Manila Chinatown Food Crawl: Culinary and Heritage Tour

Manila Chinatown Culinary and Heritage Tour

Manila Chinatown Food Crawl, A Culinary and Heritage Tour Guided by Walk with Chan

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

Related posts:

Manila Chinatown Food Crawl: Culinary and Heritage Tour

What to Eat in Binondo or better known as Manila's Chinatown.

What to eat at Ilang-Ilang Restaurant in San Nicolas, Manila

What to eat at Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant

What to eat at Toho Antigua

What to eat at Ang Tunay Beef House

What to eat at Ramon Lee

What to eat at Kim Hiong Food Garden

What to eat at Ambos Mundos 

What to eat at Kiampong Foodhaus

What to eat at Delicious Restaurant

Best drinks to try at Ant Ice Aling

January 11, 2026. Sta. Cruz, Manila.  We have been invited to take part in Rence Chan's yearly pre-Chinese New Year culinary and heritage walking tour once more, along with some of his friends who are stamp fanciers, into arts and photography, orchid lovers, random bloggers like us, and most importantly, those who are into rich history of random things. 

This is the nth time we've gone on a walking tour with Rence, sometimes with family, and as the years have gone by, this part of Manila - Binondo, Sta. Cruz, San Nicolas and surrounding areas, one thing is for sure: the place never runs out of something new and old to try.  From the past Manila Chinatown walking tour or to the current food crawl, can be read in full at What to Eat in Binondo or better known as Manila's Chinatown.

In the oldest Chinatown in the world, Manila Chinatown offers both the greatest and worst dining options. This version of my blog will merely provide a walkthrough using our images and videos, along with a factual summary of particular locations, the history behind them, the food we've tried (on some occasions, repeatedly), their current prices, and other pertinent details. 

Plaza Sta. Cruz. The plaza is a historic public square that serves as the gateway to Manila's old Chinatown and is situated in the Santa Cruz district of Manila, Philippines. It is located close to the

MacArthur Bridge and the Pasig River at the intersection of Rizal Avenue and Bustos Street. In the rotunda area of the plaza is the Carriedo Fountain. This 19th-century fountain pays tribute to Don Francisco Carriedo y Perredo, who provided funding for Manila's first public waterworks system in 1884. A replica stands today in the plaza. During colonial events, such as the British surrender of Manila to Spanish Governor Simon de Anda in 1764, the plaza acted as a neutral venue. During the pre-war period, it was also a thriving center of commerce and culture, with theaters like the Tivoli, eateries like Panciteria Antigua, and nightclubs like Tom's Dixie Kitchen. Plaza Sta. Cruz is still a significant historical and cultural landmark in downtown Manila, representing the city's rich history and resilient character. 

Sta. Cruz. Plaza Square

Sta. Cruz Church. This church, which was built in 1619 and enshrines the famous Catholic symbol Nuestra Señora del Pilar, is situated right across from the square. Spanish Baroque architecture may be seen in the current building, which was restored in 1957 following destruction during the war. According to Rence, tombstones of Filipino-Spanish families were repurposed as flooring along the entrances of the church.

Sta. Cruz Church

Spanish tombstones

Delicious Restaurant. (2005). Located in F. Torre St., Sta. Cruz. Known for specialties like pancit chow mien, pancit miki bihon, and crispy intestines. 

Kiampong Foodhaus. (1954). Located in Soler St.

Known for kiampong rice and staples - kikiam (Php 100 each), lechon paksiw, lechon kawali, bola-bola soup, and makli gawgaw. The area is now developed with tall buildings.

Filipino-Chinese food is the main specialty of Kiampong Foodhaus, which is housed in the Republic Supermarket Building on Soler St. in Binondo, Manila. Popular dishes include a variety of viands to go with their famous Kiampong Rice.

Atchara Tokwa - Tofu with a sweet and sour sauce. 

Lechon Paksiw - A sweet and savory pork dish utilizing leftover lechon.

