Dipolog City: Siomai and Siopao at Classic Dimsum

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte - We wanted to visit the Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga del Norte, but unfortunately, the building was being renovated. Across the capitol, we were surprised to see a Chinese restaurant, Classic Dimsum.

It was 4:00pm and it was just the right time for an afternoon merienda. We ordered Steamed Siomai (four pieces at Php 30.00) and Bola Siopao (Php22.00). Though there was really nothing extraordinary about them, they were good enough to satisfy your craving for authentic Chinese dimsum.



They also serve noodles, congee, rice toppings, hot pots, and other Chinese classic dishes. According to the staff, their best sellers are their seafood dishes, especially the crab dishes. The restaurant is owned by a Chinese businessman based in Dipolog.

When we were about to finish our dimsum, two "politician-looking" men escorted by four armed soldiers entered the restaurant. They seem to be frequent customers of Classic Dimsum as they already know what to order even without looking at the menu. Their order also included steamed siomai.

This is a joint post between Chinoy Edition and Pinas Muna.


Classic Dimsum
General Luna Street
in front of the Provincial Capitol
Dipolog City
Phone: (065) 212-2176
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/classic.dimsum
Store Hours: 8:30am-8:00pm

Iloilo City: Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo - Iloilo is one of the many cities in the Philippines with the highest population of Filipino-Chinese and their presence is most evident in downtown Iloilo, particularly along J.M. Basa Street and Iznart Street.

Iznart Street, also referred to as Calle Real, features Spanish and American era buildings making it Iloilo's counterpart of Manila's Escolta. At present time, it is dominated by business owned by Chinese-Ilonggos, most of which are general merchandise and construction supplies and hardware stores.

In the beginning of 2012, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch was erected at the corner of Iznart Street facing Plazoleta Gay, serving as a new landmark of Iloilo's local China town.

During our visit, we made a walking tour of Iznart, Aldeguer and J.M. Basa Streets. It was like walking around the streets of Santa Cruz, Manila, only the streets are wider and there are less people.

Unlike Ongpin in Manila, we only spotted one Chinese restaurant in the area. It was along J.M. Basa Street which we will try on our next visit to Iloilo. We hope that more Chinese-Ilonggos would establish Chinese restaurants in Calle Real. They will not only appeal to the food-loving Ilonggos but will surely draw more tourists to the area in search of new culinary adventures.

This visit to Iloilo's China Town adds to our appreciation of the rich history, culture and heritage of the city. With this we say 我們愛伊洛伊洛 (We love Iloilo City).

This is a joint post between Chinoy Edition and Pinas Muna.