Binondo with the Bestie? Tara, G!

Probably you’ve seen all those TikTok reels and Facebook posts saying, “Tara, Binondo tayo?” Well, why not? 

Every nook recounts a narrative, from the vibrant jeepney sounds to the lively sellers and genuine Chinese diners (not including the fact that my clumsiness nearly cost me my money). 

The city’s streets serve as a reminder of Manila’s rich cultural legacy. It’s the ideal place for everyone who wants to experience a fusion of flavors and nostalgia.

Binondo crawl

The trip to Binondo began in the famous Binondo Church, also called the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, with my best friend Jemima. 

The calm atmosphere and breathtaking architecture allowed us to take a minute to reflect on the rich past of the oldest Chinatown in the world.

After snapping some Insta-worthy shots, it was time to dive into what we truly came for — the food.

Visiting Shanghai Fried Siopao on Ongpin Street was how we started things off. The ideal way to begin our culinary adventure was with their fried siopao, which was juicy on the inside and crispy on the surface. 

It was next to it that we found Oishiekun Bites, located at 838 Ongpin Street, which gave our culinary crawl a surprising but enjoyable twist. 

Wai Ying Fast Food on Benavidez Street was the next stop. We had to wait for several minutes, but it was all worthwhile because we were able to enjoy their renowned beef mami, hakaw and siomai, which were our immediate favorites. 

After that, we stopped briefly to Salazar Bakery to get some delicious, fluffy and perfectly snackable siopaos.

No trip to Binondo is complete without a visit to Eng Bee Tin. We stocked up on pasalubongs, and their iconic ube hopia, mooncakes and tikoys were the stars of the show. The variety of options left us spoilt for choice, but everything we tried was worth the calories.

To end on a sweet note, we visited Lord’s Stow’s Bakery, where their melt-in-your-mouth egg tarts were an absolute highlight.

Beyond the food, we also took time to explore the charm shops scattered throughout Binondo. 

As the year of the Wood Snake draws near, Jemima and I picked charms and trinkets that would bring us wealth and success. 

Travel tips

For those planning their own crawl, here are some tips for getting the most out of your trip to Binondo.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you get the freshest dishes. Bring cash, as many stalls don’t accept cards. Wear comfy clothes and shoes because there’s plenty of walking to be done. 

Most importantly, come hungry and stay adventurous — Binondo is a blend of classic and unique flavors that will surprise and delight even the most seasoned foodie.

So, the next time your bestie asks, “Binondo tayo?” you already know the answer — Tara, G!