A famous district in Manila, Binondo is claimed to be the oldest Chinatown in the world overflowing with historical anecdotes. Today, it also serves as a favorite destination for gourmets craving for authentic Chinese food and more.
There are indeed a number of foodie hangouts to indulge ourselves with in Binondo that one day is definitely not enough to try them all. I had visited Binondo for many times already to see some Chinese temples and to join some photowalks. But roaming around Binondo for a food trip is surely a different story.
The Original Salido Restaurant
At an early time of the day, The Original Salido Restaurant was already jam packed with customers. We surely felt that Chinese ambiance with the loud Chinese conversations of mostly elderly people in every corner of the place.
Salido is actually famous for the Chinese dish made up of sweet and marinated pork that we call Asado. Aside from their Asado, we also noticed Chami noodles being frequently served.
They also have siphon brewed coffee which they had been offering since they started in 1940s. Siphon coffee involves a brewing method utilizing a two-chamber vacuum coffee maker.
Salido’s siphon brewed coffee had a very strong and distinct blend which I think can keep you wide awake for hours.
As we came for breakfast, we did not ask for Asado or Chami so as not to get full immediately. We then had Adobo on Pandesal (PHP75 for 2 pieces) and Camaron breakfast meal (PHP205).
The not-so-usual dry adobo on big pandesal (bread roll) tasted good combining two Filipino favorites – adobo and pandesal. The two went deliciously well together and can be a one-of-a-kind breakfast alternative.
Camaron meal comes with egg, brewed coffee and garlic rice. A lover of shrimps, I find their Camaron meal a unique breakfast find.
The Original Salido Restaurant
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 6AM – 9PM
Address: 839 Ongpin St. Sta Cruz Manila
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Original-Salido-Restaurant/
Shanghai Fried Siopao
Walking a few steps from The Original Salido Restaurant is Shanghai Fried Siopao, one of the well-known food stops in the Binondo lineup.
For only PHP17, we were able to try their Pork Siopao (steamed bun). Their small, yummy siopao was served really hot. The bottom of the Pork Siopao was the only one fried. There was just no space or tables to eat in the place but you can bring some home. Still better to eat it hot, we took our bites while walking around.
Shanghai Fried Siopao
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 8AM-10PM
Address: Corner Ongpin Street and Bahama Street Manila, Metro Manila
Tasty Dumplings
We were not after the Dumplings when we went to Tasty Dumplings. As you might not expect, Tasty Dumplings’ bestseller is their Pork Noodle Soup (PHP115).
Pork and noodles were served separately. Their pork chop is thinly cut and was very crunchy. Not the usual pork chop you will find, it was made with a slightly sweet twist with its sweet breading.
The noodle soup with a plain taste complemented it. Tear off a bit of the pork chop and dip it in the soup. You might be curious to try this rare pork chop and noodle combo!
Tasty Dumplings
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat, 10AM-9PM / Sun, 9AM-9PM
Address: 620 Ongpin Corner, Quintin Parades Street, Binondo, Manila
Contact Nos.: (02) 242-5195
Dong Bei Dumplings
Located at the end of Yuchengco St., Dong Bei Dumplings is a small dumpling place with around 5 tables. We were fascinated to actually see how they prepare the dumplings as they did it next to our table.
Customers usually order steamed dumplings (PHP150 for 16 pcs).
To try something different, we asked for their Fried Pancake (PHP100 for 4 pcs), a pancake-shaped dumpling stuffed with kuchay (Chinese Chives) and pork. The Fried Pancake was a delectable merienda (snack) with a sauce to choose from soy sauce or vinegar.
Dong Bei Dumplings
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 10AM-10PM
Address: 642 Yuchengco St.,Manila
Contact No.: (02) 241-8912
Chuan Kee Restaurant
Exactly during lunch time, we found ourselves at Chuan Kee, one of the oldest Chinese fast food restaurants in Binondo. We had a hard time finding a seat as there were many people eating in the place.
Their Asado with Egg (PHP110) was no doubt mouthwatering that we paired with a cup of Kiampong (PHP38). Kiampong in Chinese literally means ‘salted rice’. Referred by some people as Chinese paella, we just hope some vegetables were mixed with their Kiampong.
Together with our meal were Chopchay soup (PHP 90) and Eng Bee Tin’s Black Gulaman Shake (PHP 50). The Black Gulaman was so refreshing and was definitely one of the best gulaman (gelatin) drinks we’ve tried.
