[Review] Spring Palace Dimsum House - Jaro, Iloilo City: A Taste of Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Iloilo City

Spring Palace Dimsum House. Photos via Flickr/Jep

Spring Palace opened a branch near our place in Jaro, Iloilo City, and I was curious to try it out. The new location in Jaro is called Spring Palace Dimsum House, which differentiates itself from the other branch in Mandurriao, which is called Spring Palace Seafood Restaurant.

Ambiance and Setting

Whereas the Mandurriao branch feels grander with function rooms and big banquet tables, the Jaro location feels a lot more modern with an open and bright interior. It features a mix of smaller tables and big ones that can seat larger groups (the ones with lazy susans in the middle). On one side of the restaurant is the kitchen, with the back wall featuring interesting textured patterns with cove lighting reminiscent of undulating ocean waves.

Culinary Delights

Spring Palace Dimsum House boasts a diverse menu that features a wide array of Chinese delicacies, from savory small plates of dim sum to dishes meant for sharing with a large group of people. I was delighted to see roasted duck on their menu. However, their Roast Duck is just okay—while it's nice to see it on the menu, I've had better-tasting ones in other restaurants.

The Bird's Nest Soup with Quail's Eggs is highly recommended, offering a delicate and luxurious taste that is sure to delight your palate.

Their dim sum selection is exceptional (I think this particular branch was envisioned to specialize in dim sum given how they named the branch), with a variety of options that never disappoint. For those who have a hard time deciding, the dim sum sampler platter is a great choice. We enjoyed all of the dim sums we tasted on the dim sum platter, especially the hakaw or shrimp dumplings.

Service and Staff

The staff at Spring Palace Dimsum House were very efficient in our experience. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted, shown a table right away, and given a menu. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu and is more than happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences. Plus, the food arrives at the table surprisingly quick, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

Parking and Convenience

The restaurant can get busy, especially during mealtimes, so it's wise to plan your visit accordingly (we attempted to dine there several times before but couldn't find any vacant parking space, so we opted to go to a different restaurant). Parking slots in the daytime and during peak dinner service are limited, but you can use the bank's parking next door outside of regular banking hours and on the weekends.

Conclusion

Whether you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Spring Palace Dimsum House is a restaurant that should not be missed. Its dedication to quality and authenticity sets it apart, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Food: 9/10

Location: 8/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value for money: 8/10

Service: 8/10

Overall: 8.2/10

Bird's Nest Soup. Photos via Flickr/Jep

Roast Duck Rice Bowl. Photos via Flickr/Jep

Beef Camto Radish Rice Bowl. Photos via Flickr/Jep

Dim Sum Platter. Photos via Flickr/Jep

External Facade of the Spring Palace Dimsum House in Jaro, Iloilo City. Photos via Flickr/Jep