Sunday is a nice time to go to Manila’s Chinatown. It’s less crowded, there’s not much traffic, and most restaurants have room to spare. Some would argue it doesn't really feel like being there in Binondo if it’s not crowded. But there are times when it would be nice to be able to sit down and grab a bite without wading through the crowds and waiting for a long time even for short order items on the menu. Your happyfoodies chanced upon this panciteria, Shin Din Kha, while on a food trip with friends about two weeks ago. We were full at that time so we had to bypass this small restaurant. But a recent Sunday lunch found us wandering here again, this time with hungry tummies.
Lagal[og] said: I’m a big Makimi (Mami Noodles and Pork in Thick Starchy Sauce) fan since I was a kid so one of the things I hanker for when in Chinatown is the Makimi. I must say I really love the ones here in Shin Den Kha. The servings are huge, the pork pieces are really meaty, the soup stock chockful of flavor. I thought I found my favorite Makimi in Manosa but this one’s even tastier. Cheaper, too, for just P100 for the big bowl.
Ironwulf said: I also love the Makimi here, larger, tastier and meatier than Manosa's. We also tried other dishes on the menu that attracted our attention like the Ham Soi Kok. Served in 3 pieces on a small plate, the outside looks more like bread pieces but inside, it’s more like Buchi, a deep fried flour dumpling. It’s crispy on the outside and hollow inside but for portions of ground meat. It’s real tasty but heavy. Great as a separate snack.
Lagal[og] said: I saw some Goyong at the counter on my way out to shoot the façade and I knew I just had to order some. It’s very much like Quekiam/Kikiam (Deep-fried ground pork and vegetables wrapped in beancurd sheets), only bigger but no less tasty. The beancurd sheet crunches with every bite while the seasoned pork reveals its succulent flavor. Even without the sauce, it is very, very yummy.
Ironwulf said: The Goyong doesn’t really look appealing at first glance. But just biting into a slice will make you forget how it looks as each piece is really tasty and the beancurd wrapper fried to a nice crunch. We also tried their Lumpia/Spring Rolls served in 3 large pieces. The meat inside was very chunky and tasty along with the vegetables. It tastes good on its own even without the accompanying sauce.
Shin Din Kha Maki Panciteria
808 Benavidez St. cor. Salazar, Binondo
Tel. No. 245-7669
No comments :