Binondo’s iconic 1960s Chinese restaurant, Grand House, is making a comeback in Wilson, San Juan.
Grand House, a Chinese restaurant founded in the 1960s by the late Benito Teng (Ting Bieng Toh) in Binondo, is celebrating its grand reopening, marking a new chapter in its rich history. Previously known for its grand location and authentic Chinese cuisine, the new Grand House honors its heritage by offering a nostalgic dining experience for its original older customers and younger generations.
Benito Teng, a prominent businessman and hotelier, opened Grand House to provide a Filipino-Chinese dining destination for large gatherings, bringing in skilled chefs from Hong Kong to ensure culinary excellence. The restaurant quickly became a popular venue for family gatherings and community events. However, it was closed in the late 1980s when the building’s housing was renovated.
Amah, the family matriarch and daughter-in-law of Ting Bieng Toh, learned the recipes firsthand from the Cantonese chefs who worked at the original Grand House. Even after the restaurant closed, she continued to prepare these dishes for family meals, keeping the tradition alive. Now the fourth generation has revived Grand House in San Juan, with each family member contributing their expertise.
Owner and Grand House Chef Betrina Co emphasizes the importance of these traditional recipes, saying: “In tribute to Amah and our ancestors, Grand House presents a new era of authentic Chinese cuisine. We aim to preserve the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones by providing a vibrant space where everyone feels welcome to try delicious food at Grand House.” Betrina has worked closely with Amah to bring back the iconic dishes and slightly adapt them to suit modern tastes. Signature dishes include Hong Ma with Cuapao, Kiampeng and Deconstructed Fresh Lumpia.
The menu features traditional and contemporary Chinoy dishes, each prepared according to a detailed process using fresh, quality ingredients.
Hong Ma with Cuapao
Hong Ma is a braised pork belly. The family has preserved the traditional way of cooking this beloved Chinoy dish, which involves a complicated cooking process that takes almost seven hours to obtain a perfectly tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Great House Cha Misua
Sweet and sour pork
Grand House’s long-standing reputation in the community, especially among older generations, is a testament to its legacy. For older diners, returning to Grand House brings back fond memories of family gatherings and shared meals. For the younger generation, it is an opportunity to create new memories while enjoying the flavors that have been cherished for decades.
Both generations, united by the love of food, can now enjoy the revival of a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time.
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