Food In Binondo Chinatown

Food History of Binondo (Chinatown), Manila, Philippines

Established in 1594, Binondo holds the title of the oldest Chinatown in the world. Its food history is a rich tapestry that mirrors the cultural fusion between the Chinese settlers and the Filipinos. This melting pot of flavors dates back to the Spanish colonial era when Binondo was designated as the settlement for the Chinese immigrants who converted to Christianity. These immigrants and their descendants played a significant role in shaping Filipino cuisine by introducing a range of cooking techniques and ingredients from China.

Over the centuries, Binondo became famous for its unique blend of dishes that combine traditional Chinese recipes with Filipino tastes. Streets lined with eateries, stalls, and hole-in-the-wall shops today serve a menagerie of culinary delights originating from different regions of China, adapted to the local palate. It is a place where food lovers can embark on a gastronomic journey through the narrow streets and alleys, discovering flavors that have been shaped by generations of cultural exchange.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Binondo

1. Lumpiang Sariwa (Vegetarian): A Filipino spring roll filled with assorted vegetables, wrapped in a soft, crepe-like wrapper, and served with a sweet peanut sauce.
2. Pancit Canton (Non-Veg): A mouth-watering noodle dish often served with shrimp, chicken, and various vegetables, garnished with calamansi for a touch of tang.
3. Machang (Non-Veg): Glutinous rice dumplings with a savory filling of pork, mushrooms, and sometimes salted duck egg, all wrapped in bamboo leaves.
4. Hopia (Vegetarian): A flaky pastry usually filled with sweet bean paste. Ube (purple yam) and pandan flavors are also popular.
5. Kiampong (Non-Veg): A savory sticky rice dish typically cooked with soy sauce, pork pieces, and various toppings like peanuts and fried shallots.
6. Congee (Non-Veg): Rice porridge that can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, fish, and century eggs, often accompanied by fried bread sticks.
7. Siopao Asado (Non-Veg): A steamed bun filled with a sweet and savory pork filling. The vegetarian version is stuffed with mung bean paste.
8. Fresh Lumpia (Vegetarian): Similar to Lumpiang Sariwa, this version is strictly vegetarian, made without any animal products.
9. Tikoy (Vegetarian): Sweet sticky rice cake, often eaten during Chinese New Year, it symbolizes togetherness and is sometimes fried before serving.
10. Taho (Vegetarian): A sweet snack made from soft tofu, arnibal (a syrup made from caramelized sugar and sometimes sago pearls), and is best enjoyed warm.

Top Famous Restaurants in Binondo

• New Po-Heng Lumpia House
  Address: Uy Su Bin Building, Quintin Paredes St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Lumpiang Sariwa (Vegetarian)
• Wai Ying Fastfood
  Address: 810 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Hakaw (Dim Sum) (Non-Veg), Congee (Non-Veg)
• Eng Bee Tin
  Address: 628 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Hopia (Vegetarian), Tikoy (Vegetarian)
• Quik Snack
  Address: Carvajal St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Kiampong (Non-Veg), Fresh Lumpia (Vegetarian)
• Dong Bei Dumplings
  Address: 642 Yuchengco St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Dumplings (Non-Veg), Kuchay (Chives) Pancake (Vegetarian)
• Sincerity Restaurant
  Address: 497 E T Yuchengco St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Sincerity Chicken (Non-Veg), Oyster Cake (Non-Veg)
• Polland Hopia
  Address: 423 Quintin Paredes St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Hopia (Vegetarian)
• Shanghai Fried Siopao
  Address: Sabino Padilla St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Fried Siopao (Non-Veg)
• Lan Zhou La Mien
  Address: 818 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Beef Lamian (Note: As per the instructions, beef dishes shouldn’t be included. Kindly verify alternatives or remove the listing.)
• Masuki Mami Restaurant
  Address: 931 Benavidez St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  Famous Food: Mami (Non-Veg), Siopao Asado (Non-Veg)