Kiampong Rice - A subtly flavored sticky rice that serves as a staple, best paired with their rich viands.

Kikiam - Homemade Chinese-style sausage, available in regular or a frozen "sulit pack"

Morcon - A Filipino-style meat roll that is a recommended dish by regulars.

Ambos Mundos. Literally means 'both worlds' of Filipino and Spanish cuisine. 

Many people consider Ambos Mundos to be the oldest restaurant in the Philippines, having opened its doors in 1888. Translating to "both worlds," its name reflects its signature fusion of Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish cuisines. 

The restaurant was relocated to its present location at 750 Florentino Torres Street, Santa Cruz, Manila, from its original location on Echague, now Palanca Street. It frequently uses its original narra furnishings to preserve the "Old World" ambiance. 

Paella Ambos - A classic Spanish rice dish that remains their most famous offering.

Asado Roll -  A beloved snack often paired with afternoon coffee.

Torta de Cangrejo - A highly-praised crab omelet.

Morisqueta Tostada - Their traditional version of Yang Chow fried rice.

Ramon Lee. (1929). Located in 540 Ronquillo St., Sta. Cruz. One of Manila's oldest and most recognizable Filipino-Chinese eateries, Ramon Lee Panciteria was founded in 1929 and is situated in the famed Santa Cruz neighborhood. Serving generations of patrons, it is well-known for its Pancit Canton Special and Chinese-style fried chicken. It is also credited with being the first restaurant in Manila to provide a combo meal called the "Fine Meal." Introduced in the 1960s for just ₱6, the Fine Meal combo is still available today for ₱240 (₱250 for takeout), providing excellent value with a variety of main dishes, rice, and drinks.

To Ho Antigua Panciteria. (1888). Located in 422-424 Tomas Pinpin St. This year, our host served us a Rizalian era meal, which is said to be what Jose Rizal ordered when he eats at To Ho Antigua.  According to Rence, pancit guisado, lumpia shanghai, pancit canton, pinsic prito, pork asado, kikiam, and yang chow fried rice are among Rizal's favorite foods. 

To Ho Antigua Panciteria

Rizalian era meal. Images (counterclockwise) Kikiam, Pancit Guisado, Lumping Shanghai, Pancit Canton, Pinsic Prito, and Pork Asado. 

 

 

It was founded in 1888 and is well known for its traditional Filipino-Chinese food, which includes specialties like Lumpiang Shanghai, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Camaron Rebusado, and Pansit Canton. Since the Wong family took over the restaurant from its Chinese immigrant founders, they have managed it for generations, preserving its tradition despite two world wars. 

Dong Bei Dumplings. 642 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila (near Binondo Church, just off Ongpin Street).  Look for the modest window sign—easy to miss, but the line of customers usually gives it away. One of their bestsellers are the steamed kuchay with pork and the steamed xiao long bao.

Dong Bei Dumplings

Kuchay and pork dumplings

Signature Dish: Kuchay (Chive) and Pork Dumplings – juicy, flavorful, with a delicate wrapper. 

Other Offerings: Beef noodle soup, xiao long bao (when available), and frozen dumplings for take-home (31 pcs for ₱200). 

Price: Around ₱200 for 14 dumplings.

The restaurant, which was founded by Lisa Lee, a native of Dong Bei, Northeast China, offers Manila a taste of her hometown. Every day, employees can be seen kneading dough, wrapping dumplings, and boiling them per request at the store, which places a strong emphasis on transparency and freshness. Since there isn't any indoor seating, most customers eat their dumplings outside.

In Binondo, Manila, Dong Bei Dumplings is a well-known, straightforward restaurant known for its real, handcrafted Northern Chinese dumplings, particularly the pork and kuchay (chive) varieties. It has a devoted following and a place on most Binondo food crawls because the dumplings are prepared fresh to order, visible through the storefront, and served with a distinctive garlicky soy-vinegar sauce.

