Are you ready for a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong? If you’ve ever found yourself craving the tantalizing flavors of Chinese cuisine while in La Union, then you’re in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of Surftown, Ching Ching La Union is your go-to hideaway for a taste of Hong Kong right here in Elyu.
How Ching Ching La Union Started
“All of us are part Chinese, and these are the comfort foods that we grew up with. It was very random. You know how, sometimes you crave something salty, spicy, greasy, and a bit of sweet after a long week or a night out?”
“During the pandemic, we were craving for some really good Chinese food here in Elyu and there was none. And then we were like – well, let’s do it! We wanted to share it with everyone.” one of the founders, Cesca Veneracion shares. This shared love for good food and cooking inspired long-time friends, Mikaela Roman, Cesca Veneracion, Audrey Aparis, Andy Rapista, and Franco Salazar, to start the Hong Kong street food inspired restaurant.
Ching Ching has witnessed Surftown’s growth in La Union, relocating from a shared space by the plaza to a corner spot, and now settling in an elevated and spacious rooftop bar. The view from the rooftop is particularly captivating during sunset.
Ching Ching Menu Highlights:
Ching Ching offers a delectable array of Hong Kong street eats.
Hakaw, Pork Siomai, Pork Shrimp Siomai, and Pork Gyoza: These dimsums represent the finest in town. Particularly the siomai, rich in flavor, stands out even without its accompanying dipping sauce, while the hakaw is a gem of its own. It’s a classic favorite.
Nutty Noods: A treat for peanut butter aficionados, this dish is mildly spicy, garnished with fried bean curd and vegetables. Its sweet undertones strike a perfect balance, making it a favorite among many.
Smooth Noods: This noodle dish, served with a unique black vinegar dip, has been a talking point for its rich flavors and standout dip that complements the smooth texture of the noodles.
Bean Curd Rolls and Spareribs with Taosi: Perfectly paired with either noodles or the sumptuous ‘Fly Rice’, these sides are savory delights.
Fly Rice: Tasty fried rice, combined with Chinese sausage or salted fish. We love the robust flavor packed in a bowl, definitely a full meal on its own.
Chairman Bao: A light yet fulfilling choice, this dish consists of a fluffy bun packed with slow-cooked braised beef, chicken, or a combination, all drenched in a luscious sauce.
Salted Egg Custard Bun: An ideal pick for those with a sweet tooth. Presented in a steam basket, these soft, siopao-like buns ooze a harmonious blend of sweet and salty custard with every bite, making them unexpectedly delightful.
Buchi Balls: A traditional Chinese dessert made of sticky rice, these balls have a creamy custard core and are coated in sesame seeds, providing just the right amount of sweetness.
Rooftop bar in Elyu
How to go to Ching Ching La Union: Ching Ching La Union is located inside Shogun, a rooftop bar in Elyu. In Urbiztondo, San Juan, locate the 711 store. Directly opposite it, you’ll find Rada Hostel. Take the flight of stairs located on the side of the hostel and follow it all the way up to reach the rooftop.
Authentic Flavor and Innovation:
The dishes resonate with authenticity. Recipes are self-developed by the founders, drawing inspiration from their childhood favorites and the love of cooking. Every dish is a remembrance of shared memories and cherished flavors.
Atmosphere:
The ambiance at Ching Ching is a blend of nostalgia and fun. Japanese neon signs mix with lanterns, while a well-lit bar sits in the center, also serving drinks from Shogun. Depending on the day and time, the atmosphere varies from bustling to serene, adapting to the changing rhythms of San Juan.
Good to know:
- Drinks: Adjacent to Ching Ching, Shogun offers a variety of drink specials. We indulged in Buy 1 Take 1 sunset cocktails, Cesca’s favorite matcha-whiskey blend, other signature drinks, and classic Japanese beers, ideal for casual gatherings.
- Family-friendly: During the afternoon, families can enjoy breathtaking sunset views, making it perfect for a casual get-together or an early dinner. However, as night falls, the ambiance seamlessly shifts from relaxed to fun and lively, ready for the party.
- Pet-friendly? Yes!
- Beach access: While it’s not right beside the beach, it’s a short walk across the street. And you get treated to unique stunning ocean views from the rooftop!
- Business Hours: Thursday and Sunday (opens at 5PM), Friday and Saturday (Opens at 6PM). Closing hour depends on the volume of customers.
- Follow on: @chingchinglaunion on Instagram!
- Delivery? Yes you may reach them via their mobile number (+63956) 021 1975.
Conclusion:
Ching Ching in Elyu offers more than just a meal – it’s an experience. With a backdrop of mesmerizing sunsets, a fun ambiance, and an array of flavors hailing from Hong Kong’s streets, this rooftop bar promises good food, good times, hearty laughs, and memories in the making. Whether seeking solace after a hectic week or a lively evening with friends, Ching Ching and its adjacent bar, Shogun, have something for everyone!
