Binondo Food Trip 2024 Guide: Where and What to Eat | Guide to the Philippines (original) (raw)
Photos by Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant and @bors.jd on Instagram
Discover Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown and a must-visit destination in Manila City, for a cultural and culinary adventure like no other! Known for its vibrant streets and rich heritage, Binondo offers a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It offers one of the top experiences in the city, alongside the walking tour or bike adventure through the historic Walled City of Intramuros.
As you wander through Binondo Chinatown's bustling streets, you'll find a mix of iconic tea houses, renowned restaurants, and tempting hawker-style food stalls, each offering a delicious taste of Chinese and Filipino cuisine. Whether you're craving authentic dim sum or want to sample Filipino-Chinese fusion dishes, Binondo Chinatown has it all. For those seeking variety, there are also hidden gems serving international fare.
No matter your budget or food preferences, you’ll never run out of choices here. Joining a Binondo Chinatown food tour is recommended to help you explore every culinary nook and cranny.
To make the most of your Binondo Chinatown food trip in Manila City, here are the top 12 must-try restaurants and food establishments that have stood the test of time, perfect for an unforgettable food crawl during your getaway.
12. Lan Zhou La Mien
Photo by Lan Zhou La Mien
Lan Zhou La Mien is a hidden gem in Binondo Chinatown, famous for its authentic Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. Their signature lamien noodles are a must-try, expertly crafted by pulling and stretching dough into long, delicate strands—a mesmerizing process you can watch unfold in the kitchen.
Each generously portioned bowl is perfect for sharing between two or three people, filled with tender slices of your chosen meat and crisp vegetables, all swimming in a rich, savory broth. And the best part? You can ask for unlimited broth refills to keep the comforting flavors coming! Don't miss the chance to indulge in this one-of-a-kind noodle experience.
Address: 1356 Masangkay St, Binondo and Lucky Chinatown Mall
11. The Great Buddha Cafe
Photo by The Great Buddha Cafe
The Great Buddha Cafe is a cozy, must-visit Chinese restaurant that promises not just delicious food, but an unforgettable dining experience. Located on the second floor of Eng Bee Tin’s flagship hopia store, the café is home to a majestic 1.2-ton golden Buddha, symbolizing happiness and fulfillment—perfectly reflecting the satisfaction you'll feel after a meal here.
With its luxurious violet and gold interiors, reminiscent of both Eng Bee Tin and its sister restaurant Café Mezzanine, the atmosphere is as inviting as the food.
Their menu offers six main categories of mouthwatering dishes, with crowd favorites like tender beef tendon, flavorful clay pot rice, pork & shrimp siomai, delicate shrimp hakaw, savory xiao long bao, and the crispy goodness of ham sui kok. Every bite is a celebration of Chinese culinary tradition!
Address: 2F UBE Tower, 628 Ongpin St, Binondo
10. Tasty Dumplings
Photo by @mrvcnon on Instagram
Satisfy your dumpling cravings at Tasty Dumplings, a beloved two-floor spot known for serving up some of the best dim sum in Binondo Chinatown! With an array of delicious options—whether steamed, fried, or pan-seared—there’s something for every dumpling lover, all at wallet-friendly prices.
But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! Be sure to try their mouthwatering fried pork chop, juicy fried meatball rice, savory spare ribs rice, and flavorful chicken leg rice, each dish packed with bold flavors.
If you’re in the mood for something comforting, their dumpling soup and meatball soup are perfect bowls of warmth. Tasty Dumplings is your go-to for an authentic, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes!
Address: Wellington Building, Norberto Ty St, Binondo
9. Chuan Kee Binondo and Cafe Mezzanine
Photo by Chuan Kee Binondo
Step into history at Chuan Kee Binondo, the oldest fast-food joint in Binondo Chinatown, serving up authentic, freshly-made Chinese dishes for over 70 years. This iconic spot offers a true taste of Binondo Chinatown’s vibrant food scene. Located next to the legendary hopia shop Eng Bee Tin and beneath the upscale Café Mezzanine, this culinary trio is a must-visit for food lovers.
At Chuan Kee, the dim sum specials are not to be missed—savor the rich flavors of xiao long bao, shrimp hakaw, and pork dumplings. For the adventurous foodie, dive into their famous Soup No. 5 or try the unique flavors of kiampong and gokong. Don’t forget to check out their hearty rice toppings, including tender beef tendon and succulent steamed chicken.
