20+ Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo

Julie Anne L.
· · · ·

If you’re up for a walk that hits the senses and the soul, Chinatown Binondo should be on your list. This guide to must-visit spots in Chinatown Binondo goes beyond food—it’s about history, colors, noise, and stories in every corner. You’ll pass centuries-old temples, busy markets, and streets that still echo the past. The mix of old-world charm and everyday city life makes each turn feel like a new discovery.

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo | Explore Manila’s Rich Heritage

Chinatown Museum

Photo via Chinatown Museum – Facebook

Chinatown Museum makes history feel less like homework and more like a walk through Binondo’s past. Each gallery shows how trade, culture, and everyday life shaped the world’s oldest Chinatown. The space is small but full of stories that actually stick. If you like learning without the long lectures, this one’s worth a stop.

Honey Tang- Lucky Chinatown Mall

Photo via Honey Tang-Lucky Chinatown Mall – Facebook

Honey Tang at Lucky Chinatown Mall brings heat to your bowl with its signature mala dishes that locals keep coming back for. You pick the ingredients and they build the hot pot, making it spicy, simple, and satisfying. It started in China and quickly found fans here. If you like food that bites back a little, this spot delivers.

Shi Lin Binondo

Photo via Shi Lin – Facebook

Shi Lin is a Taiwanese restaurant in Binondo that serves hand-made dumplings, noodles, and buns with simple, honest flavors. The dumplings are soft, juicy, and packed with flavor. Noodles have the right bite, and the broths are rich and warm.  It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget about everything else until your plate is clean.

Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz – Binondo Church (Archdiocese of Manila)

Photo via Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz – Facebook 

Binondo Church, also called the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, sits right across Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. It’s one of the oldest churches in Manila and still draws people in for Mass, quiet prayers, or a quick candle stop. The building stands strong, with stories carved into its stone and walls. Step inside, and the city noise fades for a bit.

Wai Ying Fast Food

Photo via Wai Ying Fastfood Main Branch 嶸嶸小食館 – Facebook

Wai Ying Fast Food is a two-storey spot on Buenavidez Street, right across Manila Chinatown Hotel. You’ll know it by the ducks and chickens hanging in the window, slow-roasting behind the glass. It’s been around for years, and people still line up for their favorites. The small kitchen near the door gives you a peek at the action while you wait.

Ying Ying Tea House

Photo by Chun-Ming Chang via Google Maps

Ying Ying Tea House is a Binondo favorite, known for Cantonese dishes like dim sum, roast duck, and pork. The place gets busy fast, and for good reason. It’s the kind of spot where the food comes out quick and disappears even quicker. Simple meals, no extras, just good food that hits the spot.

Lucky Chinatown Mall

Photo via Lucky Chinatown – Facebook

Lucky Chinatown Mall sits right in the middle of Binondo and pulls people in for more than just shopping. You’ll find street snacks, big brands, and quiet corners to escape the heat. It’s the kind of place where you can grab dim sum, buy sneakers, and run into someone you know. There’s always something happening, even when you’re just passing through.

Dong Bei Dumplings

Photo via Herbie (@nice_nash) • Instagram

Dong Bei Dumplings serves homemade dumplings from northeast China that taste like they came straight from someone’s kitchen. The space is small and easy to miss, but the food speaks for itself. Each dumpling is soft, flavorful, and made by hand. It’s the kind of meal that feels familiar, even on your first bite.

The Great Buddha Cafe

Photo via The Great Buddha Cafe – Facebook

The Great Buddha Café is known for its beef tendon claypot rice that keeps regulars coming back. The portions are big, the flavors are deep, and the crispy bottom layer of rice steals the show. It’s one of those spots you find once, then never forget. A quiet favorite in the middle of busy Binondo.

  • Price: ₱₱₱
  • Facebook: http://fb.com/greatbuddhacafe  
  • Address: 2F UBE Tower, 628 Ongpin St, Binondo, City Of Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
  • Phone: 09177096165

Jones Bridge

Photo by CASUGA, Dante George C. via Google Maps

Jones Bridge links Binondo to the heart of Manila as it stretches across the Pasig River. Its arches, lamps, and details make it one of the most scenic spots in the area. Many come here just to take photos or enjoy the view. It’s a quick walk with a lot to take in.

