Top 6 culinary destinations in the Philippines

With the recent recognition of Iloilo City as a “Creative City for Gastronomy” by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the world is beginning to see the Philippines as a culinary destination. Photo by FOX on pexels

One great thing about the Philippines, aside from its tourist attractions, is the food. You can never go wrong with Filipino cuisine, whether you’re craving savory dishes like adobo or sinigang, sweet treats like halo-halo or bibingka, or street food favorites like balut and isaw.

With the recent recognition of Iloilo City as a “Creative City for Gastronomy” by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the world is beginning to see what Filipinos have always known: Filipino cuisine is truly special.

This summer, you might want to book an impulsive trip or consider checking out some of the country’s top culinary destinations as shared by the travel platform Agoda.

Roxas City, Capiz

If seafood is your craving, the “Seafood Capital” has you covered. Visitors can choose from the freshest squid and oysters to a whole menu of dried fish items.

Aside from seafood, Maragtas Street Food Market enlivens the city every Friday afternoon with around 30 stalls serving various skewers and sweet delicacies. Agoda listed some of the must-tries: flavored balut, chicken and pork barbecue, and unique takes on empanada, turon and lumpia.

Davao City

Some may love this fruit, but others may be deterred by its strong smell. Davao City in Southern Mindanao is renowned for its export-quality fruits, including durian, prized for its sweet, custardy flesh despite its divisive aroma. Additionally, Davao’s pomelo is known for its sweetness and juiciness, often becoming a favorite souvenir for visitors.

The travel platform also highlighted the local delicacy kinilaw, a raw fish steeped in vinegar.

Angeles City, Pampanga

What more can you expect? Pampanga isn’t dubbed the culinary capital for nothing. Just an hour away from Manila, or depending on traffic, travelers can enjoy the original sisig. Agoda recommends Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy for those who prefer their sisig crispy – a perfect spot to satisfy your craving for this iconic Filipino dish right at its birthplace.

More than those places, here at Inquirer.net USA and Canada, we’re also expanding your choices.

Cebu

Think about Cebu, and you’ll think of lechon – the country’s roasted pig dish that has crispy skin and succulent meat, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the region. Cebu’s lechon is celebrated for its seasoning, earning it a reputation as one of the best culinary experiences in the Philippines.

Batangas

Batangas can sometimes be synonymous with bulalo – a hearty beef marrow stew that warms the soul with its savory broth and tender meat. Along its coastal areas, Batangas is also known for its freshly caught seafood, including a variety of fish and shellfish that highlights the region’s vibrant marine bounty.

Bicol

Want something spicy? Bicol is the place for you, all while being enchanted by their perfect cone volcano, Mount Mayon. One of its most famous dishes is Bicol Express, a tender pork cooked in spicy coconut milk, which reflects the region’s love for bold flavors and rich, creamy sauces. Another local favorite is laing, made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and flavored with chili peppers, creating a creamy and spicy dish that perfectly complements steamed rice.