We all have our Metro Manila dining favorites—our go-to spots for a particular cuisine, dish, or even just for the ambiance. And for me, Jasmine at New World Makati has long held a spot in my perennial top five for Chinese Cantonese dishes. It’s comfort food for my sons, it’s consistent and dependable, and it’s a stone’s throw from where I live—okay, maybe if the Hulk were throwing the stone, but you know what I mean.

As it had been close to a year since our last visit, my boys and I joked that it was time for Jasmine’s annual check-up—our way of seeing if everything was still up to par and if it still deserved its exalted status in our private "Red Book" guide. We heard their "Weekend All You Can Eat Dim Sum" was still in effect, which was great to hear. There was also an ongoing duck promo, and since Peking duck is one of our must-haves, it looked like the stars were aligned for our Sunday lunch at Jasmine.

While we did reach back to the basics—the siu mai and har gao—the new discovery of the day was a welcome addition to our orders. The scallops and shrimp youtiao with wasabi mayo went down really well. And I was happy to return to their seafood taro puff—one of the best taro puffs you’ll find in the city.

The crispy pork belly with mustard has gotten a facelift, now served in smaller slices that make it more convenient but not as visually appealing as the old version. The Shanghainese pork dumpling, xiao long bao, is still dependable, though that dish is now served at almost every Chinese-inspired eatery.

Issa had joined us, so we ordered the half Peking duck, which, as a rule of thumb, gives you 10 to 11 wraps—good to know for future reference. Instead of opting for minced duck meat with lettuce for the second way, we ordered the deep-fried salt and pepper duck, which arrived like a duck version of spare ribs—tasty too. And yes, Jasmine’s Peking duck is one of the major reasons we keep coming back.

The duck promotion consists of:

1. Steamed truffle duck dumpling
2. Minced duck with crispy taro puff and vegetable stuffing
3. Teochew braised duck with spices
4. Kung pao duck meat with dried chili and cashew nuts
5. Fujian-style fried rice with duck meat and dried scallops

I’ve had the duck dumpling—different and a worthy selection—and the fried rice with duck meat, which leans on the wet side but offers a compelling fresh take on the fried rice that’s a must when having Chinese food. (I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those who also has to have a Coke Zero when eating Chinese.)

So as the original Bonnie Tyler song says, Jasmine is still "Simply the Best." Yes, readers, the Tina Turner version was a cover, even if it’s the one that became a global hit in 1989. And we know Tyler more for her "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (1983). A little music trivia to go along with this timely reminder that Jasmine is still a great place to head to for your Chinese dining fix.