Medical sites on the Internet confirm that something called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” actually exists. It is a collection of symptoms one is said to experience after consuming too much Chinese food. People affected by Chinese Food Syndrome feel one or more of the following: chest pain, dizziness, headache, sweating, a sense of facial pressure, and numbness around the mouth area. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive that is commonly linked to mainstream Chinese cuisine, is said to be the substance that causes this condition. While links between MSG and these symptoms have yet to be definitively proven, Chinese cuisine has taken quite a big hit because of it.
Joshua Tiu, proprietor of Zong Restaurant, wants to change these negative assumptions about Chinese food and, in fact, promote it as a healthy eating option. “I want to showcase that Chinese cooking is actually healthy. We have this idea that Chinese cuisine is greasy, and that it’s laden with extenders; but it’s really the opposite. When you go to China and Hong Kong it’s all about how fresh the ingredients are and that’s how we want to showcase our food to the world. We want to say: ‘Hey, we’re not all about greasy food, MSG, and stereotypical Chinese takeout.’” Rest assured patrons of his establishment will not suffer from any symptoms of Chinese Food Syndrome because Zong follows a strict “no-MSG” policy.
Joshua, whose family has been in the food industry for over 30 years, has maintained this attitude towards his restaurant for the past decade while observing certain changes in the dining scene. “I noticed a trend of slash discounting and slash pricing in restaurants with the economic downturn. I think that this sends the wrong message about the restaurant industry.” With regards to the restaurant industry, he says, “It’s all about good food and good company, so it’s not automatic that you get better quality for higher prices. I think it has more to do with the quality of the ingredients, keeping things modern while preserving classical methods of cooking, and creating an authentic ambience.”
The Zong food philosophy adheres to the concept of yin and yang, where a balance of these forces can also be achieved through what one eats. Certain dishes possess either yin or yang elements, and a variety of them are available at Zong. A cold cuts platter, for example, offers yin, or cooling properties, something that pairs well with a deep-fried dish possessing warming yang qualities. The challenge is to adopt a diet that contains a healthy balance of the two. It’s much easier, and much more fun, to eat healthy and balanced rather than take medicines and supplements. It’s a lot yummier, too.
Joshua also adds that consumer interaction is what completes his perspective as a restaurateur. In the past, comment cards and suggestion slips would have been passed to customers for feedback. Now, Zong has an all-new interactive website where Chinese cuisine-loving netizens can take a more hands-on approach to finding the perfect, balanced diet. From researching menus and suggesting dishes to breaking open a virtual fortune cookie, the new Zong website is a fun way to enjoy authentic Chinese cooking.
“We created the interactive website because we didn’t want to have just an informational one. We have to engage our customers, give them something to play with. We’re hoping that people who visit our website will say ‘Hey, these guys are really thinking about their dishes and the concepts that they’re putting out,’” says Joshua.
Logging in and becoming a part of the virtual Zong community also gives users the chance to win prizes, like gift certificates and free meals. It’s safe to assume that Zong and Joshua understand that winning stuff once in a while is good for a person’s yin/yang balance.
But mainly, Zong is about achieving this balance through nourishment. Its wide range of dishes made from only the freshest ingredients makes the transition to this Zen style of eating that much easier.
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Now you can enjoy Zong in the comfort of your home. City Delivery allows for home delivery options from Zong’s Alabang, Quezon City, and Fort Bonifacio branches. Don’t forget to check out the new Zong interactive website, www.zong.com.ph.
E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.