Upstairs at Café Mezzanine, you’ll find an extensive menu filled with dim sum delights like lava pao, shrimp dumplings, and xiao long bao, as well as savory entrées such as beef broccoli and chop suey. Whether you're craving comfort food or an elevated dining experience, this Binondo Chinatown gem has it all!
Address: 650 Ongpin St, Binondo
8. Masuki
Photo by Masuki
Masuki, the "younger" sibling of the legendary mami restaurant Ma Mon Luk, keeps the tradition alive by serving up beloved old-time mami favorites with a modern twist. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time, with its nostalgic wooden chairs, simple white tables, and glass-paneled shelves displaying steaming bowls of mami. The irresistible aroma of their rich, flavorful broth promises a deeply satisfying meal.
Don’t miss their best-selling fresh, original mami—an absolute must-try! You can also indulge in a variety of other flavors like chicken, Asado, beef, and wonton mami, each one brimming with comforting goodness. Craving a dim sum treat? Pair your mami with their delicious siopao or siomai for the perfect, quick bite. At Masuki, every bowl is a taste of tradition and comfort!
Address: 31 Benavidez St, Binondo
7. New Po Heng Lumpia House
Photo by New Po Heng Lumpia House
Finding New Po Heng Lumpia House might be a bit of an adventure, but the mouthwatering lumpia makes it more than worth the effort! Tucked away in the charming Uy Su Bin Building, a pink Art-Deco gem complete with a quaint Roman fountain, this family-run spot offers a peaceful al-fresco dining experience, far from the hustle and bustle of Binondo Chinatown’s busy streets.
As the name suggests, their lumpia is the star of the show—fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. But don’t stop there! Treat yourself to their other must-try dishes like the savory kiampong, hearty pork and fish maki, or comforting misua soup and misua guisado.
Want to bring the magic home? They even sell frozen lumpia for you to enjoy anytime. A true hidden gem, New Po Heng is a taste of tradition you won’t want to miss!
Address: 621, 1006 Carvajal St, Binondo
6. Dong Bei Dumplings
Photo by Dong Bei Dumplings
At Dong Bei Dumplings, simplicity is the secret to their charm. This cozy, no-frills spot packs a dumpling counter, dining area, and kitchen into one compact space, where you can watch the skilled hands of the staff wrap fresh dough around flavorful pork filling right before your eyes—a true labor of love. Best of all, their dim sum is incredibly affordable, making it a top choice for dumpling lovers on any budget.
Famous for their mouthwatering variety, Dong Bei offers a delicious lineup of dumplings, including juicy pork, savory kuchay, tender cabbage, and succulent shrimp. But the delights don’t stop there! Be sure to try their xiao long bao, crispy pancakes, hearty beef noodles, and the flavorful soybean sauce noodles for an all-around satisfying meal. At Dong Bei Dumplings, every bite is a warm, homemade treat.
Address: 642 Yuchengco St, Binondo
5. President Grand Palace
Photo by President Grand Palace
Since 1979, President Grand Palace Restaurant has been a go-to destination for authentic Chinese and seafood cuisine, making it a timeless favorite on Ongpin Street in Binondo Chinatown. Known for its elegant interiors and unbeatable flavors, this iconic establishment has been delighting both locals and tourists for over four decades, especially those embarking on an unforgettable Binondo food trip.
What sets President Grand Palace apart is its dedication to serving the finest Cantonese dishes, celebrated for their delicate, fresh, and authentic flavors. If you're looking to experience the best of Chinese cuisine, this is where you’ll find it.
When you dine here, be sure to indulge in their wide array of specialties, from luxurious shark’s fin and bird’s nest dishes to savory pigeon, duck, and seafood offerings like scallops, oysters, crabs, and prawns. Their menu also features flavorful beef, pork, and chicken dishes, as well as a variety of vegetable options, soups, noodles, and cold cuts.
Whether you're craving a lavish meal or a comforting bowl of noodles, President Grand Palace promises a feast you won’t forget!
Address: 746-750 Ongpin St, Binondo
4. Quik Snack
Photo by Quik Snack
Tucked away on Carvajal Street in Binondo Chinatown, amidst a lively stretch of market stalls, Quick Snack has been a beloved spot since 1968. Known for its home-cooked comfort food, this hidden gem serves up rich, flavorful dishes that make it the perfect stop on your food adventure.
