Must-try Dishes
Longsilog - Longganisa with garlic rice and eggs - A flavorful breakfast dish featuring sweet and tangy pork sausage served alongside garlic fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg. Locals typically enjoy it at roadside eateries in the early morning, often chatting over coffee.
Isaw - Grilled chicken intestines - Tender chicken intestines marinated in vinegar and spices, skewered and grilled to perfection. This popular street food is best enjoyed at night; locals often grab it from vendors at bustling night markets, pairing it with a cold drink.
Kare-Kare - Oxtail stew with peanut sauce - A hearty stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables simmered in a rich peanut sauce, served with shrimp paste. It's a staple at family gatherings and served traditionally during Sunday lunches, where everyone digs in together.
Pancit Malabon - Thick rice noodles with seafood sauce - A local specialty of thick rice noodles topped with shrimp, squid, and a rich shrimp sauce, garnished with hard-boiled eggs and vegetables. It’s a popular dish for birthdays and celebrations, symbolizing long life, and people often enjoy it with a group.
Chili con Carne - Chili with rice - A surprising combination of Filipino chili and rice, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans. While it may sound unusual, it’s a local favorite that many enjoy with a side of steamed rice during the cooler months.
Lechon Kawali - Crispy fried pork belly - Crispy pork belly deep-fried until golden, served with dipping sauce. This indulgent dish is often part of festive meals, typically savored during special occasions, and you'll likely find it at parties where locals gather to celebrate.
Pinakbet - Vegetable stew with shrimp - A hearty vegetable stew made with bitter melon, eggplant, and squash, flavored with shrimp or pork. It’s commonly eaten during lunch and filled with regional vegetables, showing how locals eat with the seasons.
Buko Pie - Coconut cream pie - A seasonal favorite with young coconut and creamy filling encased in a flaky crust, often enjoyed during celebrations. It's a comfort food for many locals, but you'll find it most during fiestas when everyone shares their homemade versions.
Desserts & Drinks
Salabat - (ginger tea) - A comforting drink brewed from fresh ginger, sugar, and water, often enjoyed hot. It’s a popular remedy for colds, typically consumed during rainy seasons or when someone is feeling under the weather.
Buko Juice - (fresh coconut water) - This refreshing drink is simply the water from young coconuts, sometimes served with a splash of lime. You’ll find locals sipping it while lounging at the beach or enjoying outdoor picnics—it's super hydrating, especially in the scorching summer heat.
San Miguel Beer - (lager) - A light, crisp lager brewed from malted barley and hops, typically enjoyed ice-cold in neighborhoods during casual get-togethers. Locals often order it with a side of chicharrón (crispy pork skin), and it’s a staple at celebrations, from family gatherings to holiday fiestas.
Ensaymada - (sweet pastry) - This soft, buttery pastry is topped with cheese and a sprinkle of sugar, resulting in a delightful sweet-savory combo. You’ll usually see locals enjoying it during breakfast, and it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Halo-Halo - (shaved ice dessert) - A colorful mix of shaved ice, sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and topped with leche flan and purple yam, served in a tall glass. It’s a seasonal treat most loved during the sweltering summer months—perfect for cooling down after a long day!
