Saturday, October 8, 2011

Going Chinese in a Hundred Year Old Restaurant

Going to Panciteria San Jacinto is like going back in time. This is the place where my grandparents used to hang out, and where my parents used to go for Chinese food. Established way back in the late 1890s in Binondo in old Manila, Panciteria San Jacinto (now renamed as Comida China de Manila) is another example of how a foreign cuisine has evolved through generations and become part of the mainstream. Tracing  its roots from Cantonese origins, the cuisine has evolved reflecting both Spanish and Filipino influences. One of the popular dishes is Camarron Rebosado con Jamon (Crispy Fried Shrimp with Ham) which hints of a Spanish background. There are familiar and subtle notes of its Cantonese origins, but the cuisine has become a unique Chinese, Filipino and Spanish blend. I'm sure any Cantonese today would find it different but still strangely familiar.

Fish Head Soup with Tofu


Crispy Fried Pork (Lechon Macau), Roast Barbecue Pork (Asado) and Pata Jamon (Sweet Cured Ham)
Crispy Fried Prawns
Fish with Tofu
Yang Chow Fried Rice

Iced Almond Jelly

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11 comments:

  1. Yum, this looks like a fabulous meal! Those prawns!! Okay, let me stop drooling over your food. Do you send airmail, because I would love to try those prawns? Just kidding :) Have a great weekend! ~ Ramona

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  2. Hi Ramona, yup, those are killer prawns! Glad you liked it, and have a great weekend too!

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  3. I love places with a lot a history, because I know there is a reason why they are still around. Awesome food, now I am ready for some Chinese cuisine-great pics.

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  4. Hi Tina, this place conjures so many memories, glad that its still around. Though they moved to a newer location, the food's still the same. Thanks for stopping by, Tina!

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  5. Wow, this looks so good! I generally don't like how most new "fusion" restaurants mix different cuisines terribly without fully understanding the history and culture behind the food. But since this restaurant has 100 years of history and has "evolved through generations," gradually blending with local cuisine, I'm sure they know how to make things work--refreshing but not odd!

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  6. hey Ducky, very true. With so many things happening in a fast-changing culinary landscape, its quite comforting to find places that have some history. Thanks for stopping by, Ducky!

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  7. That's a feast! Iced almond jelly looks particularly tempting.

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  8. Hi Angie, the iced almond jelly is definitely a cool way to cap the meal. Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Hello camelia, thank you so much, will do. Thanks for dropping by!

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  10. The fried prawns are the killer, well i would eat all of it of course. :)

    bpc consulting

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    1. hi ruzzel01, the fried prawns are awesome! Thanks for visiting!

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