Cebu has always been known as a culinary destination, but Mott 32 has elevated the city’s dining scene to new heights. Located within NUSTAR Resort and Casino, the luxury integrated resort features a casino and a hotel in Cebu City that offers top-tier accommodations for travelers. It also boasts world-class dining options, with this award-winning restaurant standing out as one of the resort’s premier culinary experiences.
Originating from Hong Kong, Mott 32 has established a global presence with branches in Las Vegas, Singapore, Vancouver, and beyond. Now, Filipino diners can experience its blend of traditional Chinese cuisine, modern cooking techniques, and premium ingredients right in the Queen City of the South. Mott 32 in NUSTAR is the only Mott 32 in the Philippines, which further gives the dining experience an indulgent feel.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the must-try dishes that have earned this restaurant its worldwide acclaim.
1. Signature Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck
No trip to Mott 32 is complete without their signature Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck. This dish undergoes a meticulous 48-hour preparation process that ensures the skin is incredibly crisp while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. The use of apple wood in the roasting imparts a delicate, smoky aroma that makes this duck truly unique.
The carving itself is a performance. Using a specialized technique developed by the restaurant’s founders, the chef expertly slices the duck in a way that locks in all the natural juices. It’s then served with freshly steamed pancakes, thinly sliced cucumber and scallions, raw cane sugar, and a house-made special hoisin sauce. Each bite brings together sweet, savory, and smoky elements in a feast fit for royalty.
Take note that because of the time-intensive preparation, this dish is available only in limited quantities and requires advance pre-ordering.
2. Peking Style Spicy Crispy Duck Rack
Once you’ve enjoyed the Peking Duck in its classic form, you can elevate the experience further with the Peking Style Spicy Crispy Duck Rack as a second course. Instead of letting any part of the duck go to waste, the rack is prepared separately with bold spices and fried until crispy. The result is a fiery, crunchy dish that offers a completely different flavor profile from the elegant first course.
3. Barbecue Iberico Pork
The Barbecue Iberico Pork is another Mott 32 signature item that has earned global recognition. Unlike ordinary pork barbecue, this dish uses the highly prized pork from Spain’s Iberico pigs. Known for its marbling and rich flavor, Iberico pork delivers a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that sets it apart from any pork dish you’ve likely tried before.
At Mott 32, the pork is marinated and barbecued to perfection, offering a sweet, smoky, and savory balance that feels elevated. For pork-loving Filipinos, this is a must-order to see just how far barbecue can be taken.
4. Soft Quail Egg, Iberico Pork, and Black Truffle Siu Mai
Dim sum gets a luxurious upgrade with the Soft Quail Egg, Iberico Pork, and Black Truffle Siu Mai. This dish takes the familiar siu mai dumpling and elevates it with Iberico pork, earthy black truffle, and the addition of a perfectly cooked quail egg inside.
Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture: the richness of the pork, the subtle creaminess of the quail egg, and the aromatic depth of the truffle. It’s a small bite that captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine reimagined with premium ingredients.
5. Signature Smoked Black Cod
Seafood lovers will want to try the Signature Smoked Black Cod, a dish that highlights the delicate yet indulgent flavors of premium cod. The fish is marinated and smoked, giving it a subtle smokiness while keeping the flesh buttery and moist.
6. Crabmeat Fried Rice with Flying Fish Roe
Rice is a must at any Filipino table, and Mott 32’s Crabmeat Fried Rice with Flying Fish Roe transforms this comfort staple into something truly memorable. Generous chunks of fresh crabmeat are folded into fragrant fried rice, while flying fish roe adds pops of briny crunch with every bite.
It’s satisfying enough to stand on its own but also serves as the perfect pairing to many of the restaurant’s meat and seafood main courses. For Filipinos who can’t imagine a meal without rice, this dish is the ideal bridge between comfort and indulgence.
7. Signature Lobster “Ma Po Tofu”
The classic Sichuan Ma Po Tofu is reimagined at Mott 32 with the addition of premium lobster. The silky tofu soaks up the spicy, numbing sauce, while the lobster adds sweetness and depth. This balance of spice, umami, and seafood luxury makes the dish both comforting and extravagant. For those who enjoy bold flavors and are looking for something truly unique, this is one of the restaurant’s standout creations.
8. Stir-Fried Assorted Mushrooms, Asparagus, Crispy Enoki, Black Truffle Sauce
Not every memorable dish at Mott 32 involves meat or seafood. The Stir-Fried Assorted Mushrooms, Asparagus, Crispy Enoki, and Black Truffle Sauce is a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on richness.
The variety of mushrooms provides depth and umami, the asparagus adds freshness, while the crispy enoki brings crunch. The black truffle sauce ties everything together with an earthy, indulgent flavor. It’s proof that even vegetable dishes at Mott 32 can feel like a luxury experience.
Where Long-Held Traditions Meet Modern Indulgence
When you dine at Mott 32, expect more than scrumptious meals but an experience that combines artistry, tradition, and innovation. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, every dish is designed to impress the senses and create lasting memories. Make sure to book ahead, as seats and specialties are in high demand.
