Good for the Foodies: Your guide to a Binondo food trip
by Madge Resurreccion / February 3, 2022
When the pandemic struck, many businesses suffered and the once-bustling streets of Binondo were cleared of people until only silence remained. But as the precautionary measures and regulations loosened up, Binondo welcomed visitors once again, bringing back the liveliness of its streets. Binondo has always been the go-to place for foodies because of the variety of restaurants, eateries, and shops you can pick from.
Trying out food and snacks from different eateries, restaurants, and cafes in the area is like a walk through Binondo’s rich culture and history as Binondo is considered the oldest Chinatown in the world. But now, Binondo is more known for being the ideal place for a food crawl. So, if you’re planning a visit to the area soon and need a food itinerary, we got you! Here are some places worth checking out for a food trip:
People flock to Yuchengco Street’s Ying Ying Tea House for its great Cantonese food that is budget-friendly. Before the pandemic, the place was always packed with people during peak hours. But the food is worth the wait. You get a cup of hot tea to start off your meal. If you’re looking to eat something more familiar to your palate, you can go for dimsum, their meaty Pork Shrimp Siomai, or mami. But if you want to try something new, why not have a taste of frog legs, gutchap (innards), or roast duck? One thing’s for sure, whatever you choose to eat, you’ll surely get your money’s worth!
Known for its famous hopia, Salazar Bakery opened its first branch in Salazar Street in 1947 before moving to Ongpin where it stands today. The bakeshop is famous for its classic hopia but is also selling a variety of flavors of it. Salazar offers a number of pastry collections which would be perfect to start your day with or maybe good for a quick snack in the afternoon. If you visit Binondo in the morning, you can start your food trip at Salazar Bakery and grab a cup of coffee while you’re at it.
Masuki is the perfect place to eat at once the cold and windy weather sweeps in. Established in the 1960s, it stands as one of the oldest restaurants in Binondo and can be found in Benavidez Street. It offers customers a taste of the past with its famous mami that patrons usually order with a siopao. Their Original Mami and Beef Wonton Chicken Asado Mami are definitely a must-try for the new customers, and a favorite go-to of loyal patrons.
The laidback interior and relaxing atmosphere make Cafe Mezzanine an ideal hangout spot for people who want to spend their time just talking over good food and drinks. If you’re planning a visit to this place for the famous Soup No. 5, a soup that has bull, ox, or cow genitals in it, it’s better to drop by in the afternoon as they only serve their breakfast menu in the morning.
Cafe Mezzanine is also famous for donating all the money it makes to support the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade. So, while you’re having a good time and filling in your stomach with good food, you’re actually supporting a cause, too!
Wai Ying is another famous go-to place when visiting Binondo for a food trip. It has regular customers who keep coming back for their favorite dishes like the Pork Asado Rice, Chicken Feet, and dimsum. While the place itself is not too fancy, it offers affordable authentic Chinese food that is a must-try for first time Binondo-goers.
Pro-tip: It’s better to visit the place by foot as parking space is always an issue around the area.
Established in 1912, the shop prides itself as the “Home of the Best Hopia and Tikoy.” You may have bought from the shop or at least heard of it before as it has a number of branches in the city. It’s mostly known for its ube hopia and tikoy. If you’re looking to taste Chinese delicacies, Eng Bee Tin is the best place to drop by and buy from!
There are more eateries and restaurants that are worth checking out when you’re in Binondo, and one day is probably not enough if you’re planning an extensive food trip. But no matter how much time you spend or how many restaurants you visit, it’s definitely worth the time and money as Binondo offers an enjoyable and fulfilling experience!
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Image source: @johnaledja | unsplash.com
