Eating in the Philippines
One of the best ways to experience a country is through its cuisine. Filipino cuisine not only lets you experience a country, but it also lets you experience a gamut of cultures – from Asian to Hispanic to American. Not only does it cover the whole range of geographic areas around the world, but also the whole range of tastes from bitter (ampalaya con carne) to sweet (pork humba) to sour (sinigang na baboy) and to salty (pinaupong manok). According to “Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine”, Filipino cuisine is generally thought of as a sum of Filipino history, from the prehistoric times up to the modern times. As foreign and domestic influences continue to pervade Filipino cuisine, it is constantly evolving to suit the likewise evolving tastes of Filipinos. Due to its variety and eclectic tastes, Filipino cuisine is truly a global cuisine and an overall worthwhile culinary experience. “No Reservations” host Anthony Bourdain, whose show had featured Philippine cuisine, perhaps gave a great description of Filipino food: a “wide and tasty spectrum of flavors”. He also said that “the sight of me shoving a lot of very tasty stuff into my mouth provides — if nothing else — inspiration to look further”. Filipino cuisine is an unforgettable experience. Related Links on Philippine Food and Dining:
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Some Popular Restaurants in the Philippines: C2 Classic Cuisine With the menu featuring fare such as Crispy Kare kare (Crispy Pork with Peanut Sauce), Sinigang na Tiyan ng Bangus (Milkfish Belly in Tamarind Broth) and Bibingka (rice flour cake) Soufflé , these are not your typical Filipino home cooked meals. Innovation and fusion seem to be the operative words in C2's menu as they surprise diners with their food. Leave expectations at home and open yourself up to seeing Filipino dishes in a new light at this modern yet classic Filipino restaurant. C2 Classic Cuisine, Shangri-la Plaza Mall The Ledge, 6/Lvl. Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila (+632) 636-1510 Romulo’s Cafe Romulo’s has earned rave reviews from foodies for dishes like Beef Kaldereta with Keso de Bola (Beef Stewed in Tomato Sauce with Edam Cheese), Flying Tilapia (St. Peter’s Fish) with Three Sauces and Pomelo Salad. The classy black and white interiors are adorned with the photographs of the great Filipino diplomat Carlos P. Romulo, the first Asian President of the UN General Assembly, giving the diners an elegant ambience as well as a history lesson. The menu is simple but much thought of. Romulo's Cafe, Scout Tuason cor. Sct. Dr. Lazcano, Quezon City, Metro Manila (+632) 332-7275 Fely J’s Kitchen Dining at Fely J’s Kitchen feels like eating at your favourite gourmet aunt’s home where food is familiar yet fantastic, with unexpected twists here and there. Showcasing the recipes of restaurant chain founder Larry Cruz’s mother Fely, this charming restaurant serves Filipino and Asian cuisine. The Crunch Pako (Forest fern salad with Shrimps), Pato Tim (Duck Simmered in Soy Flavored Sauce) and Biringhe (Rice and coconut paella with meat and seafood) are not to be missed. 2/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila (+632) 728-8858 Abe Pampanga is said to be the culinary capital of the Philippines, but you don’t have to go to the Philippine province to experience its fine Philippine cuisine. You can never go wrong with its best sellers Binukadkad na Crispy Pla-pla (Butteflied Crispy Tilapia), Lamb Adobo with Popped Garlic and Knockout Knuckle. “Abe” is the Pampanga word for friend and this restaurant is truly a friend of the traveller with a discerning palate, the Filipino balikbayan hankering for a taste of home or the foreigner looking for the unique Filipino taste. Branches: Abe Serendra
Abe TriNoma
Abe MOA
Café Juanita If the interiors of a restaurant are any indication of the kind of food that they serve, Café Juanita’s mismatched dining sets, colorful décor and antique fixtures truly reflect the unexpected twist they put to traditional Filipino dishes. Must order dishes in Cafe Juanita include Two Way Pork Adobo Ribs and Angel Hair Pasta with Aligue (Crab fat). Branches: Café Juanita Pasig,
Café Juanita Taguig
Leslie’s Restaurant Located on the scenic ridge with a view of the world's smallest active volcano, Taal, Leslie's is in Tagaytay City, 55 kilometers south of Metro Manila. The restaurant offers a homey, Filipino ambience and serves many traditional Filipino delicacies such as kare-kare (ox tail and tripe in peanut sauce with vegetables) and bulalo (stewed beef marrow with vegetables). Leslie's Restaurant, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Crossing West, Tagaytay City, Cavite (+6346) 483-10-65 Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy Iloilo province in the Philippines' Western Visayas region is known for its Spanish cultural heritage, its beautiful beaches, and its distinctive Ilonggo cuisine. The food traveller in Iloilo should scout for the province's iconic delicacy, La Paz batchoy (egg noodles in broth with sliced liver, pork rind, spring onions, and garlic). Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy was the first to offer the delicacy in the Philippines. Beginning from a small stall in the Iloilo City public market, Ted's now has 36 branches all over the Philippines. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy is truly a testament to the perseverance and warmth of the Filipino people. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, Arguelles Building, Jaro Plaza, Jaro District, Iloilo City, Iloilo (+6333) 320-1945 (+6333) 337-9817 Related Links:
Alavar’s Seafood Restaurant Being an archipelago, seafood is one of the hallmarks of Philippine cuisine and Alavar's Seafood Restaurant offers one of the best. Located in Asia's Latin City, Zamboanga in Zamboanga Peninsula in Southern Philippines, the restaurant offers an array of seafood dishes such as grilled tuna belly seafood paella and curacha (spanner crab) with Alavar‘s seafood sauce. It’s truly a must-try for every visitor to the Philippines. Alavar's Seafood Restaurant, 173 Don Alfaro Street, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines (+6362) 991-2483 Related Links: www.zamboanga.netwww.zamboangadelsur.com Everybody’s Café Everybody’s Café offers the best ordinary and extraordinary of the Filipino regional cuisine of Pampanga. It’s the place to go to try fried camaru (field crickets) and betute (stuffed frog). The restaurant is proof that eating is more fun in the Philippines. The cafe is in San Fernando City in Pampanga province, 67 kilometers north of Metro Manila. Everybody's Café, MacArthur Highway, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, Pampanga (+6345) 860-1121 Related Links: www.cityofsanfernando.gov.phpampanga.islandsphilippines.com Kinabuch Bar and Grill If you're visiting the Philippine's world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan province, Kinabuchs (pronounced kee-na-butch’s) Bar and Grill is a must-try restaurant in Puerto Princesa City. With its open-air set-up, it's a perfect place for friends and family to gather over food and drinks. Kinabuchs serves some of the best local delicacies such as tamilok (shipworm) and crocodile meat. It is restaurant where ecotourism and good food come together. Kinabuch Bar and Grill, 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines (+6348) 434-5184 Related Links: www.puertoprincesaboard.comwww.palawanboard.com
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