Quick Chinatown Food Trip at Binondo, Manila

The Chinese has a very obvious and wide influence in the Filipino Cuisine. It is evident in our dishes like the pancit, lumpia, siopao, and siomai that we have adapted and Filipinized. We have developed a strong liking for the dishes that we serve and eat them often. We even created some regional variations, which is true with pancit. Our familiarity to these food, made us feel that they are our own and we have forgotten its rich history.

For some dose of authentic Chinese food, the best place to go is Binondo in Manila, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Going to this part of Manila gets you acquainted not only with the Chinese cuisine but it will take you back to our history.

The district is a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spanish colonization. It was the center of commerce and trade back then. So, I guess, it is safe to say that it was once a Makati during that era.

You'll appreciate Binondo by foot. That is a good way to use up all the food you eat along the way to energy.

New Po Heng Lumpia House

531 Quintin Paredes Street, Binondo Manila 

New Po Heng Lumpia House Facebook page

There is nothing extraordinary about the place because it looks like a typical karenderia. And you have to pass a dark hall first that makes you feel danger is lurking inside, made me imagine of old dingy building in some Chinese horror movies. But never ever judge a place on how it looks because this Chinese restaurant serves the best fresh lumpia for P50 only!

I can taste some veggies, tofu, nuts and sugar in every bite. It is complemented with it's sweet sticky sauce. 

One serving of the fresh lumpia is enough to fill you up. But because it is delicious, you feel like eating more.

Wai Ying Fastfood

810 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila

Phone:(02) 242 0310

I visited this restaurant couple of years ago. It  haven't change a bit. 

The moment you reach the resto, some roasted braised ducks hanging in the window will great you. You stepped in the building with the aroma of some Chinese food filling your nostrils.

This place never runs out of people. It is always one of the busy establishments in Binondo. Since we are quite a large group, we had to wait for like 20 minutes before we got seated. The waiting was worth while nevertheless.

I ordered a curry beef brisket with rice (P140), which is bomb! The beef is very tender and the sauce is very tasty. Usually, curry has a very strong taste but not this one, which is what I love. The serving is quite generous and can be shared for two people unless you are very hungry.

Since the resto is really known for its dim sum, it is a must to order one. I had a serving of hakaw (P80), which is a steamed dim sum consist mainly of shrimp. 

Our table was a colorful selection of Chinese food. There are rice toppings, noodles, pork buns, and dim sum galore.

pork buns

chicken noodles

We left the resto a pound heavier. 

Eng Bee Tin

Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila

Phone:(02) 242 2289

http://www.engbeetin.com/ 

      

Eng Bee Tin's hopia has personally become my standard of a good hopia. And so do you, I believe. If you've tried it, I am quite sure, you will not be looking and eating for another brand of hopia again. I just found a new favorite: custard hopia (P50). I regretted not having tried the hopia buko custard.

Hopia display rack at Eng Bee Tin

What's great about the custard hopia is its lingering sweetness. It is soft compared to the usual hopia hence, it is best stored in the fridge. It is nice pairing it with a dark bitter coffee or tea.

Eng Bee Tin also offer tikoy and moon cakes. But other than these delicious Chinese pastries, the place welcomes diners too, They have interesting menu that's worthy for another visit.

Classic Custard Hopia from Eng Bee Tin