Known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, this district of Manila dates back to the early 1590s. First established during the Spanish period, Binondo is an active place of commerce for Chinese traders. It’s not a secret that this place has likewise gained fame for being a top food crawl spot. Out of the many restaurants in the area, here’s five really worth trying.
Sincerity Café and Restaurant
Sincerity Café and Restaurant has been serving Chinese comfort food since 1956. The Binondo gem’s claim to fame is its fried chicken, which reviews have acclaimed as one of the best in Metro Manila. Other must-tries are the fried oyster cake and the Eight Treasure Machang, sticky rice flavored with dried scallops, chicken, pork, dried shrimp, abalone, Chinese sausage, peanuts, and chestnuts.
Visit Sincerity Café and Restaurant at the G/F of Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
King Chef
This is a go-to place for family reunions, get-togethers, and other social functions since its early beginnings. King Chef is known for its selection of dim sum and seafood dishes. Its 50 percent off on all dim sum promo at selected time slots is a huge treat for groups. Must-tries include dumplings, bean curd roll, spinach soup, and King’s Style Seafood Congee.
King Chef is at the 2/F of Lucky Chinatown, Binondo. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Shi Lin
Named after Taipei’s Shi Lin District, this restaurant offers familiar dim sum choices and Cantonese fare. The place specializes in fresh, handmade dumplings, buns, and noodles. A favorite on the menu is the signature Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, which are best partnered with soy sauce, vinegar, or Shi Lin’s very own chili oil. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Nutella XLB.
Shi Lin is at the G/F of Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tao Yuan Restaurant
Starting out as a home to Hong Kong Cantonese dishes, Tao Yuan has since expanded to serve delectable Singaporean delicacies. Its Hainanese Chicken Rice, which comes with chili, garlic, and soy sauce dips, is a sure rave among foodies. Other selections for the family are Tao Yuan’s Singaporean Chili Crab with matching fried buns, laksa, cereal prawns, and asado tart. Tao Yuan is at the 2/F of Lucky Chinatown, and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mann Hann
Mann Hann began in 1996 as a high-end deli and convenience store in San Juan and has grown into one of the most popular Chinese restaurants. Known for its sharing-style menu, Mann Hann offers specialty Fookien cuisine like its bestseller Yang Chow Fried Rice and Spicy Spare Ribs. A family feast classic is Mann Hann’s Lechon Macau, or the Chinese style version of the lechon kawali. Specialties also include Taosi Fish Fillet and French Beans.
Mann Hann is at the G/F of Lucky Chinatown, and is open from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.