The rare times that we do have the urge to eat Chinese, we always look for a place that serve dishes that would excite our palates and not dampen it. This is the reason we choose places like Big Buddha, Super Bowl of China, Zong at the Fort or North Park. These places also encourage more of the younger generation to appreciate Chinese dishes. Because of the popularity of yang chow fried rice, lemon chicken, deep fried cuttlefish in spicy salt, manchurian calamares, and string beans with minced pork, these places have flourished over the years.

That is why it is really disappointing for me to have such an unpleasant experience at Superbowl of China at the SM Megamall megastrip branch. The place itself looked unkempt and felt dirty. The air was filled with the smell of smoke coming from the kitchen which made me think that the place had inadequate ventilation. The set plates, flatware, and glasses appeared grimy. I kept wiping everything with tissue until I felt comfortable enough to use them.

But despite the grime and smell and the scowl of my husband, we stayed. We stayed because I was really craving for some yang chow.

We sat down and guess who our seatmates were? Flies! Two black flies were having the time of their lives jumping from one plate to the other, one spoon to the other, enjoying their space. I shuddered. It was 7pm at night after all and I can’t imagine flies in the evening inside a closed airconditioned restaurant.

I looked around and on the wall was a framed newspaper article that headlined Superbowl as the Best Resto of the Year. I couldn’t see what year the article was but I doubt it was awarded this year. Although., it isn’t hard to imagine Superbowl being the best once upon a time.

So does being recognized as the best give you the luxury of neglect right after the award has been given? Does the service end once you have reached the top? Looks like this restaurant felt it did judging by the flies on the table and the dirty floors.

I don’t think my husband and I will ever go back to this place again. Although, I may visit their branch in Glorietta or some other place if I get another yang chow craving.

Tsk tsk. Too bad.

Superbowl of China
SM MegaMall Ground Level, Bldg. B, Megastrip 5
Mandaluyong City
Tel. 634-7831