In an encounter with the streets of Quiapo under the Carriedo Train Station of the LRT (Light Rail Transit), we had the sudden craving for dimsum.
We had just finished buying vegetables near Quiapo church and were already making our way back to the train station.
Just a quick 8 mins walk from Carriedo Station, infront of Plaza Sta. Cruz which is hard to miss because of a massive fountain in the middle of the plaza and this eye catching Arch of Goodwill where two lions stand guard on each side. One can note that a Police outpost is situated right next to the Chinese Gold center right next to the arch. A few policemen were also gathered that time when we passed by, attentive to the gold shops with the gold and jewelry on display.
Ongpin Street is famous for soon-to-be-wed couples as the place to get wedding rings on the cheap.
Aside from that, you can also buy Jade bangles, polished red coral bracelets, an assortment of Chinese lucky charms (which we still buy even if we are not Chinese, because they're lucky). I thought to buy jade bangles for my daughter so I asked the shop keeper what Jade represents. I think she said good luck.
The jade stone means purity and purification. Another meaning of jade is gentleness and nourishment because jade is a stone that protects and supports loving heart energy. [Source]
A little walk past the arch, the gold shops and gift shops, we found this dimsum and hot pot restaurant that takes you to a different place in time.
Mei Sum Teahouse is right in the middle of Chinatown's busiest street.
The teahouse immediately served us hot tea when we sat down and read their menu, but I also tried out their Nai Cha cold tea which was on promo for only Php45 from the original price of Php75. I asked if it was made from powdered tea and they assured me it wasn't. It was a hot day and I was just thankful to be drinking cold tea with slabs of jelly (gulaman) so I couldn't really say it wasn't powdered tea. It was sweet and the jelly was also filling so I tried to take small sips before our food arrived.
The restaurant had live fish and an assortment of fresh seafood but we figured we should wait for the hot pot before we order more food.
Click here to see their full menu on zomato.
We were not wrong to assume that small sized hot pot was enough for two persons. We even had some leftover that we asked for take-away. The beef was soft and tender.The curry topping on rice was full of flavor.
The Curry Beef Brisket hot pot was just the right level of spicy matched with sweet beef tendon melting in your mouth.
On the way back to Carriedo LRT station, we dropped by well known Chinese Deli or pasalubong place, Eng Bee Tin to buy siopao, hopia, mochi balls, and cashew marcipan or marzipan.
A pasalubong is something you take home to your loved ones to let them know that you thought of them during your trip, even if it's just a few kilometers away in Chinatown.Exiting Ongpin Street, the traffic was getting busy as we reached the end of the afternoon and the church bells were ready for the 6'o clock mass. #
Here you see a mix of the influence of Spanish and Chinese cultures in the midst of Plaza Sta. Cruz where Ongpin Street ends.
I think it's a unique sight, we stayed a bit to take photos and to admire the fountain since we caught it just at the moment when the street cleared up.
We had a glimpse of the sunset at Pasig River as we headed home from our walk through Ongpin Street.
Hope you liked our sweet escape story in the streets of Metro Manila!
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