Craving that authentic oriental taste without having to fly abroad? Hit the streets of Binondo and get your tummies ready for a walk down food trip lane.

Words Aly Bautista
Photos by Chinatown MNL on Instagram
June 7, 2024

Welcome to the oldest Chinatown in the world, where Binondo's streets and alleyways serve up delectable dishes, filling the area with mouthwatering aromas that blend into one hunger-inducing temptation. From international cuisine to authentic Filipino cooking, you will never run out of options (or money), ensuring you leave with a full belly without burning a hole in your pocket.

The entire experience also brings out the unique vibrance of this not-so-little town that sits right across the historic Intramuros. Picture kalesas and jeepneys weaving through streets lined with red lanterns, dragon arches, and Chinese signboards—a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern hustle.

You can never have enough food and scenery in this trip to Binondo, making it a perfect walking tour to feast your eyes and satisfy your taste buds. So get lost in the maze and discover the wonders this cultural hotspot has to offer.

Here are 7 must-eats in Chinatown, Binondo, Manila:

Fried Siopao at Shanghai Fried Siopao

This little shop along Ongpin Street has been serving meaty goodness since 1985 and has become a staple on every Binondo food trip, and here’s why.

Their original fried bao is generously filled with tender ground pork, chives, and onions. Steamed in oil, it achieves a perfect balance between fluffy buns and a slightly crispy bottom.

What’s even better is that it comes out fresh and hot, straight from the steamer to the long line of hungry customers. One bite of this cute but filling bread is enough to show why this little store alone is worth the wait.

Fried Xiao Long Bao at Eng Bee Tin Ongpin

Xiao long bao but in a limited edition? And only on the weekends?

Like a treasure hunt, this fried xiao long bao can only be found at one specific Eng Bee Tin store in Binondo. It's so special that people line up for hours just to get their hands on this superior dumpling.

Whether you drench or dip it in their sweet and spicy XLB sauce, it’s a shame we only get five in a single serving. We need more of it!

Sugarcane Juice at Wong Kei

If you need a break from all the street food, check out this viral sugarcane juice stand in Ongpin right beside Vege Select.

Get your sugar rush from this all-natural, freshly squeezed juice with no added preservatives. Enjoy watching the amusing process of how this thirst-quencher is made. It retails for P100, and you get a cute reusable bottle with your refreshing ice-cold drink.

And while you’re at it, try their cold fruit tanghulus—the perfect sweet treat for all the waiting in line you still have to do.

Fried Chicken at Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant

This 3-floor restaurant will have you passing their kitchen and climbing the stairs to dine in their traditional and homey interior. The walls are filled with picture frames showcasing all the remarkable people who have visited.

But the real deal here is their Sincerity fried chicken, cooked in Chinese style with a crispy, salty, peppery flavor. It doesn’t need any sauce and pairs perfectly with their fried rice. Their thick and meaty siomai is also a personal favorite.

The huge portions are probably why this place is so well-loved by families, offering a relaxed, friendly, and hearty atmosphere.

Chinese Delicacies at Salazar Bakery

The mother of all pasalubong, Salazar Bakery is known as the “Home of Oriental Delicacies” since 1947.

It is still bustling and thriving today because of its treasured delicacies, especially Hopia and Tikoy. They offer a wide variety, from the original mongo and pork to chocolate and the ube (purple yam) that apparently originated in Binondo itself.

Their tikoy rolls with peanut fillings are also a crowd favorite. Once popular only around Chinese New Year, they now serve them year-round, turning every day into a celebration of well-preserved tradition!

Turo-turo at Ang Tunay Beef House

For canteen-style authentic Chinese food at a lower cost, here’s where you can get it.

Despite its Tagalog-sounding name, Ang Tunay Beef House is an old Chinese-Filipino fusion food house along Sabino Padilla Street.

Here they serve duck misua, steamed Lapu-Lapu, fried frog legs, pork intestine, and kiampong for those who enjoy exotic and unusual menus. Their inexpensive but yummy choices of comfort food, in turo-turo style, have made the house a well-kept secret among locals.

La Mien at Lan Zhou La Mien

You can't miss out on noodles when trying Chinese cuisine. Lan Zhou La Mien takes pride in their hand-pulled noodles, stretching dough at arm's length repeatedly to produce long strands. Symbolizing longevity, you might need a pair of scissors for a more enjoyable eating experience.

Their bowl of lamien comes with bok choy stalks and your choice of meat for only P160. The best part? They have refillable broth. This is a must-try even in hot weather. You can find them on Benavidez Street, but don’t miss their sign, which is all written in Chinese.

With Chinatown getting its much-deserved love on social media, this recent Binondo craze has become a great way to preserve its rich culture and history. And as long as local patrons are willing to queue up, the oldest Chinatown in the world will remain a bustling hub, its streets thriving with life.