I've been asking my wife and my friends to go to Manila and visit Binondo for a gastronomic experience. Living in Taguig makes us a little lazy to travel to the busiest city in the metro. But hey, we finally decided to go after years of "yayaan". Ha ha ha!
So last February I got to experience to stroll-and-eat in Binondo, Manila. It was my first time and it was worthy to try!
ABOUT BINONDO
Binondo is a district in Manila and is referred to as the city's Chinatown. Its influence extends beyond to the places of Quiapo, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas and Tondo. Binondo, established in 1594, is recognized as the world's oldest Chinatown.
Some of the notable places in Binondo are Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo Church, Escolta Street, and Ongpin Street.
Today, the district leads the development in the City of Manila.
Binondo is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive.
HOW TO GET TO BINONDO
Going to Binondo, Manila is made easy because of Metro Manila's transport system - where you can ride any of the following mode of transportation:
Via Train
If you are coming from North (Caloocan City) and from the South (Paranaque/Pasay), you can take LRT1 and drop off Carriedo station. Turn left at Rizal Avenue, and walk past Sta. Cruz Church towards Bustos. Turn left at Bustos, and walk about 1 block until you get to Ongpin. Chinatown begins there, right behind Sta. Cruz Church.
Nearest Train Station: LRT1-Carriedo
Via Bus
If you are coming from North (Quezon City), you can take a bus ride en route to Sta. Cruz, Manila or if you are from the South (Muntinlupa), you can take a bus ride en route to Lawton, then a jeepney ride to Sta. Cruz. Then take a short walk as previously suggested above.
Via UV Express
UV express is another option going to Binondo. Here are the available UV Express Routes: Divisoria-Roxas Blvd./Baclaran; Divisoria-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran
Via Jeepney
Here are the following jeepney routes you can take going to Binondo: Cubao-Divisoria; Divisoria-Roxas Blvd./Baclaran; Divisoria-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran; Espana-Divisoria; Morayta-Divisoria; North Avenue-Sta. Cruz; San Juan-Divisoria; Sta. Cruz-Binondo/Divisoria; Sta. Cruz-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran
GETTING AROUND BINONDO
Since Binondo is one of the smallest districts in Manila, with 0.66 km2 total area, it's easy to walk around in it just like what me and my friends did during our food crawl.
Here's your quick guide to Binondo's food places.
Lucky Chinatown
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| Lucky Chinatown |
First of, me, my wife and my friends went off to Lucky Chinatown, one of the newest malls in Binondo.
Here we got to try a seafood shabu-shabu from one of the stalls standing near the mall entrance along their outdoor alley. (I'm sorry but I didn't get the name of the stall.)
🍢 Shabu-shabu at Lucky Chinatown GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW MY FOODVENTURES 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020
Then, we found another stall nearby that sells Japanese cake (hot cake)
Whil's Wheel Cake (Japanese HotCake) GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW ME 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020
New Po Heng Lumpia House
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| Along Carvajal St. |
🌯 New Po Heng Lumpia House GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW MY FOODVENTURES 👉...Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020
Their lumpia is made of shredded vegetables and some nuts and best partnered to their very own sauce. The serving is big enough to one person or for sharing. Enjoy it for P95 per serving.
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| New Po Heng Lumpia House Menu |
They also serve Chinese noodle-based food.
Located along Ongpin St., cafe is owned by famous Chinese delicacy brand Eng Bee Tin. It is located at 2nd level of the building where its name was taken from.
This Chinese delicacy store is scattered not only in Manila but in the whole metro, too. They became famous especially with their noodle soup such as Laksas and Wantons.
Eng Bee Tin is known for their different kinds of hopia and tikoy which are both Chinese-originated snacks and are famous here in the Philippines.
Last but not the least, after a few hours of walking and hopping, we ended here to check out their specialty - Crispy Frog Legs. Yes, a fried leg of frog.
Although we've visited a few restaurants and tried their food in the area, there are still a lot to discover yet. Everyone is welcome to recommend a place.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.
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Cafe Mezzanine
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| Inside Cafe Mezzanine |
After our 2 stops, we sat down here and waited for our orders. What we tried here are, of course, their famous Xiao Long Bao (my first time), siomai and some cold and hot drinks to complement our food.
The four of us were overwhelmed with the serving. Good thing we got a lot of tummy space for this. Hahaha The food tasted really good and filled us.
The restaurant has dedicated itself to supporting the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade to continue its volunteerism and valuable service to the community.
Mr. Ube
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| Mr. Ube at Ongpin St. |
Some of Eng Bee Tin's products are sold here, too.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comEng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
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| Eng Bee Tin along Ongpin St. |
The building houses some of their merchandise and services. The first level is where you can shop your favorite Eng Bee Tin products.
Of course, I mustn't miss to take home a moon cake from here. 🥮 GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW ME 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020
Take the escalator and it will take you to their Great Buddha Cafe. At the 3rd level is their own museum which was under construction when we visited.
The Great Buddha Cafe (2nd level) They are also constructing a museum at 3rd level. GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020
This one in Binondo is the main branch of this Chinese deli chain.
Estero Fastfood
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| Estero Fastfood |
Many say it just tastes like chicken meat. But I must admit that it is tastier than fried chicken. I don't know, maybe it's just how they cooked it. It was not only crispy but juicy, too.
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| Estero Fastfood Menu |
We also tried their Tortang Tahong.
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| Manila Chinatown |
Here's the summary list of the restaurants and food places:
- 🍢 Shabu-shabu at Lucky Chinatown
- 🧇 Whil's Wheel Cake
- 🌯 New Po Heng Lumpia House
- ☕ Cafe Mezzanine
- 🥮 Mr. Ube
- 🥠 Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
- 🐸 Fried Frog Legs at Estero Fastfood
Below is the food map we used as guide for our Binondo Foodtrip (click the BLUE PINS to see each food places):
You will notice that most of the food places are located along the Ongpin St. in the heart of Binondo.
Which of these have you tried yet? Let us know in the comment box below! :)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Binondo
- What is Binondo known for?
Binondo is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive. Noted residents include St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the Filipino protomartyr, and Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, founder of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary. - Where is the oldest Chinatown in the world?
The development of most Chinatowns typically resulted from mass migration to an area without any or with very few Chinese residents. Binondo in Manila, established in 1594, is recognized as the world's oldest Chinatown. - Is Binondo Manila safe?
It is safe for groups for sure, daytime, even in the evenings is safe. over a year ago. people in Binondo Chinatown are friendly... it is generally safe...
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WHERE TO STAY IN BINONDO:
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