Sincerity Café and Restaurant

Photo via Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant – Facebook

Sincerity Café and Restaurant is a longtime favorite in Binondo, known for food that hits the spot without trying too hard. The scent of spices and sauces fills the room before the plates even land. People come back for many things, but the Sincerity Fried Chicken always leads the list. It’s crispy, flavorful, and speaks for itself.

Mr. Ube Rice & Noodle House

Photo via Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House – Facebook 

Mr. Ube Rice & Noodle House serves sweet and spicy stir-fry noodles that are full of flavor and easy to enjoy. The taste has a Cantonese touch, mixing just the right amount of sweetness and heat. It’s a quick, filling meal that doesn’t try too hard. Simple, tasty, and always hits the spot.

 168 Shopping Mall

Photo by Onie Luzon via Google Maps 

168 Shopping Mall is always busy, packed with stalls selling clothes, home items, and just about everything else. It’s a one-stop spot where you can shop, eat, and wander without spending too much. The choices feel endless, from bargain finds to quick snacks. It’s loud, a little messy, and full of good deals.

To Ho Panciteria Antigua

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo by Chris Denise via Google Maps

To Ho Panciteria Antigua is the oldest restaurant in the Philippines, serving Chinoy classics since 1888. Located on T. Pinpin Street in Binondo, this spot has fed locals, heroes, and even survived two wars. The menu sticks to the basics like pancit, lumpia, asado, and more, with a taste that hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s a place that feels like history you can eat.

Café Mezzanine

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Café Mezzanine

Café Mezzanine is a laid-back spot in Binondo where you can enjoy a hot meal and support local firefighters at the same time. The walls are filled with real firefighting gear that tells quiet stories of bravery. The space feels calm and lived-in, giving you a good reason to slow down and stay a while.

Kuang Kong Temple 關聖夫子廟

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo by Johan Kwok via Google Maps

Kuang Kong Temple sits along Kipuja Street in Santa Cruz and has welcomed worshippers since 1882. For over a century, people have come here to light incense and offer prayers. The temple stays busy, especially with those seeking strength, wisdom, or good luck. It’s a quiet stop with a strong sense of history.

  • Address: JX2H+MHG, Kipuja St, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila, 1008 Metro Manila

Shanghai Fried Siopao

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Shanghai Fried Siopao – Facebook

Shanghai Fried Siopao is one of Binondo’s most popular food stops, always drawing lines no matter the time. People come back for the crispy bottom and tasty filling. It’s quick, cheap, and easy to eat while walking. Simple snack, big flavor.

Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli – Facebook

Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli is a go-to spot in Binondo for hopia, tikoy, siopao, and other well-loved snacks. They’re known for starting the hopia ube craze and keep adding new twists, like custard and brownie hopia. The shelves are always full, and the choices can get overwhelming in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you grab one thing, then end up with a full bag.

Lord Stow’s Bakery – Ongpin

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Lord Stow’s Bakery PH – Facebook

Lord Stow’s Bakery brought its famous egg tarts to the Philippines, and they’ve been a hit ever since. The crust is flaky, the filling is smooth, and one bite usually leads to another. It’s a quick stop, but one that’s hard to skip. Many come in for one tart and leave with a box.

Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Chuan Kee – Facebook

Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food has been serving classic Chinese dishes in Binondo since 1940. Known as the oldest fast food spot in Chinatown, it’s where many go for comfort food that tastes like home. The menu mixes old favorites with a few new touches, but the heart of it stays the same. It’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor that’s stood the test of time.

Apologue Coffee & Pastry

Must-Visit Spots in Chinatown Binondo
Photo via Apologue Coffee & Pastry – Facebook

Apologue Coffee & Pastry offers more than just a cup and a bite. It’s a quiet pause in the middle of Binondo. The coffee is strong, the pastries are sweet, and the space feels calm without being too quiet. It’s a spot where people take a break, catch up, or just watch the street go by.

More…

Hey, it's Julie! Fueled by coffee and cuddles from my 5 feline overlords, I'm on a perpetual quest for the perfect plate. When I'm not exploring new restos, you'll find me curled up with a good book or planning my next adventure.

Read More..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *