For dumplings shaped like ancient gold ingots, head to Dong Bei Dumplings at 642 Yuchengco Street, Binondo. Their handmade pork-and-chive dumplings are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for those hoping to “bite into wealth.” Nearby, Wai Ying Fastfood at 810 Benavidez Street, Binondo, offers beef brisket mami, roast duck, and dim sum, essential for those seeking longevity noodles to welcome the new year.
(Photo Courtesy: foodtripbro/IG & Wai Ying Fastfood/Facebook)
Crispy Classics and Lighter Bites
No Binondo crawl is complete without the golden fried chicken from Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant at 97 E.T. Yuchengco Street (formerly Gandara St.), Binondo, a heritage spot beloved for its crunchy skin and tender meat. For a lighter yet equally symbolic option, try fresh lumpia from New Po-Heng Lumpia House at 621, 1006 Carvajal St., Binondo, filled with vegetables and sweet peanut sauce to attract prosperity.
(Photo Courtesy: Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant/Facebook & New Po-Heng Lumpia House/Facebook)
Heritage Comfort Food
As the Chinese New Year turns the streets of Binondo into a vibrant sea of red lanterns and dragon dances, food lovers know there’s only one way to celebrate: through a festive food crawl packed with symbolic and indulgent eats. Nestled in the heart of Manila, Binondo offers a flavorful journey where every dish carries wishes of prosperity, longevity, and good fortune.
Sweet Beginnings: Tikoy and Siopao
Start your crawl along Ongpin Street with a box of sticky rice cakes (nian gao) and hopia from Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, located at 628 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila. These treats symbolize rising fortune and family unity, making them a staple during Chinese New Year celebrations. Don’t miss Shanghai Fried Siopao for its iconic crispy-bottom siopao stuffed with savory pork, best eaten hot off the griddle as you explore the vibrant streets of Binondo.
(Photo Courtesy: Angelica Matabang)
Dumplings of Fortune
Near Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Masuki Noodles and Rice at 931 Benavidez Street, Binondo, continues to serve its classic mami and siopao, maintaining decades of Binondo culinary tradition. Food adventurers can also explore the nearby side streets for kiampong rice, oyster cake, congee, and traditional Chinese pastries that complete the festive and flavorful experience.
(Photo Courtesy: Masuki/Facebook)
A Celebration of Culture and Flavor
More than a food trip, the Binondo Food Crawl is a cultural immersion where centuries-old Filipino-Chinese traditions are tasted in every bite. Whether you start early in the morning or join the evening rush, this culinary pilgrimage promises not only full stomachs but also hopeful beginnings and abundant blessings for the year ahead.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Binondo is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing a living heritage. Each restaurant, each street stall, and every carefully prepared dish tells a story of tradition, community, and shared joy. So grab your appetite, your camera, and your sense of adventure, because the Binondo food crawl is the perfect way to welcome February 17, with flavor, fun, and a dash of luck for the new year.
