Around the Philippines: 5 Amazing Delicacies to Try

Are you a local or international traveler planning to travel across the Philippines? Aside from meeting the locals and getting to know Pinoy culture, having a taste of different Filipino dishes is also a must. Ready to go on a food trip? Visit these five destinations and try these popular delicacies.

Metro Manila
Traveling your way through Manila by foot will surely lead you to a street food vendor. Take your pick from banana cue, barbecue, or fish balls. No matter which stall or cart you happen to pass by, the food’s enticing aroma will surely make you stop and try. Ranging for as low as 50 centavos for a fish ball and twenty pesos for a stick of pork barbecue, these Manila street food delicacies are a must try!

Pampanga
Considered as the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is home to the best cooks in the country. One dish in particular that you must try is the province’s sisig. Served on a sizzling plate, pork or fish meat is cooked in marinated sauce with seasoning and topped with an egg.

Ilocos
Visiting the northwest province of Ilocos will lead you to stunning beaches and old churches. The province is also famous for their empanada, which is flocked by tourists all year round. The Ilocos empanada is made from dough and fillings such as sliced papaya, egg, and longganisa, which is fried to perfection. Dip your empanada into some Sukang Ilocos for the ultimate food experience.

Bicol
Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish originating from the province of Bicol. It is made from pork that is cooked in coconut milk with chili, shrimp paste, stock, and onion. This dish is cooked best in the traditional Bicolano style.  

Cebu
Almost every Filipino loves to eat lechon. If you’re looking for the best place to taste this Filipino favorite, head to Cebu. This province is famous for the Cebu lechon, a whole pig roasted slowly over a charcoal fire. This dish can be found in festivals, parties, and special occasions.

If you are fond of traveling locally and are excited to try authentic Filipino cuisine, catch Asian Food Channel’s brand new travel and culinary show, Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines, which airs exclusively in Asia starting March 11, 2014. It features the journey of 10 contestants as they travel across the Philippines to compete for $50,000 worth of prizes.

From Left to Right: Bettina Arguelles, Sous Chef – French Culinary Department of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines Host Sherson Lian, COO of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, Scripps Networks Interactive, Asia Pacific Managing Director Derek Chang, Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez, Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines judges JP Angelo, Sau Del Rosario, Myke Tatung, Jackie Laudico, Josefina Sincioco (Chef Jessie), and Rolando Laudico. Front: Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines contestants Connie Chew, Jun Wu, and Tim Ong. All posing together for a photo wearing traditional Filipino shell necklaces.

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