27;yan. Hindi ba kapag nagpupunta tayo sa ibang bansa ang nangyayari kakain ka sa first, second day ng food nila. Pero hahanapin mo na &#x27;yung Filipino food, hindi ba? So, kami naghanap kami na, paano ba natin pagsasamahin &#x27;yung may comfort pa rin at sa the same time ay may fusion ng travels natin sa Asian countries,&quot; said chef-owner Rachelle Panlaqui.&quot;Kumbaga shini-share namin &#x27;yung favorites namin sa diners din namin. Kung kakain kayo rito sure ako na &#x27;yung owners, and chefs ay inisip &#x27;kung okay kaya sa kanila ito?&#x27;&quot; she added.The Panlaquis are Kapampangans known for their cooking prowess and flavorful food, and have been in the business since the &#x27;70s.Having a mother whom she described as a great cook, Rachelle and her siblings grew up with high standards when it comes to food, techniques and ingredients --- the same standards they maintain at Qui.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177095800009267e93802-1169-4e87-b4a2-e97fff10548d.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Baked Salmon. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</div>&quot;Qui&#x27;s dishes are made from scratch, thoughtfully curated and prepared,&quot; said Rachelle, whose personal favorites on the menu are Oxtail Kare-Kare, Pork &amp; Shrimp Dumplings, and Mango Sticky Palitaw.&quot;Dito kinuha namin lahat: the food the ambiance and the service. So aalis ka rito gusto namin nakangiti ka. When you leave here, you will be satisfied sa food, service, and ambiance. Hindi lang pagkain ang ibinebenta namin but &#x27;yung feeling na para lang kayong nasa bahay ng Tita niyo and you are being served different food,&quot; the chef-owner added, also sharing that most of their ingredients are locally sourced. Qui also has a wide selection when it comes to drinks, from juices to original cocktails and mocktails such as Lola Amore, Malacca Strait and Mandarin March.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770958013513626760227_1242326727232788_8245367101662796866_n.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Malacca Strait. Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News For Rachelle, Qui is not only a combination of the old and the new, but also showcases elevated Filipino cuisine.  </div>When asked about their next big move, Rachelle replied: &quot;Probably, expansion.&quot;With its well-crafted menu and relaxing and refined dining experience, Qui is a worthy food destination.For reservations, click <a href="https://quimanila.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Looking for a unique restaurant that is ideal for family events, romantic dinners, or simply for friendly hangouts? Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie could be the food destination that you are looking for.

Looking for a unique restaurant that is ideal for family events, romantic dinners, or simply for friendly hangouts? Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie could be the food destination that you are looking for.