The Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 7,000 islands, boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage shaped by indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and modern global trends. From bustling street food markets to curated gourmet experiences, the country offers a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds.
We’ve asked our local experts for their favorite destinations and Filipino dishes to try on a food tour across this idyllic (and tasty!) country. Here are the 8 top destinations (and dozens of dishes!) you must try on a food tour across the Philippines.
1. Binondo Food Crawl: A Taste of Chinatown
We start our food tour in Binodo. Known as the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo in Manila is a haven for food lovers. A guided food tour here takes you through narrow alleys filled with centuries-old restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and bustling bakeries. Must-try dishes include:
- Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
- Hopia (flaky pastries filled with mung bean or ube)
- Pancit Canton (stir-fried noodles)
2. Pampanga Culinary Tour: The Culinary Capital of the Philippines
The next stop on our food tour across the Philippines is Pampanga, located just a couple of hours from Manila and known as the culinary heart of the country. A food tour here highlights traditional Kapampangan dishes and innovative local fare. Key experiences include:
- Visiting family-owned restaurants to try heirloom recipes.
- Sampling sisig (a sizzling pork dish) from its birthplace. Ready to try something new? Typically made from parts of the pigs head (snout, ears, and cheeks), sisig is severed with onions, garlic, chili peppers, and sometimes a bit of mayonnaise or liver paste to add richness. This delicious (and adventurous!) dish is typically served on a sizzling hot plate, giving it a crispy texture on the edges while the center remains tender.
- Indulging in tocino, a popular Filipino dish consisting of sweet, marinated pork, typically made from pork belly or shoulder. The meat is cured in a sweet mixture of sugar, salt, and spices, often with the addition of garlic and sometimes pineapple juice — yum!
3. Bacolod Food Trip: Sweet and Savory in the City of Smiles
Our third stop brings us to Bacolod. Bacolod City in the province of Negros Occidental is known for its vibrant Masskara Festival, a celebration of resilience and joy, featuring colorful masks, street dancing, and, of course, an array of delicious local foods. The city is also famous for its many sweet treats and savory specialties. A food tour in this city introduces you to:
- Chicken Inasal: A type of grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi, soy sauce, and lemongrass.
- Napoleones (flaky pastry with custard filling)
- Sugarcane-based desserts reflect the region’s history as a sugar production hub.
- Masskara Street Food: During the Masskara Festival, street food becomes an integral part of the celebration. Delights include barbecue (both pork and chicken), betamax (skewered coagulated chicken blood), and adidas (skewered chicken feet). These tasty (and adventurous) treats are served at food stalls along the streets, giving visitors a taste of Bacolod’s lively culture.
4. Bohol Organic Farm-to-Table Experience
Feast your eyes on our fourth stop: beautiful Bohol. Bohol offers more than its iconic Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. The island’s food tours often feature farm-to-table experiences highlighting sustainable and organic practices. Visitors can:
- Explore organic farms and learn about local agriculture
- Enjoy meals made from freshly harvested produce
- Discover unique flavors like ube kinampay (purple yam)
- Try Peanut Kisses, a sweet treat made with peanuts often given as a souvenir. It has a unique flavor and texture, similar to peanut brittle but with a soft, melt-in-the-mouth consistency.
- Sample Kinilaw, the Filipino version of fresh fish marinated in vinegar, lime, and spices.
- Indulge in Calamay, a traditional sweet delicacy made primarily from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar. This sticky, chewy treat has a rich, smooth texture and is often flavored with pandan leaves or sugar, sometimes with peanuts.
5. Batangas and Quezon Province: A Taste of Tradition
Get ready to taste some traditional flavors on our fifth stop! The provinces of Batangas and Quezon offer a glimpse into traditional Filipino flavors, including the iconic Sinigang na Baboy. A tour in these areas often includes:
- Sinigang na Baboy: A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and vegetables. This dish is loved for its refreshing tartness, with pork as the most common meat used, though shrimp or fish can also be substituted.
