President Grand Palace Restaurant — Authentic Cantonese Dining Since 1979

President Grand Palace: 45 Years of Authentic Cantonese Excellence

If you're serious about Chinese food in the Banawe area and beyond, there's one name that keeps coming up in every conversation with old-school foodies: President Grand Palace Restaurant. Established in 1979 on Ongpin Street in Manila's historic Chinatown, this grand Cantonese institution has been feeding generations of families, hosting countless celebrations, and quietly maintaining the kind of traditional Chinese cooking that's increasingly rare in Metro Manila.

This isn't fusion. This isn't trendy. This is the real thing — and after 45+ years, they're still cooking like they mean it.

The History: From Chinese Cinema to Cantonese Legend

President Grand Palace has a story that reads like a novel. Originally located at Ongpin corner Sabino Padilla Streets (formerly Gandara St.), beside the famed Salazar Bakeshop, the restaurant was the destination for Chinese banquets and festivities throughout the 1980s and '90s. Generations of Chinese-Filipino families celebrated weddings, birthdays, and business milestones within its walls.

When the restaurant relocated to its current address — a former Chinese movie theater on the corner of Salazar Street — it brought the same recipes, the same commitment to traditional cooking, and the same grand atmosphere. After a brief closure due to family matters in the late 2000s, President Grand Palace reopened around 2010–2011 and has been going strong ever since.

What Makes It Special
Unlike many Chinese restaurants that have pivoted to fusion or modernized their menus, President Grand Palace stubbornly cooks the traditional way. The Yang Chow Fried Rice is generously loaded with shrimp and lightly seasoned — not oily. The seafood comes from their own tanks. The Peking Duck hangs in the window the way it has for decades. It's a time capsule of the best of Ongpin Chinese cuisine.

Inside President Grand Palace

From the streets of Ongpin to the dining table — President Grand Palace has been serving authentic Cantonese cuisine since 1979

The Menu: Signature Dishes & Prices

President Grand Palace's menu is a masterclass in Cantonese cuisine — focused on fresh seafood, roasted meats, noodles, dim sum, and dishes that are meant to be shared family-style at their signature round tables. Every dish is prepared traditionally, and portions are generous enough to share among groups.

The Dining Experience

Walking into President Grand Palace is like stepping into a different era. The spacious dining hall features the classic Chinese round tables — each seating 10 to 12 guests — with lazy Susans for communal sharing. The atmosphere is lively and loud, the way a real Chinese banquet hall should be. Families laughing, chopsticks clinking, and the aroma of roasted duck filling the air.

What Real Diners Say

President Grand Palace has accumulated 328+ Google reviews with a 3.9/5 rating. Here's what stands out from the reviews:

Why Banawe Foodies Need to Visit

If you love the Chinese food scene on Banawe Street, President Grand Palace is the logical next step — the mothership, if you will. While Banawe has incredible restaurants like Golden Empire and Sincerity Cafe, President Grand Palace on Ongpin represents the original Chinatown tradition that inspired much of what you love about Banawe's food culture.

The drive from Banawe to Ongpin takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, and the experience of dining at a true Chinatown institution is absolutely worth the trip.

Why President Grand Palace Stands Out

How to Get There from Banawe / Quezon City

Frequently Asked Questions

What are President Grand Palace Restaurant's operating hours?

President Grand Palace is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM. No reservations required for walk-ins, but private rooms should be booked in advance.

How much does a meal at President Grand Palace cost?

Expect to spend around ₱350–500 per person for a satisfying meal. A full multi-course feast for 6 people sharing costs approximately ₱2,200 total — excellent value for the quality. Individual dishes range from ₱150 for dim sum to ₱2,600 for premium seafood.

Do they have private rooms?

Yes! President Grand Palace offers private dining rooms equipped with karaoke facilities — perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate dinners, and family celebrations. Book in advance, especially for holidays.

Is there parking available?

Street parking in Binondo is very limited. We strongly recommend taking a Grab, taxi, or having someone drop you off. If you must drive, look for paid parking lots in the Ongpin area.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with Yang Chow Fried Rice (generous shrimp, perfectly seasoned), Fried Squid Salt & Pepper (medium size), and Peking Duck 3-ways. Add steamed fish if you want seafood. This combination gives you the full President Grand Palace experience for about ₱2,200 for 4–6 people.

Is President Grand Palace related to the Banawe Chinese food scene?

While President Grand Palace is located on Ongpin Street in Binondo (not Banawe), it represents the original Chinatown tradition that deeply influenced Quezon City's Chinese food culture. For Banawe food lovers, it's a 20–30 minute drive and an essential pilgrimage for anyone serious about authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Can I bring my own wine or beer?

Yes! President Grand Palace has a very reasonable corkage fee of just ₱80, making it a great option for celebrations where you want to bring your own drinks.

Is it good for large groups?

Absolutely — this is where President Grand Palace truly shines. Their round tables seat 10–12 people each, and the communal sharing format is designed for groups. They can accommodate 100+ guests in the main hall plus private rooms for more intimate gatherings.