Craving for Authentic Chinese Food? Try These

(Originally published: January 25, 2019 )

Are you yearning for an authentic Chinese culinary experience? If you're seeking a dining option beyond the familiar Chowking, it's time to explore other enticing venues.

However, let me offer you a suggestion: why not gather a group to join you? While indulging in a meal alone can be a delightful solitary experience, it may not be the most budget-friendly option. By sharing the experience with friends or family, you can divide the expenses, making it lighter on your wallet.

For a unique gastronomic adventure, consider venturing into the realm of hidden gems. Often, the most delectable dishes can be found in hole-in-the-wall establishments, outside the confines of your usual dining spots. In particular, a trip to Binondo, known as Manila's Chinatown, can fulfill your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine.

So, if you're ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey, gather your loved ones, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and savor the delights of Chinese cuisine without straining your budget. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction will be worth every bite.

Go to Chinatown

When it comes to authentic Chinese cuisine in Metro Manila, there's no better place to visit than the vibrant and historic district of Binondo, fondly known as Chinatown. Start your adventure by immersing yourselves in the charm of Old Manila, exploring its rich history on foot and building up your appetite along the way.

Fun fact: Binondo holds the distinction of being the first Chinese settlement in the Philippines, dating back to the Spanish era. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a bustling center of commerce and trade, making it the oldest Chinatown in the world.

During the festive Christmas season, my brother, his wife, and I had the pleasure of venturing into the heart of Binondo.

New Po Heng Lumpia House
New Location: 621 Carvajal St. Binondo

New Po Heng serves a tasty, slightly sweet, and sizeable fresh lumpia (spring roll; Hokkien: lunpia 潤餅). For Php85 you get a big serving of delicious veggies with crushed peanuts, bihon and sugar, rolled and wrapped in a lumpia wrapper.

Though many people love their sweet lumpia, it is not everybody’s thing. But a little drop of some condiments may adjust the flavor.

This family-owned eatery was once located in the courtyard of the Uysubin Building but because of a building demolition, they moved to a different location, which is just a stone's throw away from where it once was. Its new location is at:

621 Carvajal St. Binondo 

If you’ve been to its former location, you just have to cross the street where you will see the Sterling Bank of Asia. There is a small alley there that reminds me of some old Chinese action films where actors and villains fight and jump from one building to another.

Carvajal St. is said to be one of Binondo’s foodie destinations for some inexpensive Chinese snacks. But I have to explore one of these days.

Lan Zhou La Mien
818 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila 

To warm your tummy, you can have a hearty bowl of some hand-pulled noodles at Lan Zhou La Mien, which is reputed to serve the best noodles in Binondo.

The secret ingredients: the la mien (hand-pulled noodles), of course. La mien or la mian is a type of Chinese noodles made by repeatedly stretching the dough.

I tried their beef la mien. It is indeed good. The beef is perfectly cooked and the broth is so delicious.

The resto is often flocked by la mien lovers you may have to wait before you can get a table. If you want to dodge the crowd, the best time to go there would be during the mornings and evenings before closing time.

Wai Ying Fastfood
810 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila

Enjoy an authentic Chinese dim sum (Chinese: 點心) at Wai Ying Fastfood.

At first glance, the appearance of this place might not immediately impress you, and if you've read some reviews, you might even consider it a major turn-off, especially if cleanliness is a top priority for you. However, let me assure you that despite any initial reservations, the food served here is nothing short of amazing.

While they are renowned for their delectable dim sum offerings, there is one dish that truly stands out and deserves special recognition: the curry beef brisket. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized by its exceptional flavor and tender texture.

So, if you can look past the initial aesthetics and prioritize the incredible taste and quality of the food, I highly recommend giving this place a chance. Trust me, the delicious culinary experience will more than compensate for any reservations you may have.

Eng Bee Tin

Never go home from Chinatown without dropping by Eng Bee Tin.

If you are a hopia lover, you should be familiar of Eng Bee Tin.

It is a Chinese Deli that is selling the best hopia I’ve tasted so far. Though they are selling numerous Chinese delicacies, they are known for their hopia.

Hopia (Chinese: 好餅) means good pastry. It was first introduced to the Philippines by Fujianese immigrants from China. It is a moon cake-like treat that comes in various filling.

The traditional Filipino hopia fillings are mung beans (mongo), pork (baboy), purple yam (ube) and winter melon (kundol). However, Eng Bee Tin offers more variants. My ultimate choice though is their Custard Classic flavor (Php56) because of its creamy texture and its sweetness. I also love their Hopia Kundol (Php48).

When it comes to hopia, Eng Bee Tin's version may come with a higher price tag compared to the typical ones you find. However, each pack you open is a delightful indulgence that guarantees to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

If you happen to be far away from Binondo or don't have an Eng Bee Tin branch conveniently located in your area, there's good news. You can still enjoy their delicious hopia by simply ordering through their online shop. This way, you can have these delightful treats delivered right to your doorstep, ensuring you don't miss out on their scrumptious flavors and the joy they bring.

Hap Chan

If a trip to Binondo feels like too much of a hassle, consider heading to Hap Chan instead. Here, you can savor the same authentic Chinese flavors and dining experience without the need to travel all the way to Old Manila.

While Hap Chan's food may not come at bargain prices, they are reasonably priced for the quality and taste they offer. Plus, their generous servings are perfect for satisfying the appetites of 2-3 hungry individuals.

Among their wide array of dishes, there is one that truly stood out for me: their mouthwatering beef brisket. Prepared to perfection, it is incredibly tender and bursting with flavorful goodness.

It's worth noting that Hap Chan is a renowned Chinese restaurant chain that originated in the late 90s as a humble tea house in Manila. Since then, it has gained popularity for its dedication to serving delicious Chinese cuisine and providing an enjoyable dining experience.

So, if you're craving authentic Chinese flavors but prefer a more convenient dining option, Hap Chan is an excellent choice. Indulge in their delectable offerings and experience the culinary delights that have made them a beloved name in the local dining scene.

Indulging in an authentic Chinese meal doesn't have to be a budget-busting experience. Gather your friends or family, embark on an adventure to discover hidden gems, and embrace the concept of splitting the bill. By venturing off the beaten path and trying unique eateries, you can savor delicious cuisine without straining your wallet. So why not gather your loved ones, embark on a culinary journey, and relish the flavors of China without breaking the bank?