Budget-Friendly Binondo Food Trip: ₱500 Challenge

Who says you need a date to enjoy a Binondo food crawl?

I went on a solo Binondo food crawl with only ₱500 in my pocket, and let me tell you, it was more than enough to enjoy some of the most iconic street eats in the oldest Chinatown in the world, right here in Manila.

Yes, Binondo is known as the oldest Chinatown, established in 1594. Aside from its rich history and culture, it’s also a paradise for food lovers.

Here’s what my ₱500 got me:

🥟 First Stop: Fried Pork Burger – ₱80

Located along Ongpin, this fried pork burger was juicy, savory, and packed with flavor. It was meaty and satisfying — a solid way to start the crawl. For ₱80, it already felt like a win.

🍩 Milky Bicho-Bicho – ₱70

After something savory, I needed something sweet. I passed by a bicho-bicho stall and grabbed their milky version for ₱70.

The texture was soft and slightly chewy, coated just right. It balanced the savory pork burger perfectly.

🥠 Shanghai Fried Siopao – ₱35

Next, I lined up for the famous fried siopao. I bought just one for ₱35 — freshly cooked and still hot when I got it.

The best way to eat this? Straight from the pan. Savory, meaty, and super sulit for the price.

🍞 Jade Bun – ₱50

While walking, I noticed a new store selling something called a Jade Bun. It’s basically a butter rice cake with melted pork floss inside.

It looks slightly oily because of the butter, but the texture is chewy and flavorful. For ₱50, it’s something different and worth trying.

🧃 Sugarcane Drink – ₱100

By this time, I was already thirsty from all the walking. I bought a sugarcane drink for ₱100, and honestly, it was refreshing. I finished it almost immediately.

Binondo walks + Manila heat = sugarcane juice is a must.

🥧 Lord Stow’s Egg Tart – ₱65

No Binondo trip is complete without an egg tart. I grabbed one from Lord Stow’s for ₱65.

The crust was flaky, and the custard filling was creamy and not overly sweet — just how I like it.

🎁 Still Had ₱100 Left!

Yes, I still had ₱100 left from my ₱500 budget.

So I went to Salazar Bakery to buy tikoy and hopia for pasalubong. That’s the beauty of Binondo — you can eat well and still have budget for take-home treats.

Can You Do a Food Crawl Alone?

Absolutely.

You don’t need a big group. You don’t need a date. You don’t need a huge budget.

Sometimes, walking around, lining up alone, choosing what YOU want to eat, and enjoying every bite at your own pace is actually the best part.

If you’ve been waiting for someone to go with you to Binondo, this is your sign.

Bring ₱500, wear comfy shoes, and start walking.

Because yes! You can date yourself in the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines.