Beyond the mainstream chains, Quezon City hides specialty coffee shops serving world-class brews. Your guide to the best third-wave cafes.
A Taste of Chinese-Filipino Heritage
While Binondo may be more famous, Quezon City's Banawe area offers an equally authentic Chinese-Filipino experience. This bustling district has been home to Chinese-Filipino communities for generations.
Food Heaven
Banawe is legendary for its Chinese restaurants. Must-try spots include:
- Hand-pulled noodle shops serving la mian fresh from the kitchen
- Dim sum houses with decades of history
- Authentic Cantonese roast meat specialists
- Traditional Chinese pastry shops
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The area is known for its traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shops. Even if you're not seeking treatment, it's fascinating to explore shops selling herbal remedies, acupuncture supplies, and health tonics passed down through generations.
Shopping Finds
Beyond food and medicine, Banawe offers:
- Chinese grocery stores with imported goods
- Kitchen supply shops favored by local chefs
- Buddhist and Taoist religious supplies
- Feng shui shops and Chinese antiques
Festival Time
Visit during Chinese New Year (usually January/February) or the Mid-Autumn Festival for special celebrations, lion dances, and seasonal treats like mooncakes.