9 must-try Filipino restaurants in major US cities

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best Filipino restaurants in the United States. These must-try eateries will expose your taste buds to a symphony of vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and delectable delicacies.

If you’re craving Filipino food, you don’t have to travel all the way to the Philippines. We’ve scoured the states where you can indulge yourself in a flavor-filled food adventure.

These are the top Filipino restaurants in major US cities

1. Purple Yam in Brooklyn, New York

Photo from Time Out

Purple Yam is a beloved Filipino restaurant that has captivated the palates and hearts of both locals and visitors. With its welcoming and cozy ambiance, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of the Philippines. Chef Romy Dorotan and his wife Amy Besa are the proud owners of this treasure that offers a unique fusion of American and Filipino cuisine.

Must-try dish: Trust us when we say their ube pancake is not your average pancake. This Instagram sensation is a pancake mixed with the goodness of the Filipino purple yam.

You may also like: The Best Filipino Food to Try When Visiting the Philippines

2. Archipelago in Seattle, Washington

Photo from Eater Seattle

This Filipino restaurant was recently nominated for a James Beard Foundation award, which is a culinary achievement similar to the Oscars. A quaint restaurant that only seats 12 people, dining at Archipelago would give you a chance to talk to the chef himself. Don’t miss their Filipino food with a modern twist, such as pancit (fried noodles) and lumpia (spring rolls).

Must-try dish: Bursting with strong flavors of vegetables and shrimp paste, the pinakbet is one of its specialties.

3. Uncle Mike’s Place in Chicago, Illinois

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If you’re craving a hearty Filipino breakfast in Chicago, this is the place to go as it offers your traditional Filipino breakfast.

Must-try dish: Their longganisa and cured pork shoulder will surely make your day. Never miss their chicken inasal, which is a marinated grilled chicken that originated in Bacolod.

4. Elena’s Restaurant in Waipahu, Hawaii

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Featured on the Food Network, this Filipino restaurant takes pride in offering traditional favorites. Dig into the flavorful goodness of sari-sari, a sumptuous stew with vegetables and meats, and experience the warmth of hospitality this establishment is renowned for.

Must-try dish: Their chicken adobo is one-of-a-kind with its tangy and savory flavors. It is a famous Filipino dish of chicken marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.

5. Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe in Lewisville, Texas

Photo from Uber Eats

This cafe offers visitors a two-in-one experience. Aside from delectable Filipino dishes, Kabayan also sells Filipino treats and products. Indulge yourselves in their delightful food while looking at their shelves for your favorite Filipino ingredients.

Must try dish: Immerse yourselves in their homey version of sinigang, a sour soup with a variety of vegetables mixed with pork, beef, or shrimp.

6. Abacá in San Francisco, California

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In the heart of San Francisco lies this culinary gem that offers a refined dining experience. Here, you’ll get to enjoy modern Filipino dishes from the pre-Spanish era, like rice-based desserts or kakanin in the local vernacular.

Must-try dish: Try the pancit (fried noodles) and lumpia (spring rolls with pork). Also, don’t miss out on their tamale, a type of rice cake the chef learned to make from his explorations in the cities of Pampanga, Cavite, and Samar, Philippines.

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7.Musang in Seattle, Washington

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A Filipino-American chef runs this restaurant that the local residents have fully embraced. It showcases the fine and diverse flavors of the Filipino cuisine. From smoked trout to sisig, Musang offers an experience that honors the richness of Filipino food.

Must-try dish: Kare-kare (a vegetable stew with peanut butter sauce and various cuts of meat depending on preference) is their specialty that would make you come back for more.

8. Apoy in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Photo from Minnesota Monthly

Well-known for its food expertise, Apoy captures the nature of traditional Filipino flavors and brings them to all the dishes they offer. A visit to Apoy is an experience that will tease the taste buds with an appreciation for the wonders of Filipino culinary artistry.

Must-try dish: Sink your teeth into their savory, crispy fried chicken wings. Or, you can also try their succulent ham hock.

You may also like: Top 8 Tourist Destinations in the PH for Fil-Ams

9. Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant in Searcy, Arkansas

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As a cherished culinary delight in the south, Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant captures the true nature of Filipino culture with its array of fresh and delectable food. For more homey Filipino dining, they offer a family-style feast that’s great for large groups. They promise a delightful dining experience that honors the best of Filipino comfort food. Each bite of their marinated adobo comes with juiciness and a burst of flavor.

Must-try dish: Don’t miss their savory chicken curry and the soft and tender marinated adobo

Which of these Filipino restaurants is your favorite?

Going on a gastronomic journey through the best Filipino restaurants in the US is an experience that will leave you craving more. From the sunny shores of California to the busy streets of New York, these Filipino establishments are waiting to be discovered. So gather your appetite and immerse yourself in the myriad of delightful flavors they offer.