In the bustling heart of Manila lies a secret—though it’s not really a secret at all. It’s been there since 1929, feeding generations with love, history, and pancit canton. Ramon Lee Panciteria isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a time capsule, a lesson in consistency, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things don’t need to change.
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The Experience – Pancit Canton Special
Walking into Ramon Lee Panciteria feels like entering a postcard from the past. The kind with handwritten notes about simpler times and meals shared with family. The décor? Honest. The vibe? Unpretentious. And the food? Oh, the food.
I ordered their Pancit Canton Special, a plate that speaks fluently in the universal language of flavor. Springy noodles stir-fried to perfection, crisp vegetables adding crunch, tender meats lending richness, and shrimp that remind you why the sea is worth protecting. Everything is tied together with a sauce that’s bold, yet somehow still feels like a warm hug.
Each bite? A story. Every flavor? A memory waiting to be made.
Why This Place Matters
Ramon Lee Panciteria isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an institution. For nearly a century, it has stood as a testament to Manila’s culinary traditions. It’s proof that quality and care are timeless, even in an era of trends and fleeting Instagram moments.
Why visit? Because it reminds us what food is really about. Not just sustenance, but connection. Not just flavors, but feelings.
A Slice of History
Founded in 1929, Ramon Lee Panciteria has witnessed wars, celebrations, heartbreaks, and reunions. Its walls have heard stories in a dozen languages, its tables have been graced by both common folk and celebrities. The recipes? They’ve remained unaltered, passed down like family heirlooms.
This is a place where tradition breathes. Where you’re not just eating—you’re stepping into the past and tasting history.
Make It at Home
Can’t hop on a plane to Manila? No problem. Here’s a way to bring the magic of the Canton Special into your own kitchen.
Savory Noodle Stir-Fry
Transform your weekday dinners with this tantalizing Savory Noodle Stir-Fry! Packed with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, it’s a vibrant dish bursting with flavor and easy to customize to your taste. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises a delightful meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Let the irresistible aroma and colorful presentation elevate your home cooking, making every bite a celebration. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering masterpiece that combines simplicity and gourmet flair in one perfect dish!
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10
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Ingredients
- Proteins
150 grams chicken breast thinly sliced
10 large shrimp peeled and deveined
12 squid balls halved (optional)
- Vegetables
1 large carrot julienned
1 large bell pepper sliced into strips
1 cup snow peas ends trimmed
1 stalk celery chopped (optional)
0.5 small cabbage shredded
- Aromatics
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 medium onion diced
- Sauces & Liquids
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 cup chicken broth
- Noodles & Seasonings
250 grams pancit canton noodles
1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 cup water
- Optional Add-ins
2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Alternative Ingredients:
Soy Sauce Replacement: Tamari for a gluten-free option.
Chinese Sausage Substitute: Regular or turkey sausage can be used in place of Chinese sausage.
Chicken Liver Alternative: Omit or replace with additional chicken breast for a liver-free version.
Squid Balls Alternative: Replace with tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Oyster Sauce Substitute: Use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian substitute.
Directions
- Prepare the Proteins (5 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the squid balls and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics (3 minutes): In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until the onions become translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
- Cook Chicken and Shrimp (6 minutes): Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink. Incorporate the chicken liver, cooking until it’s nearly done. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine Sausage and Sauce (2 minutes): Stir in the sliced Chinese sausage and cook for an additional half-minute. Lower the heat and add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add Vegetables (2 minutes): Include the julienned carrots, bell pepper strips, snow peas, and chopped celery. Cook for about a minute to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Simmer with Broth (3 minutes): Increase the heat to high and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shredded cabbage and cook briefly until it starts to wilt.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture (1 minute): Remove the solid ingredients from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the liquid behind. Sprinkle in the ground black pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce (2 minutes): Mix the cornstarch with 1 cup of water and pour it into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the Noodles (5 minutes): Add the pancit canton noodles to the skillet, gently pushing them into the sauce to soak up the flavors. Stir occasionally until the noodles are tender, adding more water if necessary to prevent drying.
- Combine and Season (2 minutes): Return the cooked proteins and vegetables to the skillet. Season with salt as needed and stir everything together until well combined. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- cast iron skillet
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 700IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 3mg
Why You Need to Try This
Ramon Lee Panciteria is a reminder that food doesn’t need gimmicks to be special. It just needs care. Their Canton Special embodies what’s best about Filipino-Chinese cuisine: balance, heart, and a respect for tradition.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a lesson. On persistence, on passion, and on why the simple things often mean the most.
If you find yourself in Manila, go. Sit. Eat. Savor. And if you can’t, make it at home. Either way, you’ll walk away with more than just a full stomach. You’ll leave with a story. And that’s something worth sharing.
Do this at home!!
