‘I had learned from my night forays for food that only a handful of restaurants stay open until the early morning hours, but nocturnal beings like me and my out-to-eat buddies could not quell our hunger pangs on Thursday night so off we went to the nooks and crannies of Garapan, until we saw this tiny restaurant on the ground floor of the Millennium Plaza at Coffee Tree Mall.
The bright lights of Royal Spring Taste House issued a warm welcome and we sauntered inside. It was almost 1 a.m. and there were no customers. A chef and one waitress sat before a computer near the counter engrossed in a Chinese action movie but they stood up and promptly delivered menus to our table. The place is small, with three tables each of which seats six and a round table dominating the center but it has a homey atmosphere.
I sipped two cups in a row of the fragrant tea the food staff served in a white ceramic pot while browsing through the menu, hunger temporarily stalled with the tea.
The extensive menu of Royal Spring Taste House includes BBQ and cold cuts priced from $6 and up, a whole roast duck at $28 or $15 for half, soups from $3 to $8, delectable seafood dishes from $8 and up, chicken, pork and beef dishes, rice meal sets and more.
I settled for fish in chili sauce and rice ($5). The rice came with broccoli stalks and four small slices of tofu topped with sesame seeds.
The chili sauce was not as spicy as I expected but it was good.
My buddies ordered a serving of tender and spicy chicken feet ($3) which came with green pepper slices, Yang Chow fried rice ($5), and a $5 beef rib fingers soup noodle which came in a bowl so huge it was enough to feed two hungry people.
Royal Spring Taste House prices start from the budget- friendly level and up, depending on your order. The chef prepares your order behind the counter so your meal actually starts from the moment the oil sizzles in the pan and the chef dumps the spices, up to the time the food is served on the table. You can feast in the heavenly aroma before you start eating.
The place is a convenient stopover for late-night workers or those who just ended their work shift to drop by for a bowl of hot soup, or pick up a take-out meal before going home.
Royal Spring’s specialties are South America Clam ($15), Beijing Roasted Duck ($45), Braised Abalone with Oyster Sauce ($65 whole), Lobster with ginger and spring onion ($25/lb.) and braised shark’s fin with seafood soup ($18).
Dim Sum, snacks such as deep fried sesame balls, steamed Chinese BBQ pork bun, sweet rice dumpling, siu mai, spring rolls or lumpia and other Chinese delicacies are available from $3 – $4 per order.
Cap your meal with a scoop of ice cream (Dreyer’s) or slush (choice of ice, mixed fruit, or red bean) from $2 to $3. You can linger awhile sipping the $1 bottomless tea after a hearty meal.
Royal Spring Taste House opens from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. For a taste or the restaurant’s specialties, call 233-1668.
