A food lover’s paradise, the Philippines boasts a rich culinary history blending Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous traditions. Filipino food is a true representation of the country’s rich culture and history, from savory stews to sweet delicacies. Whether they live in busy cities or remote islands, this guide can help you find their best dishes and where to get them.
Menu list
- Adobo: The Philippine National Dish
- Where to Try:
- Lechon: The Ultimate Feast Dishes
- Where to Try:
- Sinigang: A Tangy and Comforting Soup
- Where to Try:
- Pancit: A Celebration Staple
- Where to Try:
- Halo-Halo: Philippines’ Best Dessert
- Where to Try:
- Regional specialties that shouldn’t be missed
- Bicol Express: A Spicy, Creamy Delight
- Where to Try:
- Laing: A Vegetarian’s Delight
- Where to Try:
- Tapsilog: The Classic Filipino Breakfast
- Where to Try:
- The Best Local Markets for Food Lovers
- A Taste of the Philippines: Street Food Adventures
- Isaw: Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines
- Balut: A Filipino Delicacy
- Fish Balls and Kwek-Kwek
- Best Restaurants for Authentic Filipino Cuisine
- Why the Philippines is a Foodie’s Paradise
Adobo: The Philippine National Dish
Arguably the most famous Filipino dish, adobo is beloved for its juicy meat and savory sauce. Made with pork or chicken, marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, it’s a must-try for every visitor.
Where to Try:
- Manila: The Aristocrat Restaurant
- Cebu: Abaca Baking Company
- Davao: Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine
Lechon: The Ultimate Feast Dishes
Lechon, or roasted whole pig, is the centerpiece of every Filipino celebration. This dish is a must-have, crispy skin, succulent meat, and will be much better if enjoyed with liver sauce.
Where to Try:
- Cebu: Rico’s Lechon
- Manila: Zubuchon
- Davao: Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp.
Sinigang: A Tangy and Comforting Soup
Sinigang is a sour soup that can be made with pork, shrimp, or fish and is cooked with tamarind, tomatoes, and vegetables. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a balance of salty and sour flavors
Where to Try:
- Manila: Sentro 1771
- Cebu: House of Lechon
- Bacolod: Bob’s Restaurant
Pancit: A Celebration Staple
Eating pancit (noodles), the Filipinos believe, will give you long life. There are many iterations, from pancit canton (stir-fried noodles) to pancit Malabon (thick rice noodles served with seafood and a hard-boiled egg).
Where to Try:
- Manila: Aristocrat Restaurant
- Cebu: CNT Lechon
- Davao: Penong’s Barbecue Seafoods & Grill
Halo-Halo: Philippines’ Best Dessert
You haven’t experienced the Philippines if you haven’t tried Halo-Halo. Made with crushed ice, sweet beans, jellies, and fruits, then topped with leche flan and ube ice cream, this refreshing dessert is a Filipino staple.
Where to Try:
- Manila: Razon’s of Guagua
- Cebu: Ice Giants
- Davao: Aling Foping’s
After exploring these culinary gems, travelers often look for the best way to experience everything the country has to offer. Opting for Philippines tour packages can make your trip more convenient, ensuring you get to taste these iconic dishes while enjoying cultural experiences.
Regional specialties that shouldn’t be missed
Bicol Express: A Spicy, Creamy Delight
A rich, creamy concoction, Bicol Express is also a favorite amongst those who love some heat in their meals with its combination of coconut milk, pork, shrimp paste, and chili peppers.
Where to Try:
- Legazpi: Small Talk Cafe
- Manila: Manam Comfort Filipino
Laing: A Vegetarian’s Delight
Laing, another Bicolano dish, consists of taro leaves that are dried and simmered in coconut milk and shrimp paste.
Where to Try:
- Legazpi: First Colonial Grill
- Cebu: Hukad sa Golden Cowrie
Tapsilog: The Classic Filipino Breakfast
A combination of tapa (beef jerky), sinangag (garlic rice), and itlog (fried egg), tapsilog is a breakfast staple for many people.
Where to Try:
- Manila: Tapa King
- Cebu: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast
The Best Local Markets for Food Lovers
For plenty of street food and market discoveries, try some of these local institutions:
- Salcedo Market (Manila): Good for higher-end local food stalls.
- Larsian BBQ (Cebu): Best grilled meat and seafood
- Roxas Night Market (Davao): Paradise for street food lovers.
A Taste of the Philippines: Street Food Adventures
Exploring the streets of the Philippines will lead you to some of the most exciting and budget-friendly food options. Here are some street food favorites:
Isaw: Grilled Chicken or Pork Intestines
A favorite street snack, isaw is marinated, grilled, and served with vinegar or sweet sauce.
Balut: A Filipino Delicacy
Balut is a fertilised duck egg It’s a do-not-miss for adventurous eaters.
Fish Balls and Kwek-Kwek
Fish balls and kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) are often sold at street corners with a few dipping sauces.
Best Restaurants for Authentic Filipino Cuisine
For those seeking a fine-dining experience, these restaurants are known to offer best of Filipino cuisine.
- Manila: Abe, Ilustrado
- Cebu: The Pig and Palm
- Davao: Claude’s Le Cafe De Ville
Why the Philippines is a Foodie’s Paradise
With its many islands, the Philippines’ culinary scene is as varied as the country’s geography, with everything from comforting soups enriched by น้ำปลา to delicious grilled meats to sweet treats. From local markets to fine dining, there’s always something new to try.
So if you want a less-tedious experience for your travel, a guided Philippines itinerary from Pickyourtrail is the best choice to explore the food culture of the country while enjoying its heavenly vistas and amicable connections. So pack your bags and book the trip!
