Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a culinary journey that is as diverse as its culture. Rich in history, traditions, and influences from around the world, Filipino cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors that captivate both locals and tourists alike. From savory street food to hearty home-cooked meals, the city is a food lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. In this article, we will take you on a food trip around Manila, showcasing the best places to indulge in authentic local dishes.
1. Exploring the Streets: The Best of Manila Street Food
Street food is an essential part of Manila’s vibrant food culture, offering delicious and affordable options at every corner. Here are some must-try street food delicacies in Manila:
Balut
No trip to Manila is complete without trying balut. This iconic Filipino street food is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. It may sound unusual to some, but balut is a favorite among locals for its rich and savory flavor. The best places to try balut are from street vendors, particularly in areas like Quiapo and Binondo.
Isaw
Grilled chicken or pork intestines, known as isaw, are another popular street food item. These skewered delights are marinated, grilled to perfection, and served with a tangy vinegar dipping sauce. Head to Mercato Centrale or Maginhawa Street in Quezon City to sample some of the best isaw in town.
Kwek-Kwek
Bright orange and crunchy, kwek-kwek are deep-fried quail eggs coated in an orange batter. This snack is usually served with a spicy vinegar sauce and is perfect for those looking for a quick, savory bite. You can find kwek-kwek stalls in Divisoria and Tondo.
Taho
For a sweet treat, try taho – a warm, silky-smooth tofu dessert topped with sweet syrup and tapioca pearls. Taho vendors roam the streets of Manila every morning, calling out to customers with their signature cry. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic treat, look for taho vendors around Luneta Park or Intramuros.
2. Traditional Filipino Restaurants in Manila
Manila boasts a wide range of restaurants that serve traditional Filipino dishes, allowing visitors to experience the true essence of Filipino home-cooked meals. Here are some of the best places to dine:
Abe Restaurant
Located in Serendra at Bonifacio Global City, Abe Restaurant is known for its traditional Kapampangan cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Filipino dishes, including Sinigang na Baboy, Kare-Kare, and Binukadkad na Pla-Pla. The flavors are bold and rich, capturing the essence of Filipino comfort food.
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
For a more cultural dining experience, Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros offers not only delicious Filipino cuisine but also live performances of traditional Filipino music and dance. The buffet includes classic Filipino dishes like Lechon, Adobo, and Pancit Malabon. Dining at Barbara’s feels like stepping back in time to the Spanish colonial period, with its vintage décor and charming ambiance.
Ilustrado Restaurant
Located in Intramuros, Ilustrado is another iconic restaurant that specializes in Filipino-Spanish cuisine. With dishes like Callos, Paella, and Beef Salpicao, Ilustrado offers a unique blend of Filipino and Spanish flavors, reflective of the country’s colonial past. Its elegant interiors make it a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for a sophisticated dining experience.
3. Filipino Fusion: Modern Takes on Filipino Cuisine
Manila is also home to several restaurants that offer innovative, modern interpretations of traditional Filipino dishes. These establishments blend local ingredients with international techniques, resulting in unique and exciting flavors.
Manam Comfort Filipino
One of the most popular restaurants in Manila, Manam Comfort Filipino, is known for its playful take on Filipino classics. Their menu offers dishes in three portion sizes – small, medium, and large – making it perfect for sharing. Their famous House Crispy Sisig and Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon are must-tries. With multiple branches around the metro, including in Greenbelt and Bonifacio Global City, Manam is easily accessible for anyone looking to enjoy modern Filipino cuisine.
Toyo Eatery
Toyo Eatery is a fine-dining restaurant that has gained international recognition for its contemporary take on Filipino dishes. Chef Jordy Navarra uses local ingredients and elevates traditional recipes into beautifully plated masterpieces. Dishes like their Garden Vegetables and Three-Cut Pork BBQ are reimagined with a creative flair, making Toyo Eatery a must-visit for foodies in search of an innovative dining experience. The restaurant is located in Makati, a central business district in Metro Manila.
Locavore
As the name suggests, Locavore focuses on sourcing ingredients locally and creating dishes that showcase the richness of Filipino produce. With branches in Kapitolyo, Pasig, and Bonifacio Global City, Locavore is known for its crowd favorites like Sizzling Sinigang, Lechon Oyster Sisig, and Kinilaw. The restaurant seamlessly blends traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques, offering diners a fresh perspective on Filipino cuisine.
4. Cafés and Dessert Shops: A Sweet Ending to Your Food Trip
No food trip is complete without dessert, and Manila has plenty of sweet treats to offer. From traditional Filipino delicacies to modern pastries, the city’s dessert scene is as diverse as its main courses.
Halo-Halo at Razon’s
Halo-Halo is the quintessential Filipino dessert, a refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and leche flan, topped with purple yam (ube) and milk. Razon’s of Guagua serves one of the best halo-halo in Manila, known for its simple yet perfect combination of ingredients. You can find Razon’s branches in most malls across the city, including SM Mall of Asia and Glorietta.
Buko Pie at Colette’s
For a taste of provincial Philippines, try Buko Pie, a coconut-filled pastry that hails from Laguna. Colette’s Buko Pie is a household name when it comes to this beloved dessert, and their Manila outlets allow city dwellers to enjoy this delicacy without traveling out of town. The flaky crust and creamy coconut filling make for a satisfying end to any meal.
Wildflour Café + Bakery
For those looking for something a bit more international, Wildflour Café + Bakery offers an array of indulgent pastries, cakes, and artisanal bread. Their Ube Bomboloni and Salted Chocolate Cake are just some of the favorites. With branches in Bonifacio Global City, Salcedo Village, and other locations, Wildflour is a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat after a long day of food tripping.
5. Insider Tips for a Memorable Food Trip in Manila
- Plan your itinerary: Manila is a sprawling city, so it’s best to plan your food trip according to the neighborhoods you want to explore. Focus on areas like Intramuros, Binondo, Makati, and Quezon City, each offering a unique food scene.
- Try a food tour: For a hassle-free experience, join a guided food tour. These tours are available in areas like Binondo (Manila’s Chinatown), where you can sample a variety of Chinese-Filipino dishes while learning about the neighborhood’s history.
- Go local: Don’t be afraid to explore the local markets, like Salcedo and Legazpi Weekend Markets, where you can find everything from freshly cooked meals to artisanal products.
Manila’s diverse food scene reflects the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re feasting on street food, enjoying traditional home-cooked meals, or indulging in modern Filipino fusion, Manila offers a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
