Tags: Food Establishments, Food Fare and Dishes
By Marjorie Gorospe
PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA–Comida China de Manila is perhaps one of the oldest restaurants in the city serving authentic and traditional Chinese food.
First established in 1894, the restaurant, also known as Panciteria San Jacinto, is best remembered in the past for serving Chinese food affordable for big Filipino or Chinese families during weekends.
“Comida China” literally means Chinese food in Spanish and many in the past simply refer to this panciteria’s distinct style of cooking in Binondo around 1900s to 1970s, according to Benny Torres, president of Comida China de Manila Inc.
In 1996, the Torres family opened a new restaurant in Pasig in an aim to continue the legacy of Chinese cuisine but somehow closer to the younger generation. Although they named it Panciteria San Jacinto, they still offer their best seller dim sum and Comida China soup.
“We got the name San Jacinto from the original name of our old location in Binondo which was Calle San Jacinto (now Pinpin Street),” Benny says. The family eventually decided to bring back the old name Comida China de Manila.
“We are also proud that we have taken its cuisine to new heights and made Panciteria San Jacinto’s comida china available to younger generation,” Benny adds, noting that the restaurant continues to be faithful to the classic Cantonese fare served in Binondo.
Aside from the preserving the original name of the establishment, Comida China de Manila also preserves the name of the dishes like Morisqueta Tostada, Pueco con Agreo Dulce, Camaron Rebosado, and Ampalaya con Carne, among others.
“It’s part of our mixed culture. The food itself and the names of the dishes are all part of our history. Perhaps through our new name we will be able to make younger generations become more aware and proud of our colorful past and the interwoven influences in our history,” he says.
(Photos courtesy of Comida China de Manila)
Get more information about Comida China de Manila
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My favorite dish is the fried shrimp balls. Very mouth watering. Kudos to Benny and the rest of the group for putting up such a fine establishment.