Hotpot Session at Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines

    For our family, hot pot is always a good idea; bring us good broth with tons of balls and we’re good to go. Another thing that excites us would be the quality of their dipping sauces; peanut sauce for the kids (who are real sticklers on the taste) & sate sauce for the husband. Anyone would agree that these are the trifecta of any good hotpot experience.

Gloria Maris Hotpot has been in our to-go list ever since, even before the pandemic. Experiencing the traffic along EDSA made us all famished by the time we arrived. Hubby was all business and without any qualms, ordered one of the pre-sorted sets for 4 people (Php 2,800). 

Yes, you read it right. We got a set for 4 and all of the servers were going, 

“Sir, madami yan. Kaya for kahit 6 people. Baka hindi ninyo maubos kasi 2 bata po kasama ninyo, technically 2 lang po kaya in Ma’am”. 

Pork bone on the left; Sate on the right

Veggies, tofu, corn, Gabri, noodles

Shrimps, balls, meat, kani, and maybe a few of Ariel’s friends

And they were right!! Hahaha

Disappointing Night at Gloria Maris, CCP Complex

A Chinese Celebration for a Chinese Birthday. Where else do you hold such a party? For traditional Chinese, the answer is Gloria Maris, CCP Complex.

Gloria Maris Entrance

The red carpet stairs and walled aquariums leads you to a spacious area which can house approximately 200+ guests. Whew! No wonder this restaurant is known for hosting wedding receptions and big birthday parties. 

The usual dim yellow lights are littered across the ceiling. The tables are covered with pink & red tablecloths. Napkins shaped like bishop hats adorn the tables.  For intimate functions, you can have them set up screen separators for more privacy. Major gripe? Our table napkins and tablecloths have holes! Tsk tsk. For a classy and big restaurant such as this, that is a big no-no. Should've known that this was a sign of bad things to come. Sigh.