Philippines Best Food Destinations
Travelers have different reasons like why they love to travel. Other travelers travel because they want to explore the world, others say because they want to experience the different cultures, some say they travel because they love to know the real history, also others they travel because they want to find their selves or have time to their selves. Aside from these mentioned above, others love to travel because they want to taste the best food in the world and the Philippines is so lucky about it because globally known that the Philippines is one of the best foodie destinations in the world.
The only thing that the travelers have in common is food, travelers also love to taste the best cuisines in town. If you are a foreign tourist or even a local from the Philippines I am sure you will like our list of the top Philippines best food destinations for travelers. The top 10 best food destination in the Philippines for travelers in our list is based on the popular name by province and their best products.
Pampanga
- The province of Pampanga is strategically located at the crossroads of central Luzon and is highly accessible by air and land. The province is home to two airstrips: Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, which is used by the military, and Clark International Airport in Clark Freeport Zone.
Even among Filipinos, it is known that people from Pampanga — called Kapampangan — cook really well. This fact is globally recognized, enough for the province to be hailed as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” While other destinations Philippines pride themselves on certain food staples, Pampanga has a full plate of delicacies. Literally.
Leading the ranks of tasty Kapampangan treats are sisig, tocino, aligue, and morcon. Aside from these local goodies, Pampanga is also known for quite strange yet oddly satisfying dishes. Betute tugak (stuffed frog), adobong kamaru (mole crickets), and balo-balo (fermented mudfish and rice) are only some of their must-try exotic dishes. And, as the Clark International Airport is conveniently located in Pampanga, the province is indeed the perfect place to kick off the ultimate Filipino food trip.
Bacolod
- Bacolod is located on the northwestern coast of the large island of Negros. Within the island, it is bounded on the north by the city of Talisay, on the east by the town of Murcia, and on the south by the city of Bago.
Health-conscious foodies from around the world will definitely fall in love with Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental. Being a part of the island known as the “Organic Food Bowl of Asia,” Bacolod has some of the best organic farms sprawling across the city. Also widely known for the chicken inasal (Filipino-style roast chicken), Bacolod boasts of its piaya, lumpiang ubod, and seafood. Of course, with the abundance of organic farms, local chefs prepare most of their delicacies through the farm-to-table practice.
Davao
- Davao City is approximately 588 miles (946 km) southeast of Manila over land and 971 kilometers (524 nmi) by sea. The city is located in southeastern Mindanao, on the northwestern shore of Davao Gulf, opposite Samal Island.
Aside from being the homeland of durian, Davao has such a rich profusion of fruit that it has earned the title “Fruit Basket of the Philippines.” Lanzones, pomelos, mangosteen, rambutan, bananas, marang — name it, and Davao probably has it. If you’re not a fan of fruits, which is highly doubtful if you’ve tasted some of the exotic delicacies of the province, Davao also offers glorious options for fresh seafood.
Tip: Many public stalls in Davao City offer durian and its by-products such as candy, jam, and tarts. Try visiting Magsaysay Park and People’s Park for your dose of durian, as these public parks offer good deals for the fruit. Public markets around the city also sell durian and other fruits at affordable prices.
Palawan
- Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of the total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest.
Aside from its pristine beaches, Palawan also offers scrumptious meals. Most probably, previous visitors of the Crocodile Farm in Puerto Princesa already know how tasty their crocodile sisig is. Tamilok, a fried or ceviche woodworm, is another exciting dish you’d only find in the province.
But the island also offers delicious dishes within your comfort zone. Fresh fruit and fresh seafood are especially popular choices in Palawan. Some notable restaurants that allow guests to feast on food, culture, and picturesque sceneries are the KaLui Restaurant and Badjao Seafront Restaurant. Better yet, sip on fresh coconut juice by sandy shores while munching on some sliced pineapple, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit.
