Just so you know, you’ll always find a Chinatown in large cities and countries around the Globe. And here in Manila, it’s Binondo. We’ll change the format of this Local Scene post and focus solely on the food scene in Binondo.
Last week, I had the opportunity to talk to a friend’s friend who is a long-time Binondo resident (as in forever). He was so generous in his information and divulged to the group the best places to eat in Chinatown.
It seems somewhat unnecessary to write a post about the Binondo food scene as any part or restaurant in Binondo could be considered a foodie haven. Take for example a Binondo newbie being dropped off somewhere along Ongpin, I would bet my one week’s salary that after a few minutes of walking, would have no trouble finding a good restaurant that serves the best dimsum and congee.
Almost all the restaurants in Binondo are good which is why I’ve asked this Binondo insider to come up with a list of a few tried and tested restos that residents return to again and again.
THE LIST (his own handwriting)
written at the back of my grocery receipts
This is his list of Top 15 restaurants with their specialties:
- Emperor Kingdom (Raon St. corner F. Torres)–Misua
- Kim Hiong (Ongpin Street near Sta. Cruz Church)–Fried Tofu and Beef Noodles
- Toho Restaurant (T. Pinpin Street)–Lumpiang Shanghai
- Ang Tunay Restaurant (S. Padilla Street)–Special Black Chicken Soup
- Siao Chun Yuan (S. Padilla beside Seattle’s Best)– Original Ma-Kut Soup (Bone Soup)
- Uno Restaurant (Escolta)–Chicken Pie and the Freshest Seafoods
- Spring Restaurant (Ongpin)–Congee and Pork Tausi
- Bee Tin Store, not Eng Bee Tine (Ongpin)–Masang (ground or flaked pork)
- Lazhou La Mien Noodle House (Masangkay/Salazar)–hand-Pulled Noodles
- Maxim’s (Ongpin)–Dimsum
- Delicious Restaurant (F. Torres)–Special Bihon, Beek maki, Sweet & Sour Liver
- Golden Fortune (Soler St.)–Breakfast Dimsums, Misua, Kiampong (special rice), Coffee
- The President (Ongpin)–All-time favorite Chinese dishes
- Maniosa (Ongpin)–Special maki
- Estero Restaurants (Ongpin)–Turo-turo Chinese Style
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I miss Binondo. We went there on a Food Walk/Wok during our anniversary. Yummy ng food, pero medyo mahal nga. Parang mas mapaparami ang kain kung kami na pupunta sa restaurants without the tour guide. Will copy your friend’s list.
Oh my, Estero Restaurants pa lang nattry ko hahaha! I’ll bookmark your site, if ever may Binondo food trip kami…
I’ve been to a Chinese resto around the around just one. An church friend took me there (I forgot the name of the resto) and I tasted the best pansit canton ever. Masarap din ang siopao nila! As in! Unforgettable!!
I haven’t been to Binondo in ages! Thank you for this list. I love lists and a Binondo-insider Restaurant list is a winner in my book.
Wow! Thanks for the list. I saved one for future reference. I have been to a couple of restaurants in Binondo but I could not recall anymore the name of the place. On my next visit to Binondo, I will bring the list with me.
I’ve been to Binondo several times, but I haven’t gone foodtripping there yet.. D: Would love to check all those places out for their food specialty item!
Thanks for sharing this!
Grabe, tagal ko na gusto mag-Binondo food trip din. Try ko itong mga restaurants sa list.:)