Top 5 Local Restaurants in Chinatown Binondo, Philippines
Chinatown Binondo in the heart of Manila is a vibrant and bustling district renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delectable culinary offerings. With a multitude of local restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to indulge your taste buds. In this blog post, we'll unveil the top 10 local restaurants in Chinatown Binondo, taking you on a gastronomic journey through the history, flavors, and ambiance that make each of these establishments unique.
Owner: Mr. Lim Fang You
Establishment: Since 1950
Ying Ying Tea House holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Founded in 1950 by Mr. Lim Fang You, this iconic restaurant has been serving traditional Chinese cuisine for over seven decades. Its timeless charm and authentic dishes have made it a beloved institution in Chinatown Binondo.
Best Sellers:
- Steamed Hakaw:These delicate dumplings are filled with succulent shrimp, wrapped in a translucent, thin dough wrapper, and steamed to perfection. The texture is silky, and the flavors are enhanced by a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Beef Wanton Noodles:
A comforting bowl of springy egg noodles topped with plump beef dumplings, tender slices of beef, and a rich, flavorful broth. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and tastes. - Crispy Fried Chicken:
This signature dish features tender, marinated chicken pieces deep-fried to a golden crispness. The chicken remains juicy on the inside while boasting a delightful crunch on the outside. - Yang Chow Fried Rice:
A classic Chinese staple, Yang Chow Fried Rice is a medley of fluffy rice, succulent shrimp, Chinese sausage, scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of green onions. Each mouthful is a burst of umami flavors. - Pork Siomai:
These bite-sized dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and aromatic herbs. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they are an irresistible treat.
Type of Food: Traditional Chinese cuisine.
Setup: Ying Ying Tea House features a warm and inviting setup with traditional Chinese decor. The restaurant is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable dining experience.
Price Range: Affordable. Prices range from PHP 100 to PHP 300 per dish.
Location: 233-235 Dasmarinas St., Brgy. 289, Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Owner: Mr. Wilson Ng
Establishment: Since 1998
Wai Ying Fast Food has been a go-to spot for locals seeking quick and delicious Chinese meals since its establishment in 1998. Mr. Wilson Ng, the owner, envisioned a fast-food concept that would showcase the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Best Sellers:
- Siopao Asado:Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with a savory mixture of slow-cooked pork, soy sauce, and spices. This popular snack is perfect for a quick bite on the go.
- Roast Duck:Succulent slices of perfectly roasted duck served with a side of steamed rice and a fragrant sauce. The tender meat and crispy skin make this dish a crowd favorite.
- Hakaw:Wai Ying's version of the traditional shrimp dumplings features a generous filling of fresh shrimp wrapped in a thin, translucent dough. The dumplings are delicately steamed to preserve the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Beef Brisket Noodle Soup:A hearty bowl of tender beef brisket, flavorful broth, and chewy egg noodles. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Yang Chow Fried Rice:Wai Ying's rendition of this classic fried rice dish is a harmonious blend of fluffy rice, diced char siu (barbecue pork), shrimps, eggs, and mixed vegetables. Each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors.
Type of Food: Chinese fast food, offering a wide variety of dim sum, noodle dishes, rice meals, and snacks.
Setup: Wai Ying Fast Food boasts a casual and lively ambiance, with a bustling atmosphere typical of fast-food establishments. The restaurant provides both dine-in and take-out options.
Price Range: Affordable. Prices range from PHP 50 to PHP 200 per dish.
Location: 810 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Owner: Mr. Chen Zhang Liang
Establishment: Since 2012
Lan Zhou La Mien specializes in hand-pulled noodles, a culinary artistry that originated from Lanzhou, China. Founded in 2012 by Mr. Chen Zhang Liang, this restaurant quickly gained popularity for its authentic flavors and skillfully crafted noodle dishes.
Best Sellers:
- Beef La Mien:This signature dish features long, chewy hand-pulled noodles swimming in a rich beef broth. Topped with tender slices of beef, fresh green onions, and cilantro, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Dumpling La Mien:A delightful combination of hand-pulled noodles and plump dumplings filled with ground pork and fragrant herbs. Served in a flavorful broth, it's a feast for the senses.
- Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers:Succulent lamb pieces marinated in a bold blend of spices and grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and the kick of cumin and chili make this dish a flavorful delight.
- Cold Tofu Salad:Silky tofu cubes served with a zesty sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. It's a refreshing appetizer that perfectly balances the flavors.
- Fried Pork Chop Rice:Crispy and juicy pork chops served with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables. This dish showcases the marriage of textures and flavors.
Type of Food: Authentic Chinese hand-pulled noodles and street food specialties.
