Indulge in Chinese cuisine at the world's first and oldest Chinatown!
By: Aletheia Joy Carlos
Source: Culture Trip
As the IATF gradually lift the guidelines for Filipinos to dine outside, more and more establishments and restaurants open up to the public, even for kids. Dining outside doesn't have to be expensive as Manila Chinatown offers wide variety of affordable dishes that is good for sharing; and who doesn't miss out on Binondo's famous cuisines that captured the Filipino palate. Binondo is a district in Manila that is said to be the city's first and oldest Chinatown in the world and became the center of commerce and business for Chinese-Filipino citizens thus Manila Chinatown became well-known for its affordable and quality Chinese products and dishes. Let's go back in time and experience a glimpse of China through their food as we look into the most famous dishes in Binondo!
Here's the ultimate guide on how you can make the most out of your Binondo food crawl:
DUMPLINGS AND DIMSUM
1. Shanghai Fried Siopao (P30)
Source: Nicz Lakwatsera PH
Start of your Binondo food crawl journey with Shanghai Fried Siopao (P30); what makes it popular is that they make it from scratch every single day. Each bun is made out of 100% ground pork with the freshest vegetables with no extenders. It is said to have the biggest meat to bun ratio and served steaming hot with crunchy bottom thus the 'fried siopao'. It is located at 828 Ongpin st., Binondo. Don't miss this hidden gem as it gets packed especially during the weekend.
2. Dong Bei Dumplings (P200)
Source: The Backpack Man
Dong Bei Dumplings is an authentic Chinese dumpling and noodle shop that is originally from North East (Dong Bei) part of Mainland China. They specialized with dumplings specifically, the most popular in their menu, The Kutchay Dumplings (P200) that comes with 14 pieces of steamed dumplings staffed with pork and chives; it also comes with their signature garlicky soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce! Wanted to take it home but doesn't want it to be reheated? They also offer 30pcs Frozen Kuchay Dumplings for only P300 so you can steam and cook it at home! It is located at 642 Yuchengco st., Binondo.
3. Café Mezzanine's Xiao Long Bao (P210)
Source: Trish Posted!
Café Mezzanine is located at upper floor of the building at Ongpin st. right below is the Chuan Kee restaurant. It is known for its Chinese dishes but also for their generosity as the Mezzanine Cafe's proceeds will all be donated to Binondo Paco Volunteer Fire and Search. Not only you eat great food but also you get to help our local firemen in Binondo. Don't forget to order their famous Xiao Long Bao (P210), 10 pieces rich pork soup dumplings with ginger and soy sauce.
4. Wai Ying Fastfood's Curry Beef Siomai (P95) & Hakaw (P130)
Source: Mark Jesalva
Wai Ying Fast food is a humble shop but offers exquisite Chinese food and is located at 810 Benavidez st., Binondo. It became famous for its affordable Curry Beef Siomai (P95) that comes with 4 pieces fried siomai drenched in a savory and mild-spiced curry sauce! Also try their Hakaw (P130) which is a shrimp steamed dumpling. Although the original shop is a bit small, but it is boasting with delicious and flavorful dishes at an affordable price!
MUST TRY CHINESE DISHES
5. Sincerity Café and Restaurant's Fried Chicken (P212)
Source: Philippine Primer
Sincerity Café and Restaurant has been widely known for its fried chicken called Sincerity's Fried Chicken (P212), well this is not-your-ordinary fried chicken but it has a very crunchy exterior with moist chicken meat -- even the breast part is super juicy plus their signature Chinese spices thus tagged as "the best fried chicken in town". Located at 487 Yuchengco st., Binondo; you will be welcomed with their festive and colorful interior and this "legendary" restaurant serves delicious Chinese eats.
6. Lan Zhou La Mien (P230)
Source: Lan Zhou La Mien
Lan Zhou La Mien is a restaurant famous for its hand-pulled noodles! Hand-pulled noodles create different texture and is made by twisting, stretching and folding the dough into strands thus making it more enjoyable to eat. Their most famous La Mien is their Beef La Mien (P230) with hand-pulled noodles in soup that has tender beef and sauce toppings. It is located at 818 Benavidez st., Binondo.
7. Masuki's Special Original Mami (P165)
Source: Pinoy Recipe
Masuki Mami is a famous mami house in Binondo, what makes it popular is that they offer food that makes you have a taste of the past, being the oldest Chinatown in the world; established in the 60s they have been doing the same recipe throughout the decades. Try their Special Original Mami (P165) with slices of chicken and pork asado in a rich mami broth with asado dipping sauce. Their noodles are also hand made thus making it more authentic in taste. It is located at 931 Benavidez st., Binondo.
PASALUBONG
8. Lord Stow's Bakery's Egg Tart (P48)
Source: Zomato
Your Binondo food trip will not be complete without a dessert. Lord Stow's Bakery is an Asian icon and is famous for its "egg tart", it became famous in Macau but you can get your hands on this delicate pastry right here in Manila Chinatown. For only P48 you can taste this delicious snack, or you can get it in a box of 6 for only P280! It is located at 707 Ongpin st., Binondo.
9. Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli (P48)
Source: Yummy.ph
Eng Bee Tin is the home of the best hopia and tikoy! Not only you can find these in your local grocery store, but they have a big 2-storey mall right here in Binondo. What makes it exceptional is that they offer different kinds of hopia and tikoy flavor, anything you can think of! From the classics -- Hopia Monggo (P46) and Hopia Dice Ube (P52) to Hopia PINA (Pineapple) (P42) and Hopia Durian (P64). Their tikoy has also unique flavors such as Tikoy Pandan (P40) and Tikoy Ube (P40). Surely your hopia and tikoy dreams can be found here in Eng Bee Tin. It is located at 628 Ongpin st., Binondo.
Manila Chinatown in Binondo is very accessible to Lessandra Tanza and Lessandra Calamba in Cavite and Laguna and can be accessed via SLEX and CAVITEX in the south and what better way to start your food crawl journey in Manila than to be close to your home.
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