Ready to eat: 

Bestseller: Boiled Kuchay with Pork (Php 200 / 14 pcs)

Steamed Xiao Long Bao (Php 200 / 6 pcs.) 

Fried Kuchay with Pork Dumplings(Php 300 / 14 pcs)

Fries Stuffed Pancake (Php 100 / 4 pcs)

Soy Bean Sauce Noodles (Php 200)

Beef Noodles (Php 250)

Frozen:

Kuchay with Pork (Php 300 / 30 pcs)

Plain Pork (Php 300 / 30 pcs)

Cabbage with Pork (Php 300 / 30 pcs)

Xiao Long Bao (Php 300 / 20 pcs.) 

Ho-Land. 

Taiwan’s Nice Choice Rice Puff with Sesame (Php 200). They have Cooked Meatballs (Php 360) and  Special Kikiam (Php 400). Machang variants: Pork Machang (Php 105), Taochang (Php 105), Special Machang - Pork, Chicken and Mushroom (Php 115) (small), Special Machang - Pork, Chicken and Mushroom (Php 160) (regular), and Special Machang - Double Pork and Mushroom (Php 175).

Ho-Land

La Resurrection Chocolate. Based in Binondo, Manila, La Resurreccion Chocolate is a historic Filipino firm that has been making 100% cacao tablea (chocolate tablets) since 1930. Particularly for traditional Filipino hot chocolate (tsokolate), the brand has emerged as a cultural icon. The business was once based on Ongpin Street, but it has since relocated to 652 Yuchengco Street in Binondo, but some sources still mention the old address.

La Resurrection Chocolate

Hong Bon Bridge/Philippine Hong Chong Grand Mason Association, Inc. In Binondo, Manila, the historic concrete Hong Bon Bridge connects Veronica Street and Alvarado Street across the Estero de Magdalena. It is known for its historical significance in the Chinoy (Chinese-Filipino) community and acts as a local shortcut that links Ongpin Street to important business districts like Divisoria and surrounding malls. The bridge is associated with the Philippine Hong Chong Grand Mason Association, Inc., a cultural and civic organization rooted in Manila’s Chinese-Filipino heritage. Despite not being a recognized tourist destination, the bridge is well-known for its historical significance and is regularly brought up in local news and conversations about urban exploration. 

Hong Bon Bridge

Shrine for Healing and Wellness. 

Ah Ya Ya. The term "Ah Ya Ya" in Binondo refers to a well-liked Filipino-Chinese culinary experience in Manila's oldest Chinatown, which is known for its vibrant street food, cultural fusion, and heritage. This area right here is about to open a spot for tea drinks maybe. 

Ah Ya Ya

Ant Ice. Located in 830 Alvarado St., Binondo, Manila. Chinese halo-halo is a refreshing twist of Filipino halo-halo without the milk/cream, instead the shaved ice dessert has tidbits of fresh fruit bites. - Milktea, fruit juice, starts at Php 95. The dessert store has Champoy (Php 150), Nougat candy (Php 150), Pure tablea chocolate, Dried sea cucumber (balatan in Filipino, harshen (Chinese), and peanuts (sung sung and honey peanut) per container at Php 150.

Ant Ice

Chinese Halo-halo (Image: Chief Ongteco)

 

Sea cucumber

TVT Mandarin Mansion.  Located in 611 Tytana St., the Mandarin Mansion is a private condominium on V. Tytana Street in Binondo, Manila, Philippines. It was created by Federal Land, Inc. (previously Federal Homes, Inc.) and introduced in the 1970s as one of the business's initial initiatives serving Binondo's Filipino-Chinese population. The structure is a part of the Escolta Twin Towers, Tytana Plaza, and Soler Tower, among other historic developments.

Mandarin Mansion

Beanstro. Beanstro Coffee is a new specialty coffee store situated in the Tytana Plaza Building in Binondo.

Beanstro

Wai Ying Fastfood. Located in 810 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila. 

