Anywhere you go in Binondo, there is always something eye catching for the foodie. Lately, Benavidez is turning into an interesting one-street food destination, if you’re not the person who likes to walk a lot. There’s a nearby parking lot, so you can conveniently step out into a street with food places that won’t hurt your pocket.
We tried two places during our last Manila trip. Place no. 1 to add to your Binondo food trip is Shin Din Kha Maki Place for maki and maki mi and a whole lot more. It’s operated by the same family behind the iconic Mañosa Restaurant Co. (here). By the way, it’s sad to hear that the old panciteria on Ongpin St. got burned down only recently. Maki Place says, it will take maybe 2-3 months before it reopens. So, for the fans of Mañosa, Maki Place is an alternative. Just please be forewarned that the chami of Maki Place is not the same chami you’re used to. I think they don’t put that pungent sate in it.
But anyway, the maki and ngohiong (kikiam-like pork rolls) you love are pretty much the same. A new discovery is their fish maki. In stark contrast to say pork or beef maki, it is so white and devoid of soy sauce. Maki is an acquired taste. It isn’t maki if it’s not thick and sticky. Maki mi is the same gooey soup with the addition of noodles.
Check out place no. 2 in the next post
Their siomai is like the huge, dense siomai in the olden days. We ordered salt and pepper pork, but their version is the sauteed kind. The Hainan chicken was a bit disappointing, but on the whole, Maki Place is still one good stop for old-time favorites that will bring you back to your grandmother or mother’s cooking in your younger years.
Shin Din Kha Maki Place 916 Benavidez St (02) 516 4644 Open 9 AM-10 PM.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
