Culinary in Manila

The lively capital of the Philippines, Manila is a city where history, culture and delectable cuisine intertwine. The town is known as the melting pot of influences from various cultures that can be seen through the city’s festival architecture and delicious cuisines.

Manila’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours that would pamper any taste bud reflecting the city’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. If you happen to have a trip to Manila, never miss your chance to get your hands on authentic cuisine served in original tastes that surely will leave you impressed. 

7 Must-Try Culinary in Manila 

1. Adobo

The most beloved Philipino dish, which is often considered one of the county’s national dishes. Adobo is known for its versatile and flavourful dish that involves marinating and simmering meat often pork or chicken, cooked along in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. 

This exceptional holds a special place in Filipino culture where they are often served during celebrations and family gatherings, which evokes nostalgia and comfort. 

2. Sinigang

Warn and delicate Filipino soup or stew, loved for its sour and savoury flavours. Another comforting dish, Sinigang is often enjoyed on rainy days or when you’re feeling under the weather. 

The signature element of this local speciality food is its sourness, which typically uses tamarind as its main ingredient, along with its savoury broth often made with pork, beef, fish, shrimp, or chicken and accompanied with a number of vegetables like okra, taro corns, white radish, water spinach, and eggplants. 

3. Lechon

A culinary masterpiece of Filipino, Lechon is a whole roasted pig that has become synonymous with celebrations and special occasions in the Philipines. 

The most iconic thing that you get from the meat is its crispy skin which is perfectly crisp and is known achieved through a meticulous roasting process that involves basting the pig with oil and vinegar, and then slowly roasting it over a charcoal or wood fire. But no worries, because beneath those crisp skin, you can still get juicy-flavourful meat melting within your mouth.

4. Pansit

Pansit is actually the general term for noodles in Filipino, with a wide variety of noodle dishes that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular Pansit that you need to try is the Pancit Canton made with stir-fried egg noodles, vegetables, and meat, Pancit Palabok which is often topped with savoury sauce, shrimp, pork rinds and hard-boiled eggs, as well as Pancit Malaboon, which is a seafood-based dish which as the name says coming from Malabon City. 

5. Halo-halo

The first dessert on the list is the popular Halo-halo, which is known for its iconic colours and diverse flavours. Halo-halo itself means ‘mix-mix’ which reflects the way the ingredients are combined and the dessert served. 

The foundation of Halo-halo is their shaved ice which provides a refreshing base, then combined with evaporated milk or coconut milk, sweetened beans, fruits, and jelly 

6. Sisig

Originally from the Pampanga region in Luzon, Sisig is a savoury and flavourful dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver, which is usually seasoned with calamansi, onions and chilli peppers. 

Sisig can actually be enjoyed as a main dish or appetizer, where it can be easily adapted to different dietary preferences, such as using tofu or seafood, instead of pork. 

7. Chinatown’s Street Food Tour

If you can’t choose which foods you want to taste, then how about participating in a culinary tour? 

By booking a tour, you will be able to explore the local streets and savour all the must-eat local delicacies with an experienced guide while also discovering a hidden gem that is only known by the locals. From tasting iconic delicacies like Kuchay Dumplings, Machang, Kikiam, and Fried Siopao to Hopia Ube, you can experience all of those by following this well-planned food-tasting tour.

Other Recommended Activities in Manila 

1. Historical Manila City & Intramuros Tour

Book your exciting tour in Manika and discover various historical gems of the Philipines. By participating in this tour you will be able to visit the most popular tourist attractions throughout the town and travel back in time where you will be welcomed by numerous grandeur sites that will take your breath away with its beauty. 

2. Intramuros Singtseeing Shared Night Tour with Roundtrip Transfer

Hop on a serene night walk accompanied and guided by a tour where you will be provided with all the necessary transportation and amenities throughout your night walk. You will be picked up at your accommodation located in Malate, Ermita, Makati, Pasay, Paranaque, Taguig, Alabang Muntinlupa area then, be taken to explore the town in different lights. By the night around 21.00, you will be transferred back and safely to your accommodation. Such a fun adventure without a hassle!

3. Intramurous Shared Half-Day Tour in Manila

It is time for you to immerse yourself in the rich history of Manila, where you will be taken deep within the city and will be transported to the most famous sites in Intramuros including San Agustin Church which is the oldest church in Philipines, Baluarte San Diego with it's stand strong forts, and many others are waiting to be explored. 

Hotel Recommendations in Manila

1. Sheraton Manila Bay

The 5-star luxurious hotel in Manila, which are ready to provide you with modern comfort and Filipino hospitality, complete with spacious and comfortable rooms, well equipped with modern amenities like modern beds, TVs and private bathrooms. 

2. Eurotel Pedri Gil

The favourite among budget-conscious travellers who would like to have a comfortable stay yet, affordable rates. Besides, this budget hotel is situated in strategic locations close to Robinson’s Place Mall as well as public transportation like the United Nations LRT Station allowing visitors to get around easily and efficiently. 

3. The Manila Hotel

The historic landmark and one of the most prestigious hotels in the Philippines, Manila Hotel is originally inspired by Spanish Colonial and Art Deco Styles and has hosted numerous significant events throughout the year. Now the hotel has become one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in the town, offering a comfortable and well-equipped room to leave visitors with unforgettable stay. 

Book Culinary Activities in Manila with Traveloka!

Now that you know about all the delicacies that you need to savour in Manila, it is time to pack your bag and get ready for another fun and exciting exploration of the area! 

If you would like to book accommodation, services, or flight tickets to the Philippines, Traveloka is more than happy to help you in booking those tickets. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives numerous combos, discounts, and promotions to enhance your trip experience!