Chuan Kee Restaurant
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 5AM – 10PM
Address: Ongpin St. Cor. Yuchengco St., Binondo Manila
Contact Nos.: (02) 242-9759, (02) 241-9999
Website: https://www.facebook.com/chuankeefastfood
Dong Bei Dumplings! Best dumplings I ever tasted. 🙂
Urgh, this post made me crave for Chinese food. Haha! Been hearing a lot of good reviews for food trips in Binondo. I would add this to my list to do’s when I visit the metro.
– Didi of Frances and Flair
Haay! I am starving for Chinese food. The dumplings and the siopao. Ang dami pwedeng kainan sa Binondo. I got an idea for a food trip like this. Thanks for sharing.
I love Chinese food! And you just took my hunger level to 100. Such a good post. And the images captures bring a plus to my palate.
Binondo sure is a haven for foodies as there are loads of interesting restos to try while you are there. We’ve tried this once restaurant, the name of which unfortunately escapes me, they serve one of the most delicious fresh lumpia I have ever tasted. I hope to visit the place again one day, as well as explore other hole-in-the-wall joints around.
Great food at Binondo! Authentic chinese cuisine everywhere. And of course, my ever favorite Eng Bee Tin hopia. Now I’m craving! 🙂
I had a mouth watery experience going through your post. The food looks delicious. Never been to Manali but may be one day! 🙂
I never really explored Binondo but I heard that they have a lot of restos that offers authentic Chinese food for affordable price. I hope I can explore that place too!
Hmmm I wonder why everyone is going to Binondo nowadays? Hehe but I guess it’s the food. Everything looks delicious. 🙂 If I may ask, how much did everything cost you? I want to know my budget if ever I find myself in Binondo. Hehe. Thank you!
Wow! The article was great!
Cheers! There are really so many resto and eateries in Binondo that are truly worth visiting.
We should have visited the Chuan Kee after dining in at Cafe Mezzanine.. I’ve heard that their Halo-halo is really great!
You’re lucky there’s no long queue of people when you visited the Dong bei.. i still remember how flavorful their Kuchay dumplings are!
The fried Siopao is one of the best siopao i have ever tasted and if ever I will have a part 2 of Binondo food tripping , i wouldn’t mind including Shanghai Fried Siopao on my list again haha
Ahh, I saw the halo-halo from Chuan Kee, mukha ngang masarap. Fried siopao!!! I only eat siopao when I’m in Binondo, hehe.
Binondo is on my travel list to visit this year, thank you for sharing this information it will be help as i plan,
The article was great! I’m a certified foodie so expect me to visit this soon!!
I would like to try the siphon coffee. And I also suggest that you visit Kim Hiong, it’s one of my fave resto in Binondo, and wifey and I visits that place whenever we crave for chinese deli.
Thank you for the suggestion, Sonnie! If i may ask, where is Kim Hiong located exactly? Me and my friends are planning to go back in Binondo soon 🙂
Thanks for posting this. I am a great food lover. You have provided me a place where I can have tasty foods.
Thanks again. 🙂
Binondo is one of my most favorite places for food trip because it feels and tastes like a whole new world. The restos are simple but the food is superb
Definitely coming in to Sa Lido and Tasty Dumplings and Fried Siopao when Pichi and I come in Binondo for a photo walk. I’m not much for Asado but I’m very sure that Pichi will love it! 🙂 Great suggestions, although I have to ask how does the Siopao compare to the others that you’ll find in fast food restos? 🙂
We went on a Binondo food trip sometime ago and it was very memorable. I think we spent around P1000 each. Can’t remember the restaurants we visited, but we definitely went to Dong Bei Dumplings and Sa Lido restos. There was also this one eatery that sells sweet lumpia, a bit hard to find because it’s further down a nondescript alleyway. It’s fun to know that even small eateries still sell original-tasting, delicious food. 🙂 Would love to go back sometime if I can drag my friends with me.
I love going to the chinatown in every city I visit. Especially to eat! Every place you visited looks delicious! Will try and remember for when I get to Manila. Those dumplings! yum!
I found this post fascinating! I used to be a barrister (professional coffee maker) and I’ve never heard of siphon brewed coffee! Does it taste any different from regular coffee?
It looks like an incredible day filled with so much delicious food! 🙂
I really really wanna visit Binondo for quite sometime now. I’ll be trying these awesome place soon,.
OMG! I really wanted to visit Binondo so bad because I’ve read a lot or great reviews in restos and places to visit. Will definitely visit this soon. xx
Hahaha…the article was quite yummy
i must say it was quiet tasty article….