Where do you go to find the oldest Chinatown in the world? If it’s not in your travel directory, you might try Binondo in Manila. The area was founded in 1594, 416 years ago, by the Spanish governor, Luis Perez Dasmarinas, as a permanent settlement for Chinese immgrants. Today, it’s the home of Chinatown in Manila, and a terrific place for visitors to find Chinese food.

Not far from Manila hotels, you’ll find the Eng Bee Tin and Salazar Bakeshop’s Hopia, which is a type of Chinese puff pastry. If you’re partial to dim sum, try Wan Chai Tea House at the heart of Benavidez Streeti. This may, in fact, be the oldest Chinese restaurant in Manila, and its simple menu of traditional cuisines is popular with many.

Regardless of what type of food you’d like best, Binondo is worth at least one day’s visit on every trip to this capital city of the Philippines. There are shops, pet markets, restaurants, and street volunteers. Take a look, too, at the volunteer fire brigade’s fire engines, which have been painted purple.

If you’re in the mood for Spanish Fusion, try another place that lays claim to being one of the oldest places in the area: El Mondo Restaurant. It’s especially recommended if this isyour first time dining in Binondo.

For more Chinese cooking, try Wah Sun Rstaurant, too, which is especially good for families, because the restaurant has a miniature zoo. This mini zoo actually includes live crocodiles, which is sure to have the kids talking all the way back to the hotel.