I guess one of the best ways to beat the heat is to go outside your house and buy ice cream. But no, my post is not about where to buy ice cream. Yet, this is also sweet and one of my favorites. Last week, I had a short visit but a very long walk in Chinatown. It was after I went to PUP(Polytechnic University of the Philippines) Sta.Mesa, Manila to process my memorabilia refund. Under the scorching sun, I rode a jeepney with a route punta-kalentong to divisoria. This is the cheapest vehicle you can use to go there. In my case, I paid only P10($.20). It was not that traffic but my main issue was the weather. It was really hot and humid. So make sure these kind of days you have to have spare shirt, towel and bottled water with you whenever you want to go outside like what I did. But it did not fully solve what I felt that time. I really craved for a very very as in super duper, to the highest level cold drink. After less than 30 minutes ride, finally my shoes already touched the ground of Divisoria. Since I took a different path that I had not taken for more than five years, I got lost. Usually, I ride jeepney with a route baclaran/pedro gil-divisoria whenever I like to go to Chinatown. It was a challenge going to Ongpin Street. I walked from Divisoria, one of the centers of commerce in Manila. There were a lot of people, this place is perfect for bargain hunters but always be vigilant for pickpockets. Then from there I passed Malls named by chinese lucky numbers, like 168, I was not sure what was the other one, I don't know if its 888 or 999 Mall. I also thought to go inside Lucky Chinatown Mall to rest for a while since it has a very well centralized aircondition. Finally, after that sweaty and smoggy walk I reached Ongpin Street. I guess this is the other way to call Chinatown Manila. Like, where is Chinatown Manila? It's in Ongpin Binondo or where is Ongpin? It's in Chinatown!
This is one of the historical places in Manila, somehow you can still see a little bit of Old Manila from the church, bridge and temples. It is also a sanctuary of gastronomic experience. Perfect for chinese food crawlers. Since I already mentioned it, yes it was a great activity to beat this heat. Food Crawl! So let me share, two of my best places to go in Chinatown Manila.
Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli. A place where purple is the luckiest color. Became household name because of their famous and mouthwatering "Ube Hopia". So far this is really for me the best hopia in town.
With strong and high demand, the store has embraced innovation and produced different products. From just a very hit "Ube Hopia" to various flavors of Hopia like Mongo(Mung Bean), Pandan and Keso(Cheese). They also sell breads, chiffon cakes, glutinous rice cakes(Tikoy) and refreshments like milk tea. Hopia prices vary from its flavors, P40-P50($1-$1.50). While the chiffon cakes P98-P110($2-$2.50). Glutinous rice cakes(Tikoy) P170-P260($4-$6) It has really grown a lot and tailored fit their products to the needs of their buyers.
I tried various flavors like Ube/Keso(cheese) and Pandan but it didn't surpass my super favorite classic flavors of Hopia. Ube and Mongo (Mung Bean).
Truly, Eng Bee Tin is the center of oriental delicacies in the country. Located near Binondo Church. Their products can be a perfect souvenirs for both foreign and local tourists. Being one of the landmarks in Chinatown. Don't miss a chance to go here.
Cafe Mezzanine. Known to be The Fireman's Coffee Shop. Located also near Binondo Church. This is a place where you can somehow think well. I guess because that time there were no a lot of people. Small, simple yet cozy. Crews were very friendly and attentive. This is beyond chinese restaurant you can find in Chinatown, not only congee, dimsum or kung pao chicken but they also sell foods with american influence like burgers. Also foods with a touch of filipino cuisine like lechon paksiw and adobo egg.
This is not only a perfect way to eat your chinese noodles but also a way to help volunteer firemen. The main reason why there is Cafe Mezzanine. You are not only filling your hungry tummy but also motivating firemen with the help of your money continue doing their job. And that is to keep us safe from fires.
Inside Cafe Mezzanine.
I just ordered Buko(Coconut) Shake to at least pacify the heat I felt inside me that time. The price is right, P90($2) it was well blend. Then, Spring Tikoy(Glutinous Rice Cake) Roll, P120($3) it was a heavy dessert but the condensed milk as its sauce helped me to finish this. It took away the feeling of being full.
So that's for today, hope I was able to give you a piece of information if you're planning to go to Chinatown. Prices here are variable, might as well check their legit sites; engbeetin.com and cafemezzanine.com. Heads up, go outside your house and discover the world.
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