With its archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that’s as colourful and varied as its landscapes. For backpackers looking to dive into the heart of Filipino culture, there’s no better way than through its food. From Manila’s bustling streets to Palawan’s serene beaches, every corner of the Philippines offers local food options to try. While the food options may be diverse, the cuisines are less spicey than many of its Southeast Asian neighbours.
Adobo
Adobo is the quintessential Filipino dish to try while backpacking in the Philippines. This savoury stew, made with pork or chicken (some fusion restaurants even offer vegetarian alternatives) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, is a staple in every household. Adobo is usually served with rice and is found in most regions of the Philippines.
Where to try Adobo
Adobo is one food that is literally everywhere in the Philippines, with every city and restaurant claiming to have the best. If you’d like to try an Adobo fusion, I highly recommend Outpost Hostel in El Nido.
Tapsilog
Tapsilog, a selection of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (garlic rice), and itlog (fried egg), is a common breakfast food in the Philippines. If you don’t fancy beef, there are many variations of this popular breakfast dish, such as Tosilog (with tocino), Bacsilof (with bacon), Chicksilog (with chicken), or Porksilog (with pork).
Where to try Tapsilog
Tapsilog (or any version of silog, really) is a common dish in the Philippines. Happiness Beach Bar in Siargao serves one of the best versions for backpackers.
Lechon
Lechon, a whole roasted pig, is the centrepiece of Filipino festivities and is a dish famous in the southern metropolis of Cebu City. The dish is popular for its crispy, flavorful skin and tender, juicy meat, often served with a liver-based sauce or vinegar garlic dip.
Where to try Lechon
Lechon is a dish that originated in Cebu City, so you should definitely try it here. Rico’s Lechon is hands-down the most famous Lechon place in Cebu City!
Sisig
Sisig is a vibrant Filipino dish made from chopped pork, usually from the head, seasoned with onion, chilli, and calamansi, often with a fried egg in the centre. Expect a sizzling, savoury, and slightly tangy taste experience, usually served with rice. While the dish is traditionally made with pork, variations like a chicken sisig or tofu sisig are often found.
Where to try Sisig
Outpost Hostel in El Nido does a great Sisig, which is worth trying!
Pancit
Pancit, or noodles, symbolizes long life in Filipino culture and is an important cultural dish on many islands. The cuisine consists of noodles loaded with shrimp, eggs, and veggies, flavoured with a rich, savoury sauce.
Where to try Pancit
There are many varieties of Pancit, a common food found almost everywhere in the Philippines. In Coron, Sharkys Restobar is a great place to try Pancit.
Bicol Express
Named after the train service to the Bicol region, this dish is known for its spicy and creamy sauce made from coconut milk, chilli, shrimp paste, and pork. Usually served with rice, Bicol Express is a curry dish with pork cubes and rice, akin to Chicken Korma or Green Curry.
Where to try Bicol Express
Hungry Monkeys restaurant in Moalboal serves a Bicol Express, a favourite with backpackers. It is a large serving that is great after a long day of canyoneering and hiking to waterfalls.
Balut
Balut, a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, is a Filipino delicacy not for the faint-hearted but worth trying for the adventurous eater.
Where to try Balut
Balut isn’t readily available at restaurants, but it can be found at many night markets. Street vendors roam the streets at night in Manila, and the Weekend Markets in Makati are one of the most common places for travellers to try Balut.
Kinilaw
Kinilaw is the Filipino version of ceviche, made with raw fish marinated in vinegar or calamansi juice mixed with onions, ginger, and chilli peppers.
Where to try Kinilaw
CEV in Siargao is one of the best places to try Kinilaw as it specialises in the dish! It is a small restaurant, so expect it to be busy with locals, expats, and tourists during meal times.
Banana Q
Banana Q is a popular street food made of deep-fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar. Served on bamboo skewers, it is a simple yet irresistible snack that perfectly represents Filipinos’ love for sweets.
Where to try Banana Q
Like Balut, Banana Q is primarily found at night markets or street food stalls, unlike restaurants and formal eateries. The Weekend Markets in Makati in Manila is a great place to try Banana Q for the first time while travelling.
Kare-Kare
Kare-Kare is a rich and hearty stew made with peanut sauce, vegetables, oxtail, and sometimes tripe and pork hocks. The dish is creamy, nutty, and full of flavour, best enjoyed with a side of bagoong (shrimp paste).
Where to try Kare-Kare
Hungry Monkeys in Moalboal or Outpost Hostel in El Nido are some of the best places to try Kare-Kare for backpackers.
Halo-Halo
Halo-halo, which means “mix-mix,” is the ultimate Filipino dessert. It consists of a colourful layering of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients like sweet beans, coconut strips, and ube (purple yam). While this combination sounds strange, it is a must-try dessert and super refreshing!
Where to try Halo-Halo
The only place to try Halo-Halo is a chain called Kuya J, which specialises in the dish. This chain shop is located in big cities like Cebu City, Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay.
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