With its proximity to other popular restaurants like Sincerity, Quick Snack is ideal for a lighter yet satisfying meal. Treat yourself to their stir-fried noodle specialties like the savory miki bihon guisado or tender beef guisado.
Craving something heartier? Their lomi and duck misua soups are full of rich, warming flavors. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the veggie misua guisado or veggie bihon soup are fresh, delicious choices. Quick Snack is the perfect place to indulge in authentic, feel-good flavors!
Address: Carvajal St, Binondo
3. Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant
Photo by Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant
Fried chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind in Binondo Chinatown, but Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant has perfected their famous oriental chicken, and it’s an absolute must-try. This beloved spot is not only known for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken but also for serving a variety of delicious Chinese dishes to satisfy any craving.
While the restaurant has two floors, grabbing a table on the ground floor ensures quicker service so you can dig into their best-selling Sincerity fried chicken even faster. Don’t forget to try their other unique chicken flavors like curry and honey for an extra kick.
Beyond their chicken, other must-tries include the savory fried oyster cake, flavorful shrimp omelet, and the adventurous adobo frog. Warm up with one of their hearty soups, such as duck misua, yuchitikwa misua, or crab corn soup. And if you're in the mood for lighter bites, their machang, kikiam, and fresh lumpia are perfect snack options.
Sincerity Cafe is where comfort meets flavor, offering a memorable dining experience in the heart of Binondo Chinatown!
Address: 519 Quintin Paredes St. Binondo
2. Wai Ying Binondo
Photo by Wai Ying Binondo
For budget-friendly dim sum in Binondo Chinatown, Wai Ying is a must-visit. Their two-story branch on Benavidez Street often draws a crowd, but with its mouthwatering dishes, the wait is more than worth it. If the main branch is packed, don’t worry—they have other locations nearby for a quick fix.
At Wai Ying, the menu is packed with irresistible favorites. Don’t miss their best-sellers like the comforting beef mami, hearty mixed meat congee, flavorful curry beef brisket rice, and tender honey baked rib rice.
If you're craving something more indulgent, try the roasted duck rice, broccoli flower with oyster sauce, or dim sum classics like hakaw, siomai, and steamed spareribs. For a true feast, dive into their roast Peking duck, roasted suckling pig, or fried-style noodles.
With dishes like lemon chicken, fish fillet, and more, Wai Ying offers an unbeatable dining experience that won’t break the bank!
Address: Multiple branches
1. Ying Ying Tea House
Photo by @bors.jd on Instagram
A true Binondo Chinatown classic, Ying Ying Tea House is a must-visit, located right on the corner of Yuchengco Street. This bustling three-story restaurant is always packed, especially on weekends and holidays, but don’t let the lines deter you—the service is quick, and the food is absolutely worth the wait.
Ying Ying boasts an extensive menu filled with mouthwatering Chinese dishes. Be sure to try their famed hakao, a delicate traditional dumpling that’s bursting with flavor.
For more savory options, indulge in their pork and shrimp siomai, tangy sweet and sour fish fillet, tender chicken feet, and a variety of pork, beef, chicken, and vegetable dishes.
Whether you're in the mood for dim sum delights or hearty entrees, Ying Ying Tea House offers a feast that’s sure to satisfy!
Address: 233-235 Yuchengco St, Binondo
Have a Great Binondo Food Crawl
Whether you're celebrating Chinese New Year, planning a unique couples' getaway, or simply exploring the rich history of the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo promises an unforgettable experience. With most restaurants in the Binondo district open year-round, you'll never run out of options to satisfy your cravings.
The best part? Many of the top food spots are conveniently close to each other, often located on the same street. This makes a Binondo food trip not only exciting but also incredibly easy and worthwhile, giving you the best value for your time and money.
Immerse yourself in culture through food by joining Binondo Chinatown tours, a must-do for anyone visiting the capital city of the Philippines. Discover the fascinating stories behind the world’s oldest Chinatown while indulging in its flavorful traditions.
While in the city, don’t forget to explore other Manila City tourist spots or embark on a road trip to nearby destinations. Visit museums during the weekdays, then spend your weekends relaxing at stunning beaches close to Manila City.