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

Food History of Puerto Princesa Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, located on the island of Palawan, is not only one of the New7Wonders of Nature but also situated in a region with a rich culinary tradition. The food history of this area is a blend of many influences, including indigenous, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American, due to its historical trade connections and colonial past. The indigenous communities, such as the Tagbanuas and Palaw'an, have traditionally relied on the bounty of the land and sea. Local dishes often include fresh seafood, root crops, and tropical fruits, and cooking techniques like grilling over an open flame are common. Over the centuries, these methods and ingredients have melded with other cultural influences to create a unique Palawan cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Puerto Princesa

1. Kinilaw - Fresh raw fish cured in vinegar, lime, or lemon juice, spiced with chili peppers. (Non-Veg)
2. Nido Soup - A delicate soup made from the nests of swiftlets, often found in the limestone caves like those in the Underground River. (Non-Veg)
3. Lato Salad - Also known as sea grapes, this seaweed salad is a refreshing side dish. (Veg)
4. Seafood Kare-Kare - A twist on the traditional Filipino stew, made with peanut sauce and a variety of seafood instead of meat. (Non-Veg)
5. Adobong Sitaw - Long beans cooked in the classic adobo style with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. (Veg)
6. Sinigang na Isda - A sour soup made with fish and tamarind, often with vegetables like radish and water spinach. (Non-Veg)
7. Chao Long - A Vietnamese-influenced noodle soup that has become popular in Puerto Princesa. (Veg/Non-Veg options)
8. Chicken Inasal - Grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass, calamansi, pepper, and vinegar, served with rice. (Non-Veg)
9. Pakbet - A vegetable stew flavored with shrimp paste, including squash, eggplant, okra, and string beans. (Veg)
10. Tamilok - A local delicacy, these woodworms are marinated in vinegar or eaten raw and are said to taste like oysters. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Puerto Princesa with Famous Food

Kalui Restaurant

Address: 369 Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)

La Terrasse Cafe & Bistro

Address: Rizad Avenue, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Vietnamese Pho (Veg/Non-Veg options)

Bilao at Palayok Restaurant

Address: North National Highway, San Manuel, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Grilled Tuna Belly (Non-Veg)

Sabie Bakes Cafe

Address: 36 Fernandez Street, Barangay Tanglaw, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Cakes and Pastries (Veg)

Buon Gelato

Address: Robinsons Place Mall, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Gelato Ice Cream (Veg)

Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Address: Abueg Rd, Puerto Princesa

Famous Food: Sinigang na Lobster (Non-Veg)