Wai Ying

Wan Kee Bakery. Located in 828 Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila. Rence recommended lemon or mocha chiffon cake (Php 300). The viral jumbo siopao (Combo Php 275, Asado or Bola-bola Php 255. They also have the original recipe hopia in variety of flavors. 

Wan Kee Bakery

Wan Kee's lemon chiffon cake (Php 300)

Monte Land. (1976). This bakery beside Wan Kee, is always sold out, better visit before lunch time. According to Rence, Monde Land’s jumbo siopao is recommended than the other bakery. 

Monte Land Bakeshop

Polland. (1966). Mrs. Po founded the Filipino-Chinese bakery Polland Hopia in 1966. It is well-known for its authentic pork (hopia baboy) and mung bean (hopia munggo) pastries. The brand, known for its flaky crust and traditional recipes. It also offers other Chinese delicacies like tikoy, mooncakes, and savory goodies such as siomai and kikiam. 

Polland

Diao Eng Chay. Located in Tansamco Building, 845–847 Salazar Corner G. Masangkay Streets, Binondo, Manila. DEC bestseller is the chicken pie at Php 90 per piece, they have box of 4. They are best know for Dim sum like kikiam, pork-mushroom siomai, hopia, wat ke (offering bun), tikoy, frozen dimsum, fish tofu, and mochi with monggo filling. DEC is an old school Chinese bakery that is well-known for its dim sum, authentic Chinese pastries, and pasalubong products like siomai and tikoy, as well as its famous chicken pie, which tastes like chicken a la king. With roots in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, it has become a go-to destination for freshly baked goods and frozen delicacies, recognized for its reasonable price and friendly service. 

Diao Eng Chay

Chicken pie

dim sum

Vege Select. Located at 739 Ongpin St., Binondo, Vege Select (previously Quan Yin Chay) is a well-known vegetarian and vegan restaurant that is well-known for its tasty mock meat dishes, fresh juices, and reasonably priced plant-based meals. Vegan corned beef hash, tofu, radish cakes, faux meat sausages, fried rice, halo-halo, and sugarcane juice are just a few of the restaurant's many vegan dishes with Taiwanese, Chinese, and Filipino influences. Must-try for plant-based food enthusiasts, the BBQ sauce marinade, the sugarcane juice, and the tasty tofu.

Vege Select

Roman Ongpin Monument. Located in Binondo, Manila, the monument is a tribute to Don Roman Ongpin, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, philanthropist, and patriot. It is located in Plaza de Binondo, today known as Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, it stands beside Binondo Church, at the intersection of Ongpin Street and Quintin Paredes Road.

Roman Ongpin monument

Roman Ongpin's historical marker

Binondo Church. 

Best find:

Ang jeng ho or pu heng plant (ang heng ho or puyeng). Chinese believes that this plant will attract good and positive vibes for your house or your business, whether you're wanting to improve your luck, start a business, or beautify your home space.

Ang jeng ho or pu heng plants

Fil-Chi Shrine.

Different kinds of kamote in Masangkay Street and fruits along Ongpin Street. 

Kamote stall

Chinese New Year. Chinese lanterns, fruits and all kinds of "pampa sweet" to welcome the lunar year. 

Sta. Cruz, Manila

How to get there?  

The nearest bus stops include Plaza Santa Cruz, Rizal Avenue, and T. Pinpin Street / Escolta Intersection.  The Doroteo Jose LRT Station and Recto LRT Station are also nearby.

If you guys have tips on exotic food and recipes, write us at foodamnphilippines(at)gmail(dot)com

If you find this post helpful, informative or entertaining, feel free to SHARE it.
Follow https://twitter.com/GreenDei 
Facebook Page:  Foodamn Philippines
IG https://instagram.com/foodamnphilippines
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/DeiVille

I’d love to know what you think about this post. Feel free to leave your comment. I do reply to each of your messages or questions so please come back if you’ve left one.

Disclosure:  Foodamn Philippines receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own and/or partially based on Press Kits. Some posts may contain web links in exchange for payment. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend, discuss, or introduce products/services/businesses I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers.