FOODPhilippines team savors Chinatown’s Culinary Gems This Chinese New Year

The busy streets of Binondo, the heart of Manila’s Chinatown is a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes. Established in 1594, Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, but it’s not just history that draws visitors year-round. It’s the food.

Manila’s Chinatown is a gastronomic haven where traditional Chinese flavors blend seamlessly with Filipino influences. The FOODPhilippines team recently embarked on a mouthwatering food crawl through Binondo in time for the celebration of the Chinese New Year to experience firsthand the rich culture and the dishes that keep visitors coming back for more.

Sweet and Savory Street Eats

Binondo’s streets are alive with vendors offering an array of quick, delectable bites. Our food tour began with a hearty meal at Sincerity, known for its flavorful and crispy fried chicken. Despite feeling full after the satisfying meal, we couldn’t help but indulge in more local delights: fried siopao — steamed buns with savory pork stuffing, pan-fried dumplings with their crispy golden wrappers and juicy filling, and fresh lumpia, a delightful mix of crepe-wrapped vegetables drizzled with rich peanut sauce.

To cool down, we sipped refreshing sugarcane juice and enjoyed bichobicho, a soft, donut-like treat with a creamy, milky sweetness. For street food enthusiasts, the smoky BBQ skewers — featuring fish cake, tofu, and sausages — offered a burst of flavor to hungry food hunters and visitors of this fabled town. We ended the tour on a sweet note with flaky, buttery egg tarts that melt in your mouth.

No trip to Binondo is complete without a visit to Eng Bee Tin, famous for its hopia, a sweet, flaky pastry that has become a top-of-mind snack in Chinatown. Another must-try is the traditional tikoy (sticky rice cake), especially popular during Chinese New Year for its symbolism of family unity and prosperity. Eng Bee Tin is also an exhibitor at IFEX Philippines, showcasing its dedication to promoting Filipino-Chinese culinary heritage on the international stage.

If you are planning to go to Binondo for a foodie adventure make sure to come hungry as the portions are generous and there are many dishes to try. Remember that most establishments accept cash only. It is best to wear comfy shoes when you explore the area.

Binondo is more than just a foodie destination; it highlights the fusion of Chinese and Filipino cultures. This Chinese New Year, take a trip to Binondo and indulge in the flavors that make Manila’s Chinatown a culinary treasure. Check out the FOODPhilippines’ video tour for an insider’s look at this unforgettable food crawl.