See the world’s oldest Chinatown in a new light
BINONDO FAVES Chinese lumpia from Hai Shin Lou, empanada from Quik Stop, and delicacies from Uno Seafood Restaurant.
Yesterday, Jan. 6, was the episcopal anniversary of our dear Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown. Happy anniversary, Your Excellency! This reminded me of how we are so blessed to have been assigned the coolest Nuncio. We were invited by Msgr. Esteban ‘Bong’ Lo, rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, to a walking tour of Binondo and Archbishop Brown was so game to walk around Binondo’s streets and even ride an e-trike! I strongly recommend doing this Binondo tour, whether for visiting friends or even for yourself!
I had done a Binondo food tour with Ivan Man Dy and then another one with Sandy Daza almost a decade ago. But this one is different because this involves not only food tourism but faith tourism as well!
Binondo Church
As Msgr. Bong is the rector of the Binondo Church, it was our first stop. For those who are hearing about this church for the first time, don’t be confused by its many names. It was first known as the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary or Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario in Spanish, as it was founded by Dominican priests in 1596. As its location is in Binondo, it became known colloquially as the Binondo Church.
In 1992, however, Pope John Paul II—now Saint Pope John Paul—elevated Binondo Church to a minor basilica in honor of the first Filipino saint, who used to serve in this church as an altar boy and was canonized in 1987. Hence, it became known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
Today it carries all these three names.
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Binondo Church —Photos by Margaux Salcedo
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Carvajal Street
After Binondo Church, we visited two restaurants in an alley perpendicular to the famous Quintin Paredes St. The name of the alley is Carvajal St. Here you will find two great foodie favorites.
The first is New Po Heng lumpia. I have already written about this several times in the past, although it was still at its original location on Quintin Paredes St. This is not your ordinary Filipino lumpia. This is big enough to be a burrito but the filling is not meat but vegetables and crushed peanuts. it’s my favorite fresh lumpia!
The second one is Quik Snack, a favorite spot for locals. Founded in 1967, this place is known for their empanadas. Other favorites include the sate beef noodle soup and the fried tofu.
