What to eat: Binondo, Manila Chinatown

Whenever I visit Binondo, it is a never-ending journey of discovery and a test of self. The place may be a little overwhelming at first. You may find yourself one rainy June walking in an ankle deep charcoal-colored mud, inhaling that signature smell of sewers brought by the garbages in its now clogged but once magnificent canals, the super overcrowded streets especially during the "ber-months" (October, November, December) where you literally have to muscle people to get through the next shop, the hazard and hassle of finding a parking space or commuting during peak season and rush hour, and of course the constant mental battles between you and your anxiety attacks brought by fear of being mugged or falling prey to pickpockets. But, like many people who have fallen in love with Binondo, the secret to appreciating its beauty is to look beyond its rough facade and discover that there is a harmonious order well at play amidst the rowdiness (more like a dance) that a little open-mindedness, preparation and research can unlock. And the reward once we figure them out? ...definitely a unique experience, great value for our hard-earned money, loads of huge blue plastic bags filled with cheap items of almost everything and thanks to a Fil-Chi friend, an affordable food haven of chicken, eggs, teas and dumplings. Having mentioned food, let me show you some of the places our good friend Michael shared with us one Saturday afternoon when we roamed around to eat in the oldest Chinatown in the world.....^_^

Manila Chinatown's Welcome Sign

First stop: Suzhou Dumpling house along Gandara Street. This was my first official encounter with a century egg (I learned that it is sometimes used as a garnish in congees, so there's a chance I might have eaten it before but just don't know what it was called..lol!), anyway, it was cut up in thin slices and covered in caramel-like sauce, it really looks like cut steak when placed in the middle of the table (pretty!). We also tried their dumplings, it tastes good too ^_^.

Suzhou Dumpling house - Century egg and dumpling

2nd stop: Ang Tunay Beef house also along Gandara Street (actually, just a couple of steps away). A must try is the restaurant's black chicken with herb broth. The chicken itself is from a unique family of chickens called a Silkie chicken which is pigmented black to its bone. It tastes a little gamy but not sure if it is because of the broth but it tastes really delicious. ^_^

Black Chicken - Ang Tunay na Beefhouse Binondo Manila

3rd Stop - Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant along Yuchengco Street. Famous for their tasty Kikiam or ground pork and vegetables wrapped in beancurd sheets. If you're really hungry, this little cafe offers a lot of food in their menu and it's quite affordable too, prices ranges from PHP60 to PHP300 only.

Kikiam - Sincerity Cafe and restaurant

4th Stop - Dong Bei Dumpling along Yuchengco Street. This little store offers a big surprise for dumpling lovers, don't be fooled by its humble set-up, the dumplings here are really yummy, their soft and freshly cooked. The plus point is that we get to witness how they created it. Our good tour guides also ordered the tofu sandwhich which is also very tasty. ^_^

tofu sandwiches

Don Bei - Dumplings

5th Stop - Ying Ying Tea House along Yuchengco Street. The Hakaw here (shrimp dumpling) is a must try. They also give out free hot teas. ^_^

This is also where I saw the biggest Siopao I've ever seen in my entire life. ^_^

For dessert, we went to a nearby supermarket and brought Korean ice creams. A good way to clear the taste buds.

And the cherry on top is a group picture after a very satisfied journey of the palette. A still memory in the middle of busy Binondo. ^_^