Happy Chinese New Year! ๐
Hello, Asean Hive Community! โจ
Since it was the Chinese New Year last Saturday, I want to share my trip to Lucky Chinatown Mall, a popular mall in Binondo, Manila, Philippines.
Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines, and probably in the world. It was established in the year 1594 by Spanish Governor Luis Pรฉrez Dasmariรฑas. It was the settlement for the Chinese immigrants back then.
I found a simple guide here if you happen to visit Binondo.
I had the chance to visit Binondo before Chinese New Year and my purpose of going to Binondo was to buy some home cleaning stuff since Divisoria is known for the drop-off point of goods which means way cheaper compared to those in malls. The items are the same and since they are displayed in malls, there is an added markup.
I cannot take pictures of me canvassing the goods because, I swear, it is chaotic and I was being cautious of my phone. ๐ As I said, there were a lot of people since this is the drop-off point of goods.
This is 168 Mall's food court. After a lot of walking, we finally got to the floor. Sixty percent of the shops were selling Chinese food.
My friend and I were looking for some Xiao Long Bao. This is the dumpling that I can't have when I have the opportunity to visit Chinatown.
The first kiosk we inquired about is Wai Ying Dimsum. They do not have Xiao Long Bao. They have wontons, siopao, siomao, and paos, but not the soupy dumpling that I want. ๐ฅฒ
Beside 168 Mall is Lucky Chinatown Mall. It is just a few walks away since they are adjacent to each other.
This is a mall-looking establishment compared to the prior since they sell branded goods such as Nike, Adidas, King Chef Seafood Restaurant, Subway, Bruno's Barbers, etc.
This is the side of the mall where you can dine al fresco. They have an outside kiosk and tables for dinners.
I really felt I was in China with these beautifully decorated shops! ๐๐ป๐ฅฐ
Sugarcane juice is popular these days. Does it mean milktea is out? ๐ Kidding aside, Mei Ying is a good choice if you want to try. It was recommended by a friend that I am yet to try.
They had a lot of customers already lined up so, I had to pass since we were past hungry and exhausted, we just wanted to sit and order.
Parasol and red lantern decors ๐ฎ A statue of a guardian Chinese lion. It is a belief that whoever puts this on the entrance of a home or building shall be protected.
This is the first thing you see upon entering the mall. For the Chinese, wearing and decorating something in red on the new year brings good fortune and prosperity.
The hanging red lanterns look small in the picture, but in reality, they are pretty big. I can say the lantern measures three feet in diameter.
Aside from the hanging decors, the mall displayed some artworks on a red carpet. I wonder why nobody is interested enough to take a peek. ๐ Maybe everyone has their errands.
The restaurant of our choice for the day is Shin Lin. Before we seated we asked if they had xiao long bao.
The staff delightfully said that they had it in stock. I learned my lesson in Banawe last year because xiao long bao is so popular a resto ran out of it. ๐
The staff were very attentive and friendly.
They gave us their menu and while we chose our food, a staff was standing beside me. I was guilty of making the wait, hehe. ๐
We ordered two baskets of xiao long bao in 10 pieces (11.43 USD), a pork bun (2.95 USD), two Taiwan milkteas (4.64 USD)
1 USD= 55.99 PHP as of writing this.
This bun is worth every bite! Soft buns, savory pork with a little zesty veggies. Ahh~ I think I found another favorite Chinese food! ๐
We were happy that we accomplished our purpose of going to Binondo, and were stuffed with delicious Chinese cuisine! ๐๐ฅฐ Glad that we visited before Chinese New Year or else, this place will surely be packed! ๐๐ป
Thanks for reading~ ๐
That is it for this blog. I will see you at the next one!
๐ธ All photos are owned and taken by me, otherwise credited. ยฉ๏ธjijisaurart
๐พ NFT Showroom: nftshowroom.com/jijisaurart
๐ฅฐ Open for commissions. Please DM me on Discord at jijisaur. ๐ฅฐ
