Ramon Lee’s Panciteria: Serving Fried Chicken and Filipino-Chinese Food Since 1929!

We always see food spots and concepts come and go. But some stand the test of time (and even the pandemic). So I want to feature and celebrate these institutions in this series, Legends of Manila. I started with a burger and roast beef place—Dayrit’s (read it here). Today, I’m featuring one of the oldest restaurants in the country.

I love to eat at panciterias (literally, a place that sells pancit or Filipino stir-fried noodles). Every time I visit one, I get transported to my childhood years, when my family would frequent a panciteria in Marikina. Since panciterias offer Filipino-Chinese dishes, we would always order our favorites: Camaron Rebosado (deep-fried battered shrimp), Chopsuey (stir-fried vegetables), Lumpiang Shanghai (deep-fried spring rolls), and Tokwa con Lechon (tofu with deep-fried pork belly), among many others.

Typically, these panciterias are institutions, standing the test of time and serving generations after generations of loyal patrons. One of these has been around for more than 90 years—Ramon Lee’s Panciteria, which I was able to visit recently.

Located in the historic area of Sta. Cruz, Ramon Lee’s Panciteria is a Manila institution founded in 1929 by Ramon Lee, an immigrant from Guandong province of China. The panciteria became famous because of his wife’s secret, Chinese-style fried chicken recipe, which they still use until today (more on this later).

The panciteria remained its retro interiors, with bright yellow walls, orange posts, and pink seats. This will definitely bring nostalgia to its loyal customers:

Now let’s talk about the food, starting with Ramon Lee’s Fried Chicken. Oh man, it’s juicy and tender. Then the sweet sauce on the side complements really well. I just wished that the skin is crispier, though I’m not sure if the photo-taking affected its crispness. LOL.

Ramon Lee’s Fried Chicken (Whole: P450; Half: P230)

We also ordered their Pata Tim (braised pata or pork hock), which is also tender. Usually, a pata tim is sweet. But Ramon Lee’s is savory, which my wife and I loved. It also has kangkong (water spinach), which add color and crisp to the dish. This is my favorite at the restaurant.

Of course, we had to order panciteria staples such a Lumpiang Shanghai and Pancit Canton. Nothing is more comforting than these two dishes!

*Lumpiang Shanghai* (P350) and *Pancit Canton* Special (P390)

And our visit won’t be complete without Shanghai Rice, a kind of fried rice usually offered at panciterias.

Ramon Lee’s Panciteria is also the first restaurant in Manila to offer a combo meal, which consists of different items. Ramon Lee introduced the Fine Meal back in the 60s so that families can stretch their money. Initially priced at P6(!), it’s still being offered until today and is now P240 (P250 for takeaway).

So I encourage you visit to Ramon Lee’s Panciteria for its delicious food and incredible history. I highly recommend it to you!

Address: 540 Ronquillo St., Sta. Cruz, Manila | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-7PM | Contact No.: 0915-3545801 | Facebook