BINONDO BOYS is a 24/7 Filipino-Chinese eatery by our favorite Chef Mikel Zaguirre of Locavore fame. Chef Kel is back in action — and as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. Binondo Boys is the second concept from Food Records Inc., with partner Martin Gino Palma, following their first venture, Mabuhay Craft Coffee along Mabini in San Juan.
I love how they’re now exploring micro dining concepts — small footprint, bold flavors, young and confident branding, approachable pricing, and that added thrill of a secret menu featuring Chef’s own creations.
ABOUT BINONDO BOYS
Binondo Boys is a small eatery along Scout Torillo St. that’s open 24 hours, drawing waves of guests — from lunchtime diners to late-night crews, and even those craving a comforting bite after a gimmick night in QC.
Binondo Boys
Fil-Chinese Eatery by FOOD RECORDS INC
📍 37 Sct. Torillo St. Diliman, QC
Open 24 HRS daily
@binondoboys
The menu feels familiar — think North Park-ish comfort food, but Zaguirrized with Chef Kel’s signature twists and bold Filipino flavors.
There are comfy air-conditioned seats inside for groups, or you can grab a quick bite at the counter if you’re dining solo or on the go.
BINONDO FOOD ALA KEL
Gindara Tofu Cube 3pcs/ sticks ₱129
Not your usual fish ball — made with gindara fish and soft tofu cubes, served with a creamy aioli dip.
Pork Siomai 3pcs. ₱139
Pork & Shrimp Siomai 3pcs ₱169
Kutchay Dumpling 3pcs. ₱139
Hakaw 3pcs. ₱169
The hakaw and siomai passed my wife Rache’s taste test — legit Chinese comfort food.
Beef Brisket and Tendon ₱399
Our signature hand cut braised flat noodles is served with soy marinated eggs, a cup signature special soup, bokchoy, white kimchi, fried shallots, fried garlic, fried ginger, resh onion leeks, fresh cilantro, & fresh green onions.
The noodle soup is served deconstructed, with the broth on the side — the star is the bouncy, curly noodles, fun to chew with the beef brisket and tendon. Yum!
Sweet & Sour Pork Rice ₱329
Our sweet & sour pork police (our kids) would approve — it’s crispy, with just the right touch of sweetness and spice, bringing back memories of family lauriat celebrations.
Tausi Spareribs Rice ₱329
Not exactly the Le Ching tausi spareribs we were expecting, but puede na.
Special Lemonade ₱149
Even the drinks are on point — the lemonade hits the sweet spot with just the right balance of sweetness, bright color, and refreshing acidity.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN MENU
I thought it was just your usual Chinese comfort food eatery — but wait, there’s more! 👀
Grab one of these scratch cards to reveal a QR code leading to the BB Hidden Menu.
Look here → 🥢 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐔
Brisket & Tendon Kare-Kare Node ₱590
Hand slice noodles, Sesame Kare-Kare Sauce, Soy Marinated Egg, Bok Choy, Bagoong XO and Extra Beef Soup
I love Kare-Kare and Beef Tendon Noodles, and when you combine the two, it turns into a tsukemen-style curry noodle — but make sure to mix in the Bagoong XO for that full flavor explosion. 💥
Hot Pot Sandwich ₱590
Roast Beef Slices, Hotpot Aioli, Pickled Carrots, Pickled Mustasa, Pickled Cucumber, Pickled Chili, Pickled Onions, Cilantro, Leeks, Meatballs, Sichuan Broth, Vietnamese Baguette
This is their signature sandwich — beef belly cured pastrami-style, steamed, and served with Toast MNL banh mi, pan-fried in mala oil. You eat it Mexican birria–style: dip first in the aioli (inspired by hotpot sauce flavors), then soak it in the noodle soup. It sounds complex — only Chef Kel could dream this up — but it all comes together beautifully when enjoyed just as the chef recommends.
Mapo Silog ₱389
Steamed Soy Milk Egg, Spicy Bean Giniling, Sichuan Peppercorns, Cilantro, Leeks, Chili Oil, Wanton Chips, Egg Fried Rice
This Mapo Tofu–inspired dish is served chawanmushi-silog style with really good egg fried rice, Sichuan heat, and a spicy bean giniling — the perfect comfort dish after a night of drinking.
DESSERT
Almond Lychee Taho ₱190
All white, with soft, bouncy textures — a light, not-too-sweet and fun way to end the meal.
Lotus Cream Buchi 2pcs. ₱95
No Chinese meal feels complete without Buchi — Lotus Cream or Red Bean Paste – OK na.
Salted Duck Egg Lava Bun 2 pcs. ₱185
The Salted Duck Cream bun had good flavor, though the filling wasn’t oozing yet — a bit more finesse in the steaming and it’ll be perfect.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this is the kind of Gen Z-fied Binondo food concept you never knew you needed. Glad to see Chef Kel bouncing back from his hiatus—finally exiting messy partnerships and launching the Food Records Inc. micro-dining concepts.
I love the whole vibe—from the branding and uniforms to the fun details like scratch cards, a hidden menu, and bold-flavored Chinese food you can enjoy 24/7.
Highly recommended: the Gindara Tofu Cube, Hakaw & Siomai, Beef & Tendon Noodles, Kare-Kare, and their must-try signature Hot Pot Sandwich. 🔥
Congrats Chef Kel, Gino and the Food Records Inc. team for a job well done with Binondo Boys!
Binondo Boys
Fil-Chinese Eatery by FOOD RECORDS INC
📍 37 Sct. Torillo St. Diliman, QC
Open 24 HRS daily
@binondoboys
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Chef Kel Zaguirre for inviting us to the grand opening of the flagship Binondo Boys in Sct. Torillo.
P.S. Wondering if this Apple gadget repair store beside Binondo Boys is any good?
My husband and I are excited to see more of your upcoming travel blogs and vlogs with your family. We hope to watch your family share new memories together. Know that it inspires others, including our family, to explore the awesome planet we have! 😊👏