Food History of San Agustin Church, Manila, Philippines

San Agustin Church in Manila, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest stone church in the Philippines, is not only a bastion of history but also a witness to the country's culinary evolution. While it does not serve food itself, the church is nestled within the historic walls of Intramuros, where Spanish influence persists in both architecture and cuisine. As the cultural hub of the Spanish colonial period, the area around San Agustin Church has seen the intermingling of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and American food traditions, giving birth to a rich and diverse Philippine cuisine.

Traditional Filipino dishes often center around seafood, rice, and an array of tropical fruits and vegetables, with notable Spanish influences such as the use of garlic, tomatoes, and onions. Adobo, Sinigang, and Halo-Halo are some of the dishes that have become part of the culinary identity of the region. Over time, restaurants and eateries around San Agustin Church have adapted their menus to showcase the Philippines' multifaceted culinary traditions.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in San Agustin Church, Manila for Tourists

1. Adobo (Non-Veg) - A savory stew of chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
2. Lechon (Non-Veg) - Roasted pig, served with liver sauce, a staple at any Filipino festivity.
3. Kare-Kare (Non-Veg) - Oxtail and vegetables in a rich peanut sauce, typically eaten with bagoong (shrimp paste).
4. Sinigang (Non-Veg) - A sour soup made with pork, shrimp, or fish, tamarind, and various vegetables.
5. Pancit Canton (Non-Veg) - Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, a dish of Chinese origin with local adaptations.
6. Halo-Halo (Vegetarian) - A mixed dessert with sweet beans, fruits, shaved ice, milk, and purple yam ice cream.
7. Bibingka (Vegetarian) - A warm rice cake topped with butter, sugar, and grated coconut, often served during Christmas.
8. Puto Bumbong (Vegetarian) - A purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes, commonly eaten during the holiday season.
9. Sans Rival (Vegetarian) - A dessert cake made of layers of buttercream, meringue, and chopped cashews.
10. Lumpia (Non-Veg / Vegetarian options available) - Filipino spring rolls that can be served fresh or fried, with a variety of fillings.

Top Famous Restaurants in San Agustin Church, Manila

• Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
  General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

  - Known for traditional Filipino dishes, try their Paella (Non-Veg) and Veggie Lumpia (Vegetarian).

• Ilustrado
  744 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila

  - Offers a blend of Spanish-Filipino delicacies, their signature dish is Lengua (Non-Veg) and Vegetarian Paella (Vegetarian).

• Café Ilang-Ilang
  The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila

  - A buffet-style restaurant with a wide array, their Chicken Adobo (Non-Veg) is a must-try.

• Ristorante Delle Mitre
  470 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

  - A casual dining spot known for its ambiance and good food, try their Salmon ala Vodka (Non-Veg).

• La Cathedral Café
  398 Greenfield Building, Cabildo St cor Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila

  - Perfect for coffee and light fare, their Red Velvet Cake (Vegetarian) is highly recommended.