Banawe is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood located in the heart of Quezon City, Philippines. It is a popular destination for foodies, shoppers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. It was once home to a large Chinese community, which has since grown and spread out throughout Quezon City. These early Chinese immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, which have been passed down through generations. Resulting in a unique fusion of Chinese and Filipino flavors that can be found in many of the dishes in Banawe today. Although Chinese cuisine is very dominant in the area, there are also cuisines from other Asian Countries. Now, a lot of Singaporean Hawker Foods, Hongkong Fried Noodles, Korean Samgyupsal, and a lot more are available in the area. This has led to the creation of unique dishes that can only be found in Banawe.
Banawe is not considered a traditional Chinatown in the same way that other cities like Manila’s Binondo or Quezon City’s own Ongpin Street are. However, the area is still popular for its strong Chinese community and influence, particularly in terms of food and culture. In addition to Chinese cuisine, Banawe also offers a variety of other food options. The area is known for its street food. With vendors selling everything from grilled meat skewers to sweet desserts like halo-halo and turon. There are also a number of Filipino restaurants and eateries, offering traditional dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. The neighborhood is also home to a number of car parts and accessories stores. Which has earned it the nickname “Autoparts Capital of the Philippines.” Definitely a one-stop shop for car enthusiasts and food lovers! Furthermore, if you’re looking for foods to try in Banawe, check these restaurants out:
YLAYA LUMPIA AND MAKI
Ylaya’s Special Lumpia is a fresh spring roll that is has a mixture of vegetables, pork, and shrimp. It’s usually served with a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the savory filling. The lumpia is a popular appetizer or snack in Banawe, Quezon City. It is often paired with other Chinese dishes like noodles or fried rice. Meanwhile, Ylaya’s Maki is a type of sushi roll that is filled with a mixture of cooked shrimp, pork, vegetables, and egg, and then wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed.
Sliced into bite-sized pieces and served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce. This is also popular for its unique combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. People also like the Cuapao. It’s a steamed bun that is typically filled with different types of savory ingredients and can be served as a snack or a meal.
EAT FRESH
Eat Fresh is a restaurant that is popular for its Hong Kong & Singaporean Street foods, Fried Noodles, Asado Bun. It is located in Banawe, Quezon City. It started its operations in Banawe in 2010, making it a relatively newer establishment in the area. Fortunately, it has quickly gained a following due to its high-quality food, unique flavors, and affordable prices. One of the crowd’s favorite is the Laksa. It is a spicy noodle soup dish that is common in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Morever, Laksa may not be a traditional Filipino dish, but it has definitely made its way into the Philippine food scene and has been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients.
Usually goes with seafood, such as shrimp, squid, or fish, and garnished with bean sprouts, hard-boiled eggs, and chopped herbs like cilantro. The restaurant has opened several other branches in different locations in the Philippines, including Paranaque, Marikina, Pasig, and San Juan. Furthermore, it has become a popular dessert destination in the Philippines, particularly among young adults and students.
FORMOSA BAKESHOP
Formosa Bakeshop is a popular bakery chain in Banawe, Quezon City that specializes in Taiwanese-style pastries and bread. The bakery is famous for its wide selection of freshly baked treats, which range from savory to sweet and cater to all types of taste preferences. One of the most popular items at Formosa Bakeshop is their Milk Bread, which is a soft and fluffy loaf that’s perfect for making sandwiches or simply enjoying on its own.
Other best-selling items also include their Pork Floss Bread, which is a savory pastry filled with seasoned shredded pork, and their Egg Tart, which is a sweet and creamy custard-filled pastry. They also offer a variety of traditional Taiwanese pastries, such as Pineapple Cake, Moon Cake, and Red Bean Cake. Moreover, these pastries are typically made with traditional ingredients like sweet bean paste, pineapple filling, and mochi, perfect for snacks or gifts. Check these blogs too if you’re looking for other food crawls:
- A Tasteful Glimpse into Manila’s Finest and Newest Cafés
- Bar Hopping in Poblacion, Makati’s Red Light District
- Lucky Chinatown – A Vibrant Chinese New Year in Binondo
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