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One of the best things about doing a Binondo Food Crawl is discovering hidden gems that are not just about good food—but also a good cause. Whether you’re a first-timer like me or a long-time Binondo foodie, this stop should definitely be on your list.



Café Mezzanine: Dining for a Cause

Café Mezzanine, owned by the iconic Chinese delicacy brand Eng Bee Tin, is one such place. Nestled literally on the mezzanine level of the building along Ongpin Street, this restaurant serves up Filipino-Chinese classics while also supporting a noble mission.

Inside Café Mezzanine

The cafe proudly dedicates 100% of its revenue to the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade, a volunteer firefighting group in the area. That means every Xiao Long Bao, every sip of your drink, goes toward helping real-life heroes continue their service. Dining here doesn’t just fill your stomach—it fills your heart, too.


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What Food to Try

After two food stops earlier, our group of four made our way to Café Mezzanine. We were already slightly full, but who can say no to dimsum, especially when it’s this good?

We ordered:
  • Their famous Xiao Long Bao (my first time trying it—finally!)
  • Pork Siomai
  • A mix of hot and cold drinks to pair with the meal




When the food came, we were surprised by the generous servings. Thankfully, we had enough tummy space left. Hahaha. Each bite was flavorful, warm, and comforting—exactly what we needed after walking around Binondo’s bustling streets.



The Xiao Long Bao was the star of our stop—juicy, savory, and served piping hot. The siomai had just the right amount of meatiness and seasoning, and the drinks gave us a refreshing break between bites. The place had a cozy, no-frills feel, and while it might get a bit crowded during peak hours, the food (and the purpose behind it) makes it worth the wait.

Café Mezzanine Menu

Café Mezzanine Menu

You may also check my list of Instagrammable Cafes in Manila:


How to Get There


From Makati:
  1. MRT to LRT Transfer: Take the MRT from Ayala Station heading north and alight at Taft Avenue Station.
  2. LRT-1 Ride: Transfer to the LRT-1 EDSA Station and ride northbound.
  3. Alight at Carriedo Station: Exit the station and walk along Carriedo Street towards Sta. Cruz Church.
  4. Proceed to Ongpin Street: Cross Plaza Sta. Cruz and continue onto Ongpin Street.
  5. Find Café Mezzanine: Located at the corner of Ongpin and Yuchengco Streets, above the Eng Bee Tin store.​

From Quezon City:
  1. LRT-2 Ride: Board the LRT-2 at any station heading west and alight at Recto Station.
  2. Walk to Ongpin Street: Exit the station and walk towards Ongpin Street, which is approximately a 10-minute walk.
  3. Locate Café Mezzanine: Situated above the Eng Bee Tin store at the corner of Ongpin and Yuchengco Streets.​

For those driving, parking can be challenging in Binondo due to narrow streets and limited parking spaces. It's advisable to use public transportation or ride-hailing services.​




Café Mezzanine

Location: Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila (2nd floor of the Eng Bee Tin building)
Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
What to try: Xiao Long Bao!
Budget for two: Around ₱400


WHERE TO NEXT?



WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

Café Mezzanine: A Meal with a Mission (Binondo Food Trip)


One of the best things about doing a Binondo Food Crawl is discovering hidden gems that are not just about good food—but also a good cause. Whether you’re a first-timer like me or a long-time Binondo foodie, this stop should definitely be on your list.



Café Mezzanine: Dining for a Cause

Café Mezzanine, owned by the iconic Chinese delicacy brand Eng Bee Tin, is one such place. Nestled literally on the mezzanine level of the building along Ongpin Street, this restaurant serves up Filipino-Chinese classics while also supporting a noble mission.

Inside Café Mezzanine

The cafe proudly dedicates 100% of its revenue to the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade, a volunteer firefighting group in the area. That means every Xiao Long Bao, every sip of your drink, goes toward helping real-life heroes continue their service. Dining here doesn’t just fill your stomach—it fills your heart, too.


Loading...

What Food to Try

After two food stops earlier, our group of four made our way to Café Mezzanine. We were already slightly full, but who can say no to dimsum, especially when it’s this good?

We ordered:
  • Their famous Xiao Long Bao (my first time trying it—finally!)
  • Pork Siomai
  • A mix of hot and cold drinks to pair with the meal




When the food came, we were surprised by the generous servings. Thankfully, we had enough tummy space left. Hahaha. Each bite was flavorful, warm, and comforting—exactly what we needed after walking around Binondo’s bustling streets.



The Xiao Long Bao was the star of our stop—juicy, savory, and served piping hot. The siomai had just the right amount of meatiness and seasoning, and the drinks gave us a refreshing break between bites. The place had a cozy, no-frills feel, and while it might get a bit crowded during peak hours, the food (and the purpose behind it) makes it worth the wait.

Café Mezzanine Menu

Café Mezzanine Menu

You may also check my list of Instagrammable Cafes in Manila:


How to Get There


From Makati:
  1. MRT to LRT Transfer: Take the MRT from Ayala Station heading north and alight at Taft Avenue Station.
  2. LRT-1 Ride: Transfer to the LRT-1 EDSA Station and ride northbound.
  3. Alight at Carriedo Station: Exit the station and walk along Carriedo Street towards Sta. Cruz Church.
  4. Proceed to Ongpin Street: Cross Plaza Sta. Cruz and continue onto Ongpin Street.
  5. Find Café Mezzanine: Located at the corner of Ongpin and Yuchengco Streets, above the Eng Bee Tin store.​

From Quezon City:
  1. LRT-2 Ride: Board the LRT-2 at any station heading west and alight at Recto Station.
  2. Walk to Ongpin Street: Exit the station and walk towards Ongpin Street, which is approximately a 10-minute walk.
  3. Locate Café Mezzanine: Situated above the Eng Bee Tin store at the corner of Ongpin and Yuchengco Streets.​

For those driving, parking can be challenging in Binondo due to narrow streets and limited parking spaces. It's advisable to use public transportation or ride-hailing services.​




Café Mezzanine

Location: Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila (2nd floor of the Eng Bee Tin building)
Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
What to try: Xiao Long Bao!
Budget for two: Around ₱400


WHERE TO NEXT?



WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

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