With the Chinese New Year happening on Saturday, many people will head to Binondo to celebrate. And all those celebrations also means there will be a lot of food. So, here are the best spots in the country’s Filipino-Chinese center where you can grab great meals during the festivities.
Binondo food place no. 1: Dong Bei Dumplings
Everyone loves dumplings of any kind and Dong Bei Dumplings along Yuchengco Street is one of the best stops for those quick bites. The restaurant offers many varieties, including the popular Northern Style dumplings. These are handmade and the restaurant prepares a fresh batch daily. You would also want to check out their Kuchay dumplings, which tastes best when dipped in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Aside from their dumplings, you also want to get a taste of Dong Bei’s Chinese pancakes. These are stuffed with different fillings like minced pork or kuchay. Like their dumplings, the restaurant also cooks these pancakes right on order.
Dong Bei is considered as one of the most budget-friendly dining spots in Binondo, with their pork dumplings being sold at 200 pesos for 14 pieces. You would want to come in early, though, as the place can be packed with customers during the peak hours.
Binondo food place no. 2: Ho-land Hopia and Bakery
Hopia, or mooncake, is another delicacy that Filipinos associate with the Chinese New Year. And if you are looking to munch on them or bring home a box for pasalubong, Ho-Land Hopia and Bakery is great stopover. The pastry shop is also located along Yuchengco, just a walking distance from Dong Bei.
One of their most popular products is the mango hopia, which combines the sweet and tangy taste of ripe mangoes with the crunchy pastry. If you prefer the more classic mongo hopia, Ho-land has its own take on it. Their version is not that sweet, yet has a creamy texture. All the hopia the bakery sells are freshly taken from the oven and will retain their freshness for about a month when stored in the refrigerator.
Aside from hopia, Ho-Land sells other Chinese desserts like machang (glutinous rice meat dumplings) and tikoy. The latter is another popular dish associated with Chinese New Year in the country. Note that the bakery doesn’t have any chairs or tables, so you will have to eat somewhere else. Ho-Land now even has branches in Banawe Street and N. Domingo Street in Quezon City.
Binondo food place no. 3: The Original Salido Restaurant
If you are craving for a more hearty meal after all that Chinese New Year celebrations, you would want to head to The Original Salido Restaurant next. This restaurant has a large selection of Chinese dishes for any meal of the day.
One of their popular dishes is the 3 Cups Chicken in Hotpot. This consists of chicken wings served in a sauce made of soy sauce, wine, and sugar. The sauce adds a touch of sweetness to the chicken’s flavor. According to the restaurant, the recipe is popular both in mainland China and Taiwan. You can order a small or a large serving depending on how many will eat.
Another must-try in their menu is the popular pork asado, which is very flavorful compared to other recipes. You would also not want to miss the restaurant’s Hong Ma with Cuapao, which is a sandwich-like dish that you dip in the accompanying sauce. Lastly, coffee-lovers will be interested in their preparation method. They use the siphon method, which produces coffee with a stronger aroma.
Binondo food place no. 4: Wai Ying Fastfood
If you are touring Binondo with friends of family, Wai Ying Fastfood along Buenavidez St. is a good place to dine in. The restaurant is popular for its large servings, which are great for such groups. These are reasonably priced, starting as low as 120 pesos.
One of Wai Ying’s popular offerings is their hakaw platters. These dumplings might look like your regular siomai at first glance but they contain a generous helping of shrimp. There are also bamboo shoots added for that extra flavor. A platter of four pieces will set you back around 80 pesos but the large size makes up for it.
Wai Ying also offers other varieties of dumplings like curry beef and sharksfin. Outside of these, you would want to try their roasted soy chicken, as well as their roasted duck. You can order these on their own or as part of affordable rice meals if you want a more filling lunch.
Enjoy great Binondo food while celebrating Chinese New Year
These are just some of the food places you can try out in Binondo during the Chinese New Year. And you will be surprised to find more eateries and tea houses when exploring the district. Just be prepared, as they can be crowded during the festivities. Head out and watch the dragons dance as you enjoy some great Chinese food.