Naga City is one of the cities in the Philippines that has a diverse and huge Filipino-Chinese community. There are two Chinese schools in Naga City: Saint Joseph School and Naga Hope Christian School. Although these schools are not entirely exclusive for students with Chinese blood only but open to all as they offer quality education, including a curriculum on the Chinese language and culture.
Most of the local and established businesses here in Naga City are also owned either by old Chinese families who settled in Naga or by Tsinoys (Chinese-Pinoy) whose parents have Chinese blood because of intermarriages.
Have you ever wondered if you can do a Chinese food crawl here in Naga like in Binondo? Actually, yes. There are a lot of good Chinese restaurants here offering authentic Chinese cuisine and delights. Here are some of our recommendations of must-try restaurants in Naga near UMA Hotel:
New China Restaurant
Location: General Luna Street, CBD I, Naga City
The New China Restaurant is one of the oldest and longest-running Chinese restaurants in Naga City. It is even situated in the oldest district of the city of Naga. It has existed and thrived since 1943. It was founded by Wong Yee. It is where China meets local culture, contributing to the rich cultural heritage and history of Naga. It is a restaurant that can bring nostalgia, especially to the seniors who had witnessed its humble beginnings and became their refuge for comfort food way before fast food chains came to the city. The New China Restaurant was known to be the home of puto lanzon, traditionally made coffee and rice noodles, and the cheapest and “best siopao in the world”.
Photo Courtesy: Naga City Deck
Hoyeh Restaurant
Location: General Luna Street, Naga City
Hoyeh is a Cantonese term for “delicious”. Hoyeh Restaurant is a Filipino-Chinese Restaurant at the heart of Bicol which is also situated in the oldest district of the city of Naga. Hoyeh Restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine that you cannot find in mainstream Chinese Restaurants in Naga. Their Chinese food is perfect for celebrations because they can offer the perfect Filipino and Chinese food spread. Some of their known Chinese food specialties are Lo Mai Kai, Char Siu, Qu Mishua, and Crab Meat Fuyong. Hoyeh is more than just a Chinese restaurant, it is also a bakery. Their dimsums are also homemade and not pre-made. Everything is authentic at Hoyeh and they have stood up for their name which means delicious. Hoyeh Restaurant has been thriving well for years alongside New China Restaurant.
Photo Courtesy: Naga City Guide
Lokwan Noodle and Dimsum House
Location: Winwin Mall, Diversion Road, Naga City
Lokwan Noodle and Dimsum House may not be that old like New China Restaurant and Hoyeh but they are one of the local Chinese Restaurants that we highly recommend you try not just because of their authentic flavors but because of their affordable Chinese food. If you are craving so much for authentic Chinese food and don’t want to spend so much on satisfying them, Lokwan Noodle and Dimsum House is the place to go. They want to make their food accessible to all so that they can afford it. What makes this restaurant worth every penny is that they offer affordable authentic food even though they source their spices and ingredients abroad to ensure the authenticity of the taste as if you had it in Mainland China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. Most of their recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and they also scouted an experienced cook from Binondo to perfectly execute their authentic Chinese recipes. Lokwan has all the Chinese staples like Yang Chow Rice, Lemon Chicken, Siopao, and Maki Soup. They have a lot on their menu that you can try like Liok Pit He, Radish Cake, Curry Noodles, Mongolian Beef, Bean Curd Roll, Sweet and Sour Fish, Fresh Lumpia, Taiwan Style Beef Noodles, and more.
Photo Courtesy: Naga City Guide, Vanilla Sunshine and Lokwan Noodle and Dimsum House
The Park Restaurant
Location: Naga Crown Hotel, Elias Angeles St. Cor. P. Burgos St., Naga City
The Park Restaurant is considered to be the finest Chinese Restaurant in Naga City. It is known to be the home to the Orient. It is located at The Crown Hotel–the longest-operating hotel in the heart of Naga. If you are into fine-dining Chinese cuisine, you can go to The Park Restaurant. The Park Restaurant is known for its fine dining while serving authentic Chinese food. It has been the go-to place with families when celebrating special occasions.
With the festive mood that the Lunar New Year brings us this year, what other ways can we truly celebrate it and get immersed in the Chinese culture while in Naga City but also explore authentic Chinese food available in the city? There is no scarcity when it comes to Chinese restaurants because they all came to exist to bring a taste of China to Naga.
After doing a Chinese food crawl in the city, you can also have some take-outs from the restaurants and have dinner with the family while staying at UMA Hotel. Family dinners and celebrations are always memorable when you #ComeHomeToUMA.