BINONDO FOOD CRAWL: DIY Foodtrip Guide to Manila Chinatown, the Oldest in the World (Map & Budget)

By JDC Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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Here's a food crawl guide for your next Binondo trip!

I've been asking my wife and my friends to go to Manila and visit Binondo for a gastronomic experience. Living in Taguig makes us a little lazy to travel to the busiest city in the metro. But hey, we finally decided to go after years of "yayaan". Ha ha ha!

So last February I got to experience to stroll-and-eat in Binondo, Manila. It was my first time and it was worthy to try!

ABOUT BINONDO

Binondo is a district in Manila and is referred to as the city's Chinatown. Its influence extends beyond to the places of Quiapo, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas and Tondo. Binondo, established in 1594, is recognized as the world's oldest Chinatown.

Some of the notable places in Binondo are Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo Church, Escolta Street, and Ongpin Street.

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A post shared by Have fun, Juan! (@morefunwithjuan) on May 25, 2020 at 6:53pm PDT

Today, the district leads the development in the City of Manila.

Binondo is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive.

     Search for Binondo Staycation     

LOOKING FOR KITCHEN OR DINING NEEDS?

Here are the best options to shop for your kitchenware and dining essentials:

• Kitchenware
• Tableware
• Stylish & Nordic Plates
• Easy-to-use Rice Cooker
• Grilling Pan
• Samgyupsal Korean BBQ Grill
• Aesthetic White Home Essentials

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

HOW TO GET TO BINONDO

Going to Binondo, Manila is made easy because of Metro Manila's transport system - where you can ride any of the following mode of transportation:

Via Train

If you are coming from North (Caloocan City) and from the South (Paranaque/Pasay), you can take LRT1 and drop off Carriedo station. Turn left at Rizal Avenue, and walk past Sta. Cruz Church towards Bustos. Turn left at Bustos, and walk about 1 block until you get to Ongpin. Chinatown begins there, right behind Sta. Cruz Church.

Nearest Train Station: LRT1-Carriedo

Via Ferry

If you are from Pasig or Makati, you can take a ride on Pasig River Ferry to bring you to Escolta which is a few minutes walk to Binondo. The good news is it is for FREE!

Nearest Ferry Station: Escolta Station

Via Bus

If you are coming from North (Quezon City), you can take a bus ride en route to Sta. Cruz, Manila or if you are from the South (Muntinlupa), you can take a bus ride en route to Lawton, then a jeepney ride to Sta. Cruz. Then take a short walk as previously suggested above.

Via UV Express

UV express is another option going to Binondo. Here are the available UV Express Routes:

• Divisoria - Roxas Blvd./Baclaran
• Divisoria - Taft/Buendia/Baclaran

Via Jeepney

Here are the following jeepney routes you can take going to Binondo:

• Cubao - Divisoria
• Divisoria - Roxas Blvd./Baclaran
• Divisoria - Taft/Buendia/Baclaran
• Espana - Divisoria
• Morayta - Divisoria
• North Avenue - Sta. Cruz
• San Juan - Divisoria
• Sta. Cruz - Binondo/Divisoria
• Sta. Cruz - Taft/Buendia/Baclaran

GETTING AROUND BINONDO

Since Binondo is one of the smallest districts in Manila, with 0.66 km2 total area, it's easy to walk around in it just like what me and my friends did during our food crawl.

   Old Manila Filipino Food Crawl   

Here's your quick guide to Binondo's food places.

Lucky Chinatown

Lucky Chinatown

First of, me, my wife and my friends went off to Lucky Chinatown, one of the newest malls in Binondo.

Here we got to try a seafood shabu-shabu from one of the stalls standing near the mall entrance along their outdoor alley. (I'm sorry but I didn't get the name of the stall.)

🍢 Shabu-shabu at Lucky Chinatown GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW MY FOODVENTURES 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020

Then, we found another stall nearby that sells Japanese cake (hot cake)

Whil's Wheel Cake (Japanese HotCake) GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW ME 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020

Old Manila Filipino Food Crawl

What to try: Shabu-shabu

Budget for two: Php 300.00

New Po Heng Lumpia House

Along Carvajal St.

This Chinese food house is hidden along the narrow Carvajal St. near Ongpin. It houses one of the best lumpia (spring rolls) in Manila.

🌯 New Po Heng Lumpia House GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW MY FOODVENTURES 👉...

Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020

Their lumpia is made of shredded vegetables and some nuts and best partnered to their very own sauce. The serving is big enough to one person or for sharing. Enjoy it for P95 per serving.

New Po Heng Lumpia House Menu

They also serve Chinese noodle-based food.

