Even after the very long holiday
season, our love for food will never wane. Somewhere, someone is still
dying to say: “Bring out the juicy ham and crispy lechon!” There’s no
need for a holiday or special occasion to indulge. Surely, everyone
still has a hangover for the rich and indulgent food served during the
countless reunions and dinners with different sets of friends.
Backyard Grill at the Park got your taste buds covered and we’ll be
in your neighborhood sooner than you think. Calling all the residents of
Ayala Alabang Village and other southerners to block the last Saturday
of February because we’re going to Cuenca Park.
Binondo
is an important part of Manila -- dubbed as the world's oldest
Chinatown. And the most exciting part of it is the gastronomic landscape
you'll discover when you go there. In Binondo, you will find the oldest
restaurants where you can trace the origin of some of our popular
dishes.
Have you always been interested to try different Chinatown chows? In
any case, the best way to get to know a place is through your stomach.
Grab your chopsticks and ready yourself with basic Chinese phrases, here
are 10 food finds in Binondo under P150 that will surely bring you to
Chinese-food heaven.
1. Quekiam
Nope, this is different from the Kikiam which we're all familiar of.
Quekiam is a popular Chinese dish adopted into a Filipino cuisine. It is
made with ground pork (sometimes beef) and vegetables wrapped in bean
curd sheets, steamed then deep-fried until golden brown.
Where to get: Chuan Kee -- 650 Ongpin St, Binondo
Price: P85
2. Kiam Pong
Kiampong is referred by some as Chinese paella. Like its Spanish
cousin, it uses ingredients that is available from land or sea. From any
meat dish, steamed fish or fresh Chinese lumpia, it can be paired with
anything.
Where to get: Chuan Kee -- 650 Ongpin St, Binondo
Price: P42
3. Kutchay Ah
It has a flaky pastry which is similar to empanada -- filled with
zesty and sweet bits of tofu, meat, chives -- and is surprisingly good.
No wonder it is one of the best-sellers at this charming restaurant.
Where to get: Quik Snack -- Carvajal St, Binondo
Price: P40
4. Gokong Soup
A soup made by simmering five kinds of meat -- pork tendons, pork
ribs, pork innards, pork skin, chicken -- and chinese herbs, served with
spring onions. It is believed to strengthen a person's overall body
health.
Where to get: Chuan Kee -- 650 Ongpin St, Binondo
Price: P150
Served hot and fresh, this fried siopao is not really fried but has a
semi-crispy bottom which adds a twist to the steamed buns we're
familiar of. Tip: eat the siopao immediately because when the bun is
left in the plastic for a while, the moisture will make it mushy.
Where to get: Shanghai Fried Siopao -- Ongpin Street, Binondo
Price: P18
7. Machang
There are two kinds of Machang which you'll see in almost every
corner in Chinatown -- regular and special. The regular one (blue)
consists of brown sticky rice, black mushroom, beans and meat, either
chicken or pork. While the special machang (red) has chicken, pork,
black mushroom and chestnuts.
Where to get: The streets of Binondo for a more authentic feel
Price: P55-P65
8. Pork Ma-Ki Soup
Maki which is usually paired with Kiampong has fluffy tender pieces
of pork cooked in a thick brown broth. It is sometimes served with
beaten eggs for an added texture. While you're at it, head on to the
next door at Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli where you can see a variety of hopia -- Ube, Mochipia, Mongo, Pork Floss (new) and a whole lot more.
Where to get: Chuan Kee -- Ongpin Street, Binondo
Price: P105
9. Mami
Image:
Masuki's Facebook
Started in 1930, Masuki has a wide variety of mamis -- original mami,
chicken mami, asado mami and more -- best paired with its secret sauce
and is served the same way it did when they started. You can also try
their popular Siopao (steamed pork bun) and giant siomais together
with some of their specialty side dishes like roast pork, beef brisket
and wonton.
Where to get: Masuki Mami House -- 931 Benavidez Street, Binondo
Price: P120 (Regular) and P130 (Special)
10. Dumplings
One of the can't-miss dishes when in Chinatown are of course,
dumplings -- especially at Dong Bei's. Don't expect too much though
since this place will give you a no frills dining experience. On the
bright side, the dumplings are served freshly cooked after it's been
prepared right in front of you.
Where to get: Dong Bei Dumplings -- 642 Yuchengco Street, Binondo
Price: P120
--
Did we miss any of your Chinatown food favorites? Let us know in the comment box below and we'll definitely go back to try them!
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