Chomping Our Way Thru Binondo With The Chevy Spark

Richie and I have been talking about going on a food trip during the summer and we finally decided on going to Binondo to do a little chomping. Irene and I were the designated tour/food guides since we both grew up going there while Rina and Richie were clueless about where to go and eat. We decided to bring the Chevy Spark AT 1.0 in bright Blue Bell, which we were test driving because of its small size and maneuverability. BE sure to read until the end, Richie and I have a little surprise for you guys.

I was tasked to drive our foursome to Binondo because I knew the roads better so there was going to be less hassle with directions. The first thing I looked for when I stepped inside was the cup holders. I love to pass drive thru so I inevitable need a place to put my soda and coffee drinks. The lighted LED instrument panel was also a surprise, it show you everything you want to know plus looks so futuristic.

The Spark is small and compact making it easy to park it in small spaces like this parking space in Shangri-la Mall as well as maneuver the narrow streets of Binondo.

We encountered quite a bit of traffic since it was a weekday morning, finally getting to Binondo at around 12:30. Good thing we quickly found a parking space in a lot nearby since everyone was hungry already.

Off to our first stop, Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant, one of our all time favorite restaurants. I was quite surprised when we went it because they recently renovated and it made the space bright and clean. Here’s Richie and me doing the touristy thing, all his fault though (hahaha).

We ordered just 3 dishes for our group of 5, Joan who lives in Binondo met up with us. First was their signature Fried Chicken (P300) and three kikiam/ngo hiong rolls. You might have a hard time figuring out what part of the chicken you are eating because they’ve chopped it up but also because each piece is flavorful whether dark or white meat. Their ngo hiong rolls might not be as packed as others because they use real meat that you can bite and taste.

Next stop was Irene’s favorite street food cart situated at the corner of Hormiga and Quintin Paredes. That cart has been selling like crazy for as long as I can remember. The have various nuts and beans that they flavor with salt and chili oil. They also sell green mangoes with bagoong/shrimp paste, Richie and I passed on that one but our wives snapped them up like crazy.

Time for more touristy things, we had to get a picture with the Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz).

We then swapped out blue chariot for something a little more Binondo, what else but a horse drawn calesa with my mad buddy at the helm.

After our little side trip, we headed to Quick Snack, located in Carvajal street which used to house a number of stores selling umbrella. We had 3 dishes again, Satay Beef Noodle, Fried Lumpia and a Iced banana to cool down.

We need to walk some more to let all the food we ate digest a bit. Posing by the Ongpin bridge and shopping for snacks at Bee Tin Chinese grocery where you can find all sorts of interesting stuff.

We turned on to Salazar St. to visit two of my fave shops for more stuff to bring home.  Shin Ton Yon for Taiwanese sausages and cured meats and Po Chuan Tin Bakery for classic monggo hopia. Po Chuna Tin wraps their hopia can be eaten straight from the freezer and are wrapped in red wax paper.

Keep on walking along Ongpin St. and peruse the different shops selling all sorts of things from lucky charms to jewelry and anything in between.

The last restaurant stop was Ongpin Manosa Restaurant, which I actually have not visited in more than 10 years. Their specialty is the Maki Mi, a slightly gooey pork tenderloin noodle soup. Irene also got an order of their siomai, different because they douse it in adobo sauce.

Last stop before heading home was to get a couple of Shanghai Fried Siopao (P17/each) for the road.

The trunk space may look small but can pack quite a lot as you can see in our before and after shopping pic.

It was a great afternoon filled with non stop eating fun stories along the way. Irene and I were super happy that Richie and Rina enjoyed  every place we took them to.

Here’s a look at the different sides of the fun Chevy Spark LS 1.0 AT and cost only P598,888. The great savings does not stop there since you get great mileage (19km/liter), you keep on saving every time you drive it around. The interiors were pretty spacious, seating us 4 adults comfortably.

We hope you enjoy this little video, we definitely had a blast doing it.

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