Binondo Food Crawl | DIY Guide
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In this blog, we searched the tried-and-tested restaurants and delicacies in the world’s oldest Chinatown – Binondo, Manila. To make the experience even better, we did the food crawl on Chinese New Year.
Binondo is jam-packed during Chinese New Year. So, you need to move with or against the sea of people, wait in queue to restaurants and street stalls, and a lot of walking. Also, there will be dragon dancers, bands and fireworks all the narrow streets of Binondo.
Our group met in LRT Carriedo station. Then, we walk to Sta. Cruz Church up to Ongpin Street. This is where we started the food crawl.
We started with Shanghai Fried Siopao. This one is just a stall in Ongpin Street but should not be missed. The siopao here is fried at the bottom. Freshly made, delicious and affordable.
Our next stop is Estero Fast Food. Still in Ongpin Street. This place have several hawker style stalls situated right beside a canal. The place is not pleasing at all but if you are adventurous you should give it a try. The do serve exotic Chinese delicacies like frog legs.
In Yuchenco Street, we went to Ho-Land Hopia Bakery to buy pasalubong.
Then, we went to Binondo Church and offer a little prayer.
Right beside the church is Tasty Dumplings. Here we ordered their best seller – Porkchop and Rice.
After lunch, it’s time for coffee. We walked several blocks from Binondo Church going to Jones Bridge. Then took a left at Plaza Cervantes Street to 1919 Grand Café. This was a newly opened coffee shop in a century old building. This café got a Gatsby vibe.
Walked back to Ongpin area to try Wai Ying Fast food. Famous for their budget friendly dim sums. Their best seller is Hakaw. The restaurant is located at Benavidez Street. Unfortunately, there was a long queue when we arrived. Since we all wanted to satisfy our dim sum cravings, we decided to go to the other branch. Same street but on the other side of Recto, away from the crowd. We ended our food crawl here.
There are too many hidden gems in Binondo to fit in a day. We went back on a different day to try more Chinese cuisine.
First on our list is Dong Bei Dumplings. We wanted to try their specialty, northern Chinese dumplings. The best is the one with pork and Chives filling. In Dong Bei dumplings, dumplings are freshly made on-site using traditional techniques.
Next stop, Café Mezzanine. Known as the firemen’s cafe. Part of the earnings in this restaurant goes to the volunteer firefighters of Binondo. We ordered Kiampong Rice, Kikiam, Xiao Long Bao and Lava Pao. This costs us around Php600.00.
Binondo is an old busy district. Most of the restaurants here are hidden between old and narrow buildings with faded signages. This makes it harder to locate the restaurants. Also, restaurants in Binondo have small, tight spaces. Some are not even air-conditioned. So expect nothing fancy in this place but only delicious authentic Chinese delicacies.
WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE
Recently, we went back to Binondo for another food crawl. This time, our goal was to revisit some favorites and hopefully try new restaurants around the area.
We started our food crawl with a fluffy steamed bun from the famous Shanghai Fried Siopao. Eventhough the price increased from Php22.00 to Php35.00 apiece. Shanghai Fried Siopao is still a must-try when in Binondo.
Next stop New Po Heng Lumpia House. We went for a quick bite of New Po Heng’s specialty - Lumpia or Spring roll. New Po Heng Lumpia House food stall was hidden in narrow alley of Carvajal Street. Lumpia costs Php95.00 and Php80.00 for senior citizen or PWD.
New Po Heng Lumpia House doesn’t have a dining area on their new site. We ate the lumpia standing in the alley with street art in the background.
Then, we ate our main meal at Café Mezzanine. The restaurant is in the corner of Ongpin and Yuchenco Street. Known for its delectable and affordable Chinese cuisines.
Café Mezzanine’s menu includes all day breakfast, short orders and dim sums.
We’ve ordered our favorites here: Xiao Long Bao,
Kikiam partnered by Kiampong Rice.
We also tried their Lechon Kawali.
For desserts, we got the Lava Pao.
Our last stop was Dong Bei Dumplings. Before this restaurant has a small dining are. But during our last visit, they only accepts take-outs. 14 pieces of Dong Bei’s famous dumplings costs Php200.00.
WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BINONDO
The best time to visit Binondo is during Chinese New Year. This usually falls between January 21 and February 20. If you want to avoid the crowd and still experience Binondo Food Crawl. Binondo is open all year round. I recommend going Saturday morning to avoid weekday and Sunday traffic.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO BINONDO
Comfortable outfit
Sneakers / Sandals / Slippers
Protection from the sun
Camera / Action Cam
Batteries /Memory Cards
Powerbank
Bag
Tumbler
HOW TO GET TO BINONDO FROM MAKATI
From Ayala MRT station, ride the train going south to Taft Avenue (Last Station). Transfer to LRT EDSA Station. Alight at Carriedo Station. Exit Carriedo Station and follow Carriedo Street to Sta. Cruz Church. On the other side of Sta. Cruz Church, cross Plaza Sta. Cruz (Bustos St. and Ronquillo Street) to Ongpin Street.
The estimated budget for a day in Binondo is Php1,500.00. Most Restaurants in Binondo are affordable. You can get a decent meal below Php200.00. You can lower the cost if you go with a partner or a group to share the cost of the food.
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING BINONDO
Do not bring/wear valuables when roaming Binondo.
Majority of the restaurants are cash basis.
There are plenty of ATMs in the area.
Signal is not a problem in this area.
BINONDO TRAVEL TIPS
I recommend to try this during Chinese New Year. But if you want to avoid crowd, go Saturday morning. Avoid Sundays.
Parking is a problem here. If you have a car, usually you need to leave it near the church or park on malls nearby.
Wear something comfortable.
Even if Binondo is a tourist spot, be mindful of your surroundings and take care of your belongings.
For me, Ho-Land is still the best Hopia.
If you plan to go to churches and temples, wear appropriate clothing.
Men can wear shorts and slippers.
Women should avoid skimpy outfits.
If it cannot be avoided, bring a sarong, malong or something equivalent to cover before going in.
Always bring loose change for convenience when paying especially when traveling.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
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