Must-Try Foods In Manila (Philippines) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Manila, Philippines

Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, has a rich culinary history influenced by its cultural tapestry. The city’s food landscape reflects a blend of indigenous traditions with a variety of foreign influences, including Spanish, American, Chinese, and Malay. Filipino cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, with a unique combination of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.

Cooking methods such can be traced back to the Austronesian origins. Filipino food is often cooked with vinegar, which not only adds a tartness but also serves as a preservative, reflecting the tropical climate of the Philippines. Manila, being a port city, has been exposed to international trade, thereby integrating ingredients like corn, potatoes, and tomatoes from the Americas through the Galleon trade.

The Spanish colonization significantly impacted Manila's food landscape, introducing staples such as Pork, garlic, onions, and chili, which have become cornerstones of Filipino cuisine. Chinese traders and settlers also contributed notably, incorporating noodle dishes, spring rolls, and soy sauce. Following the Spanish-American War, American occupation brought new culinary dimensions, including processed foods, canned goods, and the adoption of the Western-style of grilling meats.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Manila

1. Adobo - This savory stew of meat, usually chicken or pork, is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. It captures the essence of Filipino cuisine with its tangy and hearty flavors. (Non-Veg)
2. Sinigang - A sour soup traditionally tamarind-based and commonly cooked with pork, beef, or shrimp, along with a variety of vegetables. (Non-Veg)
3. Pansit - A noodle dish of Chinese origin, pansit is often stir-fried with vegetables, sometimes chicken or shrimp, and flavored with soy sauce and calamansi. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
4. Halo-Halo - A chilled dessert with sweetened fruits, beans, shaved ice, and milk, often topped with purple yam (ube) ice cream. (Veg)
5. Lumpiang Sariwa - Fresh spring rolls filled with a medley of vegetables and sometimes shrimp, wrapped in a soft crepe-like wrapper. (Veg/Non-Veg)
6. Laing - A Bicolano dish of taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spiced with chili peppers. (Veg)
7. Kare-Kare - A rich and hearty stew made with a thick peanut sauce, often served with vegetables and sometimes ox tail or tripe. (Non-Veg)
8. Bibingka - A type of rice cake, traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves, it is a popular treat during the Christmas season. (Veg)
9. Sizzling Tofu - A sizzling plate of diced tofu cooked with onions, bell peppers, and sometimes a mayonnaise-based sauce. (Veg)
10. Buko Pandan - A dessert made from young coconut and pandan jelly, sweetened with condensed milk and cream. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Manila

Barbara's Heritage Restaurant

• Address: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
• Famous Food: Classic Filipino dishes such as Paella Valenciana, Lengua Estofado. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)

Toyo Eatery

• Address: 2316 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Famous Food: “Bahay Kubo” salad, Tocino. (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

Gallery by Chele

• Address: 5F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Famous Food: Innovative dishes with Philippine ingredients like the Kinilaw. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)

Manam Comfort Filipino

• Address: Multiple locations across Manila
• Famous Food: Sisig, Watermelon Sinigang. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)

Corner Tree Cafe

• Address: 150 Jupiter, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines
• Famous Food: Vegetarian and vegan options like Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna, Veggie Skewers. (Veg)