Philippine food is regional, generous and best explored through markets, home-style restaurants, bakeries, beach grills and city food districts. Do not reduce it to one dish; the best eating is tied to where you are.
Food regions to plan around
| Place | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Manila / Binondo | Chinatown food walks, bakeries, pancit, lumpia and old restaurants |
| Pampanga | Sisig and Kapampangan cooking |
| Cebu | Lechon, puso rice, seafood and city barbecue |
| Iloilo | La Paz batchoy and heritage food districts |
| Bacolod | Chicken inasal and sugar-country desserts |
Frequently asked questions
What food is the Philippines known for?
Adobo, lechon, sisig, sinigang, pancit, halo-halo and regional seafood are common starting points, but the best dishes vary by province.
Is street food safe?
Use busy stalls with high turnover, avoid food that has been sitting out, and be more careful with raw seafood and ice outside established places.