Must-Try Foods In Cowrie Island (Puerto Princesa) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Cowrie Island, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Cowrie Island, named after the brightly-shelled mollusks found in the area, is a small island off the coast of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines. While the island itself might not have a deeply recorded food history due to its size and focus as a tourist destination, it reflects the culinary traditions of Palawan and the Philippines as a whole. Palawan cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh seafood, owing to its location surrounded by abundant marine life, and it's also influenced by a blend of Malaysian, Chinese, Spanish, and indigenous culinary practices. Ingredients like coconuts, mangoes, fish, and rice are staples of the local diet.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Cowrie Island, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

• Adobo - A savory and slightly tangy dish made with marinated meat or seafood, cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. This dish is traditionally non-veg, but there are veg versions with tofu or vegetables.
• Sinigang - A sour soup typically made with tamarind, tomatoes, and various meats or fish, often served with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach). Vegetarian versions can be made upon request.
• Kinilaw - Similar to ceviche, this dish consists of raw fish cured in vinegar or calamansi juice, mixed with onions, ginger, and chili peppers. (Non-veg)
• Halo-halo - A popular Filipino dessert that features shaved ice mixed with evaporated milk, various fruits, sweet beans, and topped with a scoop of ice cream or leche flan. (Veg)
• Buko Pandan - A creamy dessert made with young coconut, pandan leaves, and gelatin, often sweetened with condensed milk. (Veg)
• Inihaw na Isda - Grilled fish seasoned with local spices. This is a typical way of preparing seafood in Cowrie Island. (Non-veg)
• Vegetable Lumpia - Spring rolls filled with a mixture of stir-fried vegetables and sometimes tofu. Served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. (Veg)
• Pancit Guisado - A noodle dish cooked with soy sauce, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. Vegetarian options are also available. (Can be Veg or Non-veg)
• Lechon Kawali - Deep-fried crispy pork belly served with a liver sauce or vinegar dip. (Non-veg) (Note: There is no inclusion of cow meat as per request.)
• Mango Sticky Rice - Sweet glutinous rice served with ripe mango slices, often drizzled with coconut milk. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Cowrie Island, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

• Cowrie Island Restaurant
  Address: Cowrie Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
  Famous Food: Seafood Platter (various types of seafood grilled or cooked to perfection) (Non-veg)
• Pandanggit's Place
  Address: Sitio Pandan, Cowrie Island
  Famous Food: Adobong Kangkong (a local take on adobo using water spinach) (Veg)
• Halo-Halo de Iloko Cowrie Island
  Address: Barangay Sta. Monica, Cowrie Island
  Famous Food: Special Halo-halo (a dessert with mixed fruits, beans, and sweet toppings) (Veg)
• Island Grill
  Address: Beachside, Cowrie Island
  Famous Food: Inihaw na Talong (Grilled eggplant with a savory dressing) (Veg)

Restaurants on Cowrie Island usually accommodate both vegetarians and meat-eaters, though the options for vegetarians might not be as extensive due to the heavy focus on seafood. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences to the restaurant staff.