Cebu
- Cebu is located to the east of Negros, and to the west of Leyte and Bohol The province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango, and the Camotes Islands
A Filipino celebration isn’t complete without Lechon, which is why it’s imperative for foodies to visit the “Lechon Capital of the World.” In Cebu, Lechon isn’t just another pork dish. It’s a meal carefully prepared so that it always has the perfect balance of crunchiness and tenderness.
Dried mango is another delicacy Cebu prides itself on. Sweet with a hint of sour, its flavor has warranted it a place among the most popular pasalubong (souvenir items) from the Philippines.
Bicol
- The Bicol Region comprises the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago.
No region can spice up a dish quite as well as Bicol can. Most famous among their local cuisines are the Bicol Express and laing, both traditionally prepared with gata (coconut milk) and chilies. Many notable Bicolano dishes also include the power duo; hence, several food staples are cooked with both gata and chilies — for the signature Bicolano twist. Sweet tooths rave about the chili-flavored ice cream and chili-flavored cheesecake that both originated in the province. Coffee fans can also enjoy a spicy cup of joe.
Iloilo
- The province covers a total area of 5,000.83 square kilometers (1,930.83 sq mi) occupying the central and eastern sections of Panay Island in the Western Visayas.
There’s a lot that can be said about Ilonggo food. For one, most of them are nostalgic Pinoy classics. Iloilo’s most famous dish, the La Paz Batchoy, has won the hearts of Filipinos around the country. On the other hand, pancit molo, a recreation of the Chinese wonton soup, has also earned the adoration of several foodies. While both dishes were inspired by the Chinese community who made their way into the province, they still bear the signature Filipino taste: rich, savory, and filling.
Cagayan de Oro
- Cagayan de Oro is located along the north-central coast of Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippine archipelago.
A bustling capital and tourist hub in Northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro offers the best of both worlds: traditional specialties and modern delicacies. Those with a serious craving for something sugary can indulge in binaki or sweet corn tamales. It’s like corn muffins with a Filipino twist because it’s presented as kakanin or rice cakes. For something more familiar, you can try Mercedes Bakery’s famous Pineapple Crumble.
In the savory (and sour!) department, visitors should never miss Cagayan de Oro’s kinilaw or ceviche. Usually made of raw seafood, this particular kinilaw features vinegar mixed with suha or pomelo, which makes it a tad more tart. Feeling adventurous? Then why not get a taste of the province’s signature dish, sinuglaw — a filling combination of kinilaw and sinugba (grilled pork belly). Also Cagayan de Oro is the white rafting capital of the Philippines.
Boracay
- Boracay Island is located off the northwest corner of Panay Island and belongs to the Western Visayas island group, or Region VI, of the Philippines.
Close-up color image depicting freshly made fruit juices and smoothies. Selective focus on the plastic cups containing the fresh smoothies. In the background, people are blurred out of focus. Room for copy space.
Since Boracay is bountiful with tropical trees, it’s a given that the island has among the sweetest fruit shakes in the Philippines. The scenic panoramic view along the coast makes the shakes even sweeter. Pair the drinks with Boracay’s fresh seafood, and you’re in for the time of your life.
But if you find yourself wanting a break from all the sea’s succulent bounty, munch on this popular Boracay snack — the Chori Burger. It’s basically a burger bun with chorizo or spicy pork sausage in place of a beef patty. Yum!
Bohol
- Is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Also, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands?
While foodies can’t exactly get a sugar high from Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, they can definitely score sweet treats nearby. Bohol actually has an impressive supply of sugary goods. Popular like biko, maruya, otap, and kalamay — that many Filipinos love sharing with foreign friends. Peanut Kisses and Boholano Ubi Polvoron work great as pasalubong, too! To add to Bohol’s allure, the tropical destination just recently opened the Panglao International Airport. This Panglao International Airport makes this paradise more accessible to foreigners.
In the Philippines, food is basically culture on a dish. There’s hardly any better way to get to know a Filipino than through eating! With this, prepare yourself to taste countless mouthwatering meals, as every dish in the country is surely prepared with love.
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