Soup, a simple dish that stimulates hunger and sets the tone of an entire meal.

Yes there are the usual chicken, pork and beef varieties but if you're feeling adventurous then you should try the exotic Soup No.5 or the 'balaw-balaw' at the Dong Bei Dumplings in Chinatown, Binondo Manila, long considered a haven for generations of serious culinary aficionados.

Dong Bei is a whole-in-the-wall joint made famous by their fresh dumplings which are made in front of you. Although this food joint would never be mistaken for a fine dining establishment, its Dong Bei's Northern style specialties which continues to bring patrons in.

Soup No.5 is actually a Filipino dish made from the bulls' testicles and genitals which are chopped to bite-size pieces and mixed with the same ingredients used in "Nilagang Baka" (Beef Stew). Soup No.5  is considered to be an aphrodisiac and improve sexual performance, especially for men.

t could be called the Pinoy version of the "Rocky Mountain Oyster", albeit in soup form.

Great for budget-conscious foodies, a meal for two can be had for just Php300 (around US$7). The Soup No.5 (Php180) is best enjoyed with a side dish of pork and kuchay dumplings (Php100 / 14pcs) or steamed xiao long pao Php60/ 4 pcs).

Getting there:

1) Take LRT Line 1 and get off at Carriedo Station.

2) Walk to the Sta. Cruz Church you will see a Friendship Arch to Manila Chinatown. Take Binondo St. adn walk until you get to Binondo Church where you make a right at Yuchengco St. and walk until you reach the end. Dong Bei is on the right side.

3) Optional: Pedicabs (Php20 to 25) can take you to Dong Bei, their address is 642 Yuchengco corner V. Tytana Sts., Chinatown, Binondo, Manila.

You may contact them at (6 32) 241-8912.