Krys M G.
Google
We recently had dinner at Binondo in NYC Chinatown, and it turned into one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. I noted on our reservation that we were celebrating a birthday, but I didn’t expect anything special — I just wanted a good meal. Instead, we were treated to an evening that felt genuinely heartfelt from start to finish.
We arrived around 5:45pm, and the restaurant was still quiet, with only a few guests seated. The uncle who greeted us was incredibly warm, welcoming, and attentive, setting the tone for the entire evening. As dinner service went on, the restaurant quickly filled up — by 7pm it was bustling and nearly at capacity, which speaks volumes about how beloved this place is.
For drinks, we ordered the sago’t gulaman and the kalamansi juice, both refreshing and delicious. Before our entrees even arrived, we were served complimentary roasted peanuts and anchovies, along with a comforting soup that immediately took us back to classic Filipino home cooking.
For dinner, we ordered the Chicken Tinola, Pork Sisig, and Pancit Negra (plus added lechon kawali on top). Every dish was fantastic, each in its own way:
⭐ Chicken Tinola — 10/10
This was easily one of the best versions of tinola we’ve ever had. Instead of the usual bone-in chicken, theirs is deboned, rolled, and deep-fried — a technique known as roulade, which gives it a beautiful texture and presentation. At the table, uncle poured the hot, aromatic broth over the roulade, and the result was absolutely divine. Light, flavorful, comforting — a perfect dish.
⭐ Pork Sisig — 9/10
The sisig was served sizzling, and uncle finished it table-side, pouring the sauce and mixing everything together right in front of us. It had great flavor and richness, though we wished it had a touch more citrus — a squeeze of calamansi would have brightened it up to a full 10/10. Still very delicious, and a must-try.
⭐ Pancit Negra — 10/10
Outstanding. The noodles had that unmistakable wok hei flavor, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of chew, and seasoned beautifully. We added lechon kawali on top, which was good, but honestly the pancit negra stands strong on its own. One of our favorites of the night.
For dessert, we tried the Turon Special and the Ube Tikoy with ice cream (from their seasonal menu). Both were fantastic, but the tikoy in particular stole the show — crispy, chewy, warm, cold — all the good contrasts in one plate. We also ordered a hot Barako coffee with dessert — dark, rich, and bold. It was the perfect way to cut through the sweetness of the turon and tikoy, and such a comforting finish to the meal.
And then… the surprise.
Remember how I mentioned it was a birthday dinner? The staff went all out and rolled out a full celebration — complete with an EDM version of “Happy Birthday” blasting through the speakers, a sparkler, and the entire restaurant singing along. The joy, the energy, the laughter… it was impossible not to smile. My wife was beaming, and honestly, so was everyone else.
It wasn’t just dinner — it was an experience, and one we’ll never forget.
If you’re in NYC and want heartfelt service, amazing food, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like family, Binondo is absolutely worth a visit. We’ll definitely be back.