Reviews Tien Tien Hotpot Restaurant

This is our favorite shabu shabu place Basi all because of the satay broth and the dipping sauce.
The fish balls with cheese was amazing also! This si the place to be for shabu shabu

Found inside the classic Atrium Building in Makati Avenue (right across the Ayala Triangle Gardens), Tien-tien is perfect for that Chinese fix. You can have a choice between the hotpot version or set meals. The items on their menu are of good quality and are fresh; the shrimps are killed right beside you by dousing boiling water over them in a bowl.

Before locking in your orders from the hotpot menu, make sure to ask the staff how big is each serving. We learned the hard way that their servings are bigger than that of other hotpot spots so we ended up bringing half of what we ordered home.

They say that foreign food in a foreign place is legit based on the patrons. Half of the patrons when we came in were Chinese so we knew we were in good company.
Tien-tien's interiors are rather antiquated. But I didn't mind. This is one of the few places where you go to be filled and fed. And personally, the datedness of the place adds to its appeal, letting people know that they have thrived and survived.

Must order: Spareribs and Calamares. Also if you're having hot pot, include Fish Cheese Balls in. It's a gummy fish ball with mozarella inside.

Although the place needs renovation (looks like from the 80s), it's still cold inside.

I am ashamed to say that I only discovered this place last year. Tien effing Tien is the bomb! The first time I was able to dine here, we ordered off the ala carte menu but I had noticed that every one else was enjoying a hot pot meal. Subsequent visits were made and it was hot pot all the way from there. No regrets were had.

(Skip this paragraph if you already know how to get there/park cause tl;dr)
Tien Tien used to be located on Pasay Rd/Arnaiz so don't make the same mistake as me! They are now located in The Atrium Bldg along Makati Ave right next to the pretty pretty Zuellig Bldg. Parking can be a bit of an issue if you're not familiar with how it works but here are some hopefully helpful instructions based on personal experience of driving around in circles: If you're heading north on Makati Ave from Ayala Ave, you'll actually see The Atrium Bldg, that way you have an idea of where it is. Make a right on Paseo de Roxas and an immediate right into what looks like the parking lot/driveway of the Zuellig Bldg. Go past the lot onto the next street which is Apartment Ridge Rd and make a right there since it's a one way street. It's parallel to Makati Ave and just follows along the curve. You can park (or double park if you have a driver I guess) next to the wall and there should be an entrance to Tien Tien from the back. Semi bad thing is that you'll have to go through the function rooms which can be awks if there are a lot of people or if there's private party. 

Enough about location and parking, onto the food: Two things I remember about the ala carte menu is that 1) the seafood is super fresh. You can actually see the food (haha get it) swimming in the aquariums near the front entrance. 2) Eel in black bean/tausi sauce. Don't even think twice except maybe for the bones so be careful. Eat this with rice because it is so worth the calories.

The hot pot blows so many other hot pot places out of the water. What Tien Tien doesn't give you in AYCE, they give you in quality. You have a choice of 4 soup bases and you can pick 2 in a split pot for variety. I personally prefer the wansuy soup base (stock with cilantro and peidan/century egg) cause I find it very light and refreshing. It also doesn't mask the taste of the meat, fish, etc too much and it absorbs their flavors too if you wanna drink the soup afterwards. Do not get wansuy if you have the genetics that make you think cilantro tastes like soap. Get sate instead if you'd like a spicy kick. The wantons, shrimp balls, and beef balls are all freshly made and take a little longer to cook so throw them into the soup first. The HK sliced beef is so red and fresh with just the right amount of fat. The rest of the stuff is pretty much standard. I unfortunately couldn't try the cheeseballs that people have mentioned because I'm lactose intolerant. Sad day. 

There is a sink near the entrance so you can wash your hands if you don't need to use the bathroom since it is located outside. In the dark empty building that could easily scare you if you're a scaredy cat like me. That sink is very much appreciated.

The staff is great and very attentive! Very efficient and awesome service! We're sorry if we kept making you come back to pour tea, we wanted a whole teapot so you wouldn't have to go back and forth >..

I am a Chinese food lover and a regular Tien Tien customer. Regardless of the many visits, I am still in love with their food! I make sure to try all dishes on their menu. Last night was my first time to try fried tofu skin and spicy shrimp. Tofu Skin is very crunchy and a healthy appetizer (can be part of the main menu too!). The shrimps are very fresh and has natural spices and flavors, plus, I can't stop munching on the Yang Chao!!! Of course, my Tien Tien Hotpot experience will not be complete without the shabu-shabu! Major tip - cheese balls are to die for! A must try indeed! Two thumbs up to their friendly staff as well!

Great food and the ambiance is amazing! 

Definitely will go back with the family and whole barkada!!. :)

Kudos to the owners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!