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

Food History of Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The food in Puerto Princesa, like much of the Philippines, is a rich tapestry woven from the various cultural influences that have touched the islands over the centuries. Indigenous traditions combine with Spanish, Chinese, American, and Malay influences, creating a unique Filipino culinary experience. Seafood naturally plays a huge role due to the city's coastal location, and the use of fresh, local ingredients is a hallmark of Palawan's cuisine. Dishes are often flavored with coconut milk and a variety of spices, reflecting the bounty of the island's natural resources.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Puerto Princesa for Tourists

1. Kinilaw - A Filipino ceviche made of fresh raw fish cured in vinegar or calamansi juice, mixed with chili, garlic, and onions. It is considered a non-veg dish.
2. Adobong Manok - A popular Filipino dish made from chicken marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then slowly cooked until tender. This is also a non-veg dish.
3. Halabos na Hipon - Simple yet delicious, this dish consists of fresh shrimp steamed with garlic and butter, a definite must-try non-veg for seafood lovers.
4. Nido Soup - Named after the bird's nests found in the caves of Palawan, this soup contains swallow's nests and is a rare delicacy, considered non-veg.
5. Lato Salad - A salad made from a type of seaweed known locally as lato, tossed with a simple dressing of vinegar, fish sauce, and tomatoes. This dish is veg.
6. Inihaw na Liempo - Filipino-style grilled pork belly, often marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and pepper. It is a flavorful non-veg dish.
7. Tamilok - A type of woodworm, which is actually a mollusk, that is typically served raw and is considered an exotic delicacy of Palawan. This is a non-veg dish.
8. Ube Halaya - A sweet dessert made from the purple yam known as ube, cooked with milk and sugar until it forms a thick, pudding-like consistency. It is veg.
9. Chao Long - A Vietnamese-influenced noodle dish that became popular in Puerto Princesa. It comes with a variety of meat options, with the beef stew being particularly famous. It can be considered non-veg.
10. Buko Pandan - A dessert made from young coconut (buko) and screwpine leaves (pandan), often served cold with pearls or gelatin and sweet cream. This is a veg treat.

Top Famous Restaurants in Puerto Princesa with Address and Famous Food

1. KaLui Restaurant
   369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Famous for: Fresh Seafoods Set (non-veg), and Vegetable Set (veg)

2. Badr's Halal Eatery
   11 Fernandez Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Famous for: Beef Rendang (non-veg), and Biryani (non-veg)

3. La Terrasse Café
   Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Famous for: Organic Salads (veg), and Honey Glazed Chicken (non-veg)

4. Kinabuchs Grill & Bar
   Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Famous for: Tamilok (non-veg) and Crocodile Sisig (non-veg)

5. La Tana Della Libellula
   38 Rizaling Street, Barangay Mandaragat, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Famous for: Italian Pizzas (veg/non-veg options), and Pasta (veg/non-veg options)