Hello and welcome to Food Neighbourhoods on Monocle Radio.
I'm Monica Lillis and once again we're visiting the places locals love for their food and drink.
This week we're heading to Manila's Chinatown Binondo,
a chaotic enclave of the city that's as renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage
as it is for its delicious food.
Here, Hannah Pham takes us on a tour to try out the best Chinese Filipino fare.
The oldest Chinatown in the world is located in the small, bustling district of Bonondo in Manila.
Located a stone's throw away from the historic Intramiros neighborhood,
Bonondo is a multicultural hub where the sounds of jeepneys and food hawkers fill the air.
As the epicenter of Chinese Filipino cuisine, there's no shortage of street food vendors,
bakeries and buzzing diners to fill up a full day of eating.
To start off your food tour of Binondo, stop by Quick Snack for breakfast,
a cozy hole in the wall that's been around for over 40 years.
While their Lumpia Shanghai Filipino style spring rolls are delicious, so is the unfried version,
Lumpiag sariwa stir fried veggies are stuffed inside a soft crepe like wrapper.
Naturally, these taste best when doused in plenty of peanut sauce.
Make sure to also grab a few kuchaia Chinese style empanadas made with a flaky shell and filled with pork,
tofu, carrots, turnips and mushrooms.
Dip them in a mix of garlic, vinegar and chili and enjoy.
Next up, coffee.