January 2025

TRAVELER’S GUIDE: Binondo, the Oldest Chinatown in the World

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  • Kung Hei Fat Choi! As we usher in the Year of the Wood Snake, join Philippine Primer in exploring Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.

    Arch of Goodwill / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    Founded in 1594 by the Spaniards as a settlement near Intramuros for migrant Catholic Chinese, Binondo has been and still is a thriving hub of Chinese commerce, history, culture, and, of course, food. It is a place where centuries of Chinese influence have shaped the community–a must-stop destination for anyone interested to know more about Manila’s colorful past.

    IMAGE from Anson Yu

    For foodies out there, begin your Binondo food walk at King Chef Seafood Restaurant for their well-loved Dimsum and Cantonese delicacies. Make sure to try their hakaw (shrimp dumplings) and pansit canton guisado (stir-fried noodles), perfect starters for the feast to come.


    Hakaw / IMAGE from King Chef Seafood Restaurant

    Next, drop byat Lai Lai Seafood, a celebrated seafood restaurant located in Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel known for its seafood dishes such as crab rice, steamed lapu-lapu (grouper), and shrimp with egg fit for an emperor.

    Lai Lai Seafood’s Crab Rice / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    Named after a life-sized Budai (Matreiya Buddha) found inside the place, The Great Buddha Cafe serves authentic Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine, perfect for lunch or afternoon snacks. They have claypot rice dishes, noodles, dim sum, stir-fries, and many more.


    The Great Buddha Cafe’s Chicken and Mushroom Claypot Rice / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    For those in search of a more casual spot, To Ho Panciteria Antigua is known for its traditional pancit, which is often served during festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and fiestas.

    To Ho Panciteria Antigua’s Pancit / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    Of course, no visit to Binondo is complete without exploring the markets and cultural landmarks. Bee Tin Grocery houses a wide variety of ingredients and specialty products, from Chinese teas and herbs to sauces and spices, perfect for those looking to buy souvenirs for their loved ones.

    Bee Tin Grocery / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    For the more culturally inclined, a stop at the historial Binondo Church is a must. This church was founded by Dominican priests in 1596 to serve their Chinese converts. A large statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz–the first Filipino Saint–stands in front of the church.

    Binondo Church / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    As you walk through the busy streets of Binondo this Chinese New Year, celebrate the auspicious season with a mix of food, culture, and tradition. From the handmade dim sum at Dong Bei Dumplings to the auspicious trinkets at New Victory Trading, Binondo is the best place to experience the best of Filipino-Chinese culture.

    Dong Bei’s Handmade Dumplings / IMAGE from Dong Bei Dumplings

    New Victory Trading / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

    Where to go: a guide map

    TRAVELER’S GUIDE: Binondo, the Oldest Chinatown in the World
    click the image to enlarge

    Where to Eat

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