Food is central to local culture in the Philippines with tasty dishes and delicacies varying across the country from one region to another. From barbecued meats and fresh seafood to sweet treats and authentic street foods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Philippines – provided you know where to look. Here are some of the best food experiences to seek out during your next Philippine adventure.
Roast pork (Lechon) feast in Cebu
Cebu is renowned for offering some of the best lechon in the Philippines which is a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and succulent meat. You’ll discover various local spots around Cebu including Rico’s Lechon, House of Lechon, and Zubuchon specialising in this delicious delicacy – each offering its own unique seasonings. Depending on where you visit, watching the meat slowly roast over an open fire can be part of your experience with some restaurants even serving lechon seasoned to your own taste from spicy to truffle or garlic flavours.
Seafood market tour in Roxas City
Roxas City in northern Panay, Central Philippines, is known as the seafood capital of the country. Take a trip to People’s Park Seafood Market where you can handpick the freshest crabs, oysters, scallops, and prawns straight from local fishermen who will be showcasing their catch from the nearby waters. For a unique seafood experience, you can also take your seafood selection to nearby paluto (cook-on-demand) restaurants, where experienced chefs will be on hand to cook your seafood to your own taste, whether it be grilled, steamed or fried among other options. Highlight delicacies to look out for include diwal (angel wing clams) and sinugba (grilled seafood) for an authentic taste of Capiz province’s seafood riches.
Cooking class in Bacolod
Bacolod in the northwest of the island of Negros is famous for its Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken dish marinated in calamansi, vinegar, garlic, and annatto oil. Why not take the opportunity to join a cooking class here where you’ll learn to master this popular dish alongside other local favourites such as kansi (beef soup) and napoleones (flaky custard pastries).
Many cooking classes offered around Bacolod are set in traditional kitchens offering travellers an authentic Filipino cooking experience, often featuring unique preparation techniques including fire-grilling, and food tastings paired with Bacolod’s signature piaya (sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar).
Street food tour in Manila
For foodies looking for a diverse culinary experience, Manila’s street food scene gives travellers the chance to taste some of the country’s most bold and exotic flavours. You’ll find a range of guided night food tours on offer in Manila that’ll take you on a journey through Poblacion, Binondo (Chinatown), and Divisoria, where you can try a huge variety of dishes including taho (silken tofu with syrup and tapioca pearls) and banana cue (caramelized deep-fried bananas on a stick) which are classic local favourites. If something more savoury or even adventurous is your thing, you’ll find many other cheap bites including kwek kwek and tokneneng (deep fried quail and chicken eggs), Okoy (crispy shrimp fritters), and tenga ng baboy (grilled pigs’ ears). There are so many different flavours on the streets of Manila, it’s well worth joining a tour to experience the highlights.
