Dining in Manila

Local Cuisine

Considering the range of diverse gastronomic influences that have shaped Filipino culinary habits-from Chinese to Arab to Spanish to American-the country’s cuisine is understandably diverse and delicious. For those not adventurous enough to try inspired creations like boiled duck embryo and grilled chicken head, there are plenty of less stomach-churning options available, as a stroll of Manilas streets will prove. Barbequed chunks of chicken or pork, deep fried ripe bananas dipped in caramelized sugar, fried boiled eggs dipped in a messy mix of vinegar and onions, corned beef in a tangy tamarind soup…the list is endless. You could try authentic Filipino cuisine in one of the many sit down restaurants that dot Manila or stop by at a street stall or food court for a fraction of the price. Local street corner stalls called “turo turo” (point-point) are an inexpensive way to be introduced to Filipino cuisine-you just point at one the many delicacies on display and tuck in. Some of the turo turos may be located in less-than-impressive localities, but the food has earned them their own cult following. Malate neighborhood has a great selection of fresh seafood restaurants; crabs and shrimps are picked fresh off the boat and into the kitchen.

International Flavors

As the only bastion of the Spanish Empire in Asia, Manila boasts of the finest Spanish cuisine to be found anywhere on the continent. Other Latin cuisines like Cuban and Mexican chow are also well represented. The Makati district has a varied range of eateries that dish up pan-Latin flavors. The streets of Manila’s bustling commercial center are lined with dozens of international restaurants from Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Asian fusion to European nouvelle cuisine and exotic Polynesian-inspired niche restaurants. Since Makati is home to the headquarters of many big businesses and corporations, the dining options are more diverse than in other Manila neighborhoods. Here, you’ll find innovative Italian ristorantes that offer al fresco dining, and remarkably unpretentious French style bistros. The considerable Japanese presence in Manila has meant the proliferation of any number of restaurants from chic single-chef izakayas to the more popular sushi bars, all extremely popular with the city’s local residents. Most American fast food chains have their outlets at some of the biggest malls to be found in the Philippines. The ambience at these malls is far from romantic, but the food is cheap, even by fast food standards.

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