What to try: Lumpia

Budget for two: Php 200.00

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Cafe Mezzanine

Inside Cafe Mezzanine

Located along Ongpin St., cafe is owned by famous Chinese delicacy brand Eng Bee Tin. It is located at 2nd level of the building where its name was taken from.

After our 2 stops, we sat down here and waited for our orders. What we tried here are, of course, their famous Xiao Long Bao (my first time), siomai and some cold and hot drinks to complement our food.

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The four of us were overwhelmed with the serving. Good thing we got a lot of tummy space for this. Hahaha The food tasted really good and filled us.

The restaurant has dedicated itself to supporting the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade to continue its volunteerism and valuable service to the community.

What to try: Xiao Long Bao

Budget for two: Php 400.00

See more Binondo photos!

Mr. Ube

Mr. Ube at Ongpin St.

This Chinese delicacy store is scattered not only in Manila but in the whole metro, too. They became famous especially with their noodle soup such as Laksas and Wantons.

Some of Eng Bee Tin's products are sold here, too.

What to try: Hopia

Budget for two: Php 200.00

See more Binondo photos!

OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli

Eng Bee Tin along Ongpin St.

Eng Bee Tin is known for their different kinds of hopia and tikoy which are both Chinese-originated snacks and are famous here in the Philippines.

The building houses some of their merchandise and services. The first level is where you can shop your favorite Eng Bee Tin products.

Of course, I mustn't miss to take home a moon cake from here. 🥮 GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉 bit.ly/BinondoFoodtrip FOLLOW ME 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020

Take the escalator and it will take you to their Great Buddha Cafe. At the 3rd level is their own museum which was under construction when we visited.

The Great Buddha Cafe (2nd level) They are also constructing a museum at 3rd level. GUIDE MAP (soon) 👉...
Posted by It's More Fun With JUAN on Monday, May 25, 2020

This one in Binondo is the main branch of this Chinese deli chain.

Budget: depends on your pasalubong / take-home budget

   Old Manila Filipino Food Crawl   

Estero Fastfood

Estero Fastfood

Last but not the least, after a few hours of walking and hopping, we ended here to check out their specialty - Crispy Frog Legs. Yes, a fried leg of frog.

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A post shared by Have fun, Juan! (@morefunwithjuan) on May 25, 2020 at 11:47pm PDT

Many say it just tastes like chicken meat. But I must admit that it is tastier than fried chicken. I don't know, maybe it's just how they cooked it. It was not only crispy but juicy, too.

Estero Fastfood Menu

We also tried their Tortang Tahong.

What to try: Crispy Frog Legs 

Budget for two: Php 300.00

Manila Chinatown

See more Binondo photos!

LIST OF RESTAURANTS / FOOD PLACES IN BINONDO

Here's the summary list of the restaurants and food places:

1. 🍢 Shabu-shabu at Lucky Chinatown
2. 🧇 Whil's Wheel Cake
3. 🌯 New Po Heng Lumpia House
4. ☕ Cafe Mezzanine
5. 🥮 Mr. Ube
6. 🥠 Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
7. 🐸 Fried Frog Legs at Estero Fastfood

TOTAL BUDGET (per head) 

This is an approximate pocket money for ONE PERSON for the Binondo Food Trip: P500

If you have enough money / cash, don't skimp and just enjoy the experience!

GET FREE FOOD COUPONS HERE

BINONDO FOOD CRAWL MAP GUIDE

Below is the food map we used as guide for our Binondo Foodtrip (click the BLUE PINS to see each food places):

You will notice that most of the food places are located along the Ongpin St. in the heart of Binondo.

Although we've visited a few restaurants and tried their food in the area, there are still a lot to discover yet. Everyone is welcome to recommend a place.

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A post shared by Have fun, Juan! (@morefunwithjuan) on Mar 3, 2020 at 10:37am PST

Which of these have you tried yet? Let us know in the comment box below! :)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Binondo

• What is Binondo known for?
  Binondo is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive. Noted residents include St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the Filipino protomartyr, and Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, founder of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary.
  
  
• Where is the oldest Chinatown in the world?
  The development of most Chinatowns typically resulted from mass migration to an area without any or with very few Chinese residents. Binondo in Manila, established in 1594, is recognized as the world's oldest Chinatown.
  
  
• Is Binondo Manila safe?
  It is safe for groups for sure, daytime, even in the evenings is safe. over a year ago. people in Binondo Chinatown are friendly... it is generally safe...

WHERE TO NEXT?

• MANILA TRAVEL GUIDE: Tourist Spots, Things To Do, Where To Eat and Where to Stay
• REDISCOVER MANILA: 20+ Tourist Spots To Visit At Night (Things To Do & New Places To Go) 
• Everything you need to know about Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach
• What's inside Fort Santiago's Dungeon?
• The Metropolitan Theater to reopen soon!

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WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

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