Setup: Lan Zhou La Mien offers a casual dining setup with an open kitchen concept, allowing diners to witness the meticulous process of hand-pulling noodles. The restaurant is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.
Price Range: Affordable. Prices range from PHP 100 to PHP 250 per dish.
Location: 818 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Owner: Mr. Lim Tiong Hock
Establishment: Since 1983
President Grand Palace Restaurant has been a prominent fixture in Chinatown Binondo since 1983. Founded by Mr. Lim Tiong Hock, this restaurant has consistently delighted diners with its elegant ambiance, authentic Chinese cuisine, and exceptional service.
Best Sellers:
- Peking Duck:A succulent and flavorful dish that features tender roasted duck with crispy skin. Served with steamed pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce, it allows you to assemble each bite to your liking.
- Sweet and Sour Pork:Crispy deep-fried pork pieces coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, accompanied by bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. This classic dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Hot and Sour Soup:A hearty and spicy soup made with a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a balance of vinegar and spices. It provides a perfect balance of tanginess, heat, and umami.
- Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli:Tender beef slices stir-fried with vibrant green broccoli florets in a savory sauce. The dish highlights the freshness of the ingredients and the skillful balance of flavors.
- Salted Fish Fried Rice:Fragrant fried rice cooked with salted fish, eggs, and a medley of vegetables. The salted fish adds a unique umami flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Type of Food: Authentic Chinese cuisine, specializing in Cantonese dishes.
Setup: President Grand Palace Restaurant exudes an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated with traditional Chinese elements, creating a refined dining experience. The restaurant is air-conditioned and offers private dining rooms for special occasions.
Price Range: Moderate to high. Prices range from PHP 300 to PHP 1,000 per dish.
Location: 517-519 Quezon Blvd., Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Owner: Mr. Li Chen
Establishment: Since 2010
Shin Tai Shang is a beloved establishment in Chinatown Binondo, known for its authentic Taiwanese cuisine. Founded in 2010 by Mr. Li Chen, this restaurant aims to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Taiwan through its flavorful dishes.
Best Sellers:
- Xiao Long Bao:
These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and a mixture of minced pork and fragrant herbs. The thin dough wrapper encapsulates a burst of savory goodness in every bite. - Braised Pork Rice:
A hearty Taiwanese comfort food dish consisting of tender braised pork belly served over a bed of steamed rice. The dish is garnished with pickled vegetables and a boiled egg, adding layers of flavor and texture. - Beef Noodle Soup:
A soul-warming bowl of chewy noodles, rich beef broth, and tender slices of beef. The broth is simmered for hours with aromatic spices, creating a robust and satisfying flavor profile. - Oyster Pancake:
A popular Taiwanese street food delight, featuring a savory pancake batter filled with plump oysters, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. - Three Cup Chicken:
A flavorful and aromatic dish made with chicken cooked in a sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. The combination of these three key ingredients creates a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Type of Food: Authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
Setup: Shin Tai Shang offers a cozy and casual dining setup, reminiscent of a typical Taiwanese eatery. The restaurant is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable dining environment.
Price Range: Moderate. Prices range from PHP 200 to PHP 500 per dish.
Location: 785 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Conclusion:
Chinatown Binondo in the Philippines is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse array of local restaurants that showcase the rich flavors of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. In this blog post, we explored the top 5 local restaurants in Chinatown Binondo, each with its own unique culinary offerings and history.
From the timeless charm of Ying Ying Tea House, known for its traditional Chinese cuisine and signature dishes like Steamed Hakaw and Beef Wanton Noodles, to the fast and flavorful Chinese fare of Wai Ying Fast Food, with favorites like Siopao Asado and Roast Duck, these establishments have stood the test of time and captured the hearts of diners.
Lan Zhou La Mien impressed with its hand-pulled noodles and street food delights like Beef La Mien and Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers, while President Grand Palace Restaurant showcased elegance and authenticity with dishes such as Peking Duck and Sweet and Sour Pork.
Lastly, Shin Tai Shang took us on a culinary journey to Taiwan, offering specialties like Xiao Long Bao and Braised Pork Rice, allowing diners to experience the vibrant flavors of Taiwanese cuisine.
Whether you're in the mood for traditional Chinese favorites, hand-pulled noodles, or authentic Taiwanese dishes, Chinatown Binondo has a plethora of options to satisfy your cravings. Explore these top 5 local restaurants and indulge in their delightful creations while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the district.
Note: Prices, websites, and social media pages mentioned in this blog content are fictional and provided for illustrative purposes only. It is recommended to check the actual information and availability of the mentioned restaurants before visiting.
Tour me around next time
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