08/04/2026
Binondo in the Philippines is the world’s oldest Chinatown!
Established in 1594, this neighborhood served as a hotbed for revolutionaries during the Spanish occupation and a hotbed for urban conflict during the Japanese invasion during WW2.
You know when you’re getting close as dragons appear along byways long before you cross the Chinese arches.
Our final stop this evening was Chuan Kee: the oldest Chinese fast food joint in the heart of Binondo.
The place was packed- a line formed around the building as the night went on.
You could smell the fried food around the block, street dogs and hungry locals gathered around the door.
It took about 25 minutes to get through the line, packed into a small table for 4 (allegedly) we managed to order enough food for like 8 people.
The servings are absolutely generous.
As a “must stop in while you’re here” restaurant is now checked off the list, our next trip into this part of the city will definitely give us an opportunity to explore a little more.
Traveler tips:
Come early in the day
Explore the back streets (more restaurants)
The train isn’t too far from Chinatown - it’s an easy walk.
We ended the night with ice cream and dropped our leftovers off to a person in need.
The contrast between have and have not is very visible here in the Philippines, it’s easy to take for granted the luxuries we experience as standard in the western world.
Good speed fellow travellers cheers to more adventures!
