Binondo Food Trip: Wai Ying Fastfood

My husband and I have been to Wai Ying several times, but this time is special: We have our daughter with us, and we're just staying nearby!

Wai Ying is located along Benavidez St.

There are actually three Wai Yings along Benavidez Street: the first one you see as you turn right from Salazar Street is for dine-in, while the second store a few meters after is for take-out. We did not go farther down to see the third one :)

Flashback: Mike and I ventured to Binondo some ten years ago, bent on having a food trip and relying mostly on suggestions from friends (wala pa kasi masyadong blogs noon, lol). We wanted to eat at the President's Grand Palace Restaurant but their serving size is huge, as they cater mainly to family and groups. Since it was just the two of us, they suggested we try their teahouse where they serve dimsums and rice toppings. Ok, we said, alam na namin since we can see the President's Teahouse sign from where we were seated. Only to be told (with a tinge of bitterness, if I may add), that that teahouse is not theirs. And so, para hindi kami maligaw sa ibang teahouse, the manager asked one of their waiters to accompany us. He brought us to Wai Ying, and so begins our affair with this hole-in-the-wall food heaven.

Well that was then, and this is now:)

Wai Ying prices as of Oct. 26, 2012

Since it was a holiday when we went, the place was packed! We asked if we can go upstairs to wait for a table, but was told that it has a separate waiting line and there are already people waiting. We chose to dine at the ground floor (first in line kasi kami) and ordered our food while we wait. That way, the food started arriving as soon as we were seated :)

The second floor has a better "ambiance"; the ground floor is the hubbub of activities
 

These are my orders:

Wai Ying Fastfood: Curry Beef Siomai (3 pcs.)

For me, the Curry Beef Siomai (P60) lacks punch. I guess I just expected a lot based on all the rave reviews. But well, ok na ding masubukan (pero hindi na io-order uli, lol).

Wai Ying Fastfood: Soy Chicken Rice 

My Soy Chicken Rice (P120) was delicious! I just didn't like that the special green sauce was served dumped on top. I think it would be better to specify that the sauce be served on a separate dipping bowl next time. Mas appetizing tingnan.

These are Mike's:

Wai Ying Fastfood: Asado Rice

Mike liked his Asado Rice (P120), and the serving portion was big. He still had a lot of meat left over after he was done with his rice.

Wai Ying Fastfood: Siomai (4 pcs.) {We already ate the other one}

We had two orders of Siomai (P65) since we finished the first one in a snap. It was moist, bigger and more siksik than usual, and there are actual shrimps and mushrooms you can bite into. The thing is, +5 pesos na lang, hakao na! I guess, it depends on which dimsum you like more :) 

And Trixie's order:

Wai Ying Fastfood: Fish Fillet Rice (P130)

Winner ang Fish Fillet Rice ni Trixie! It looked good, it tasted good. The serving was huge that we had to ask the waitress to wrap the leftover. And if you know my daughter's appetite, having leftover is a rare occurrence :)

Trixie also ordered Hakao (P70) which was good as expected, though a bit dry. The fact that they almost forgot that we ordered one meant it arrived as we were about to finish our meal. We dug in as soon as it hit our table. And so, no pictures (Sorry!)

The verdict: Oh yes! Wai Ying still delivers that satisfying feeling after a wonderful meal. Yung hindi ka naman parang na-holdup :) It makes me happy that we were able to indulge in good food, without burning a hole in Mike's pocket. It was a great start to our Binondo Food Adventure!