- Lomi Batangas: A rich noodle soup filled with thick egg noodles, meat, and vegetables, often topped with fried garlic and chicharrón.
- Pancit Habhab: A Quezon specialty, this stir-fried noodle dish is traditionally eaten directly from a banana leaf without utensils.
- Lucban Longganisa: A garlicky, slightly tangy sausage that pairs perfectly with rice and vinegar dipping sauce.
- Coconut-based Dishes: The region’s abundance of coconuts contributes to dishes like ginataang bilo-bilo (sticky rice balls in coconut milk) and various coconut-based stews.
6. Cebu Lechon Tour: The Best Pork in the World
A food tour in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without Cebu. Cebu is synonymous with Lechon, a roasted pig dish Anthony Bourdain once declared the best in the world. A lechon-focused food tour takes you to the city’s finest lechon purveyors, where you can sample different styles and flavors of this iconic Filipino delicacy.
Lechon is one of the most iconic Filipino dishes. It is a whole pig roasted over an open flame, typically served during celebrations. Cebu is especially famous for its lechon, which is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Beyond its culinary fame, Cebu is also a hub of cultural and historical attractions, including Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño, and beautiful beaches like those in the Mactan and Bantayan Islands.
7. Davao’s Exotic Flavors and Durian Delights
Calling all adventurous eaters: this stop is for you! Known as the Durian Capital of the Philippines, Davao food tours showcase the city’s exotic flavors and its famous fruit: durian. A large, spiky fruit full of fiber and minerals, Durian is a polarizing fruit due to its pungent smell, yet creamy and sweet taste.
The region is also a leading producer of high-quality cacao beans, earning its reputation as a hub for artisanal chocolates. Malagos Chocolate, an award-winning brand, hails from this region. Highlights of a food tour in Davao include:
- Tasting durian candy and ice cream
- Sampling fresh seafood dishes like kinilaw (Filipino ceviche)
- Visiting cacao farms and trying locally made chocolate
8. Iloilo’s Heritage and Food Walk
Last but certainly not least, it’s time to eat our way through Iloilo. As the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, Iloilo is a must-see on any food tour in the Philippines. With its numerous historical sites, including Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Spanish era, this city in the center of the Philippine archipelago on Panay Island is known for its unique combinations of history and gastronomy. While walking through heritage sites, you can savor these delectable dishes:
- La Paz Batchoy (noodle soup with pork and chicharrón)
- Biscocho (butter-toasted bread)
- Fresh seafood like oysters and blue crabs
- Vigan Longganisa: A garlicky, tangy, and slightly sweet sausage made from pork. Typically served with rice and egg, it’s a local specialty that’s a must-try.
- Vigan Empanada: These crispy pastries are filled with a mixture of meat (usually sausage or beef), vegetables, and sometimes an egg. The crust, made with rice flour, provides a unique texture.
- Bagnet: A deep-fried, crispy pork belly dish often paired with a vinegar-based dipping sauce or served atop rice.
- Kaleskes: A flavorful soup made from beef shank and other cuts, cooked with corn, vegetables, and native spices—a comforting dish, perfect for a rainy day.
- Tapuey: Traditional rice wine from the region, ideal for toasts and as a complement to hearty meals.
Tips for Enjoying Food Tours in the Philippines
- Pace Yourself: Filipino food tours often involve several stops, so it’s best to sample small portions to fully enjoy the experience.
- Stay Hydrated: Tropical heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water.
- Engage with Locals: Food tours are a great opportunity to learn stories behind the dishes from local chefs and guides.
Final thoughts
Embarking on a gourmet and food tour in the Philippines is more than just a feast; it’s an exploration of the country’s rich history, welcoming culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Binondo or savoring fresh produce in Bohol, each bite tells a story. Prepare your palate and book your tour to experience the Philippines like never before.
Asia Bespoke Tours creates custom tours and experiences in the Philippines and beyond. For more information, explore our unique services and a sample itinerary for 12 days of Cultural and Culinary Exploration in the Philippines.