You’ll never run out of destinations when you are in Binondo. May it be that you want to stroll around and take photos of those old buildings with great architectures, learn its history or simply, eat. Binondo is the home to all the authentic Chinese restaurants and here are some of the food you should not miss when looking for a quick “merienda”.
Toasted Siopao – this store is well-known for their toasted siopao but they also sell other food items. If you can’t locate this place, just ask the locals where the famous toasted siopao is and they’ll guide you. It is located across Wai-Ying Restaurant just in case you miss this place since we didn’t saw any signage. I was surprised the first time I tried this years ago since I was expecting it to be like the one from Bicol which was cooked in the oven rather than steamed. This one, on the contrary, was steamed with only the bottom part toasted. It was pretty normal looking but the taste was great. “Masarap kahit walang sauce”. I believe that a siopao tastes really good if you don’t have to put sauce on it. Well, they don’t even have a sauce to offer in the first place.😉
Price: Php 20
Table for: 1
Food Rating: 5/5
BTW, this is just a store, so, don’t expect tables and chairs. Just take a stroll around Binondo and eat your toasted siopao while it’s still hot.
Location: Toasted Siopao in Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila (across Wai Ying Fast Food Restaurant)
Store Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Contact Details: Unknown
Facebook Page: Unknown
Instagram: Unknown
P.S. I input the location where we ate this toasted siopao. Upon searching the internet, there is a place called Shanghai Toasted Siopao but I am not sure if this one is the same since the location is different and I did not saw any signage.
For our next stop, we have decided to hunt down the famous New Po-Heng Lumpia House since they have changed location from Quintin Paredes to Carvajal Street. The new place was smaller but well lit.
Fresh Lumpia – when we say fresh lumpia in Binondo, this is the only place to get it. The fresh lumpia was made upon ordering and it has generous amounts of vegetables, peanuts, and seaweeds. “Siksik sa laman and for sure, mabubusog ka”. Another thing that impressed me was that the staff is using hand gloves while making it. Aside from that, I found out that they deliver!!! You can contact them using the details below.
Price: Php 180
Table for: 1
Food Rating: 5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Location: 621 Carvajal Street, Binondo, Manila
Store Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Contact Details: (02) 255-9026 / 241-8789 / 153-1891
Facebook Page: New Po Heng Lumpia House
Instagram: Unknown
For our last stop, we have decided to try Chuan Kee which is known as the oldest fast food restaurant in Binondo. It has maintained its old fast food restaurant vibe and the theme was the same with Mr. Ube’s whose owners are also the same.
Xiao Long Bao – for our merienda, we have decided to try this famous soup dumpling. The taste is comparable to other high-end restaurants but the price was affordable. Super approve!
Price: Php 180
Table for: 10 pcs
Food Rating: 5/5
Lava Buchi – I’m a big fan of buchi and custard and having this is one was just too delightful.
Price: Php 60
Table for: 3 pcs
Food Rating: 5/5
I will definitely come back here and try out their specialty dishes.
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Location: 650 Ongpin Street, corner Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
Store Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Contact Details: 288-8888
Facebook Page: Chuan Kee
Instagram: Unknown
This was just a quick merienda tour in Binondo after visiting the 1st branch of Tantea in the country.