Calamba Calabarzon, Philippines Travel Guide
Spanish influence introduced ingredients and cooking techniques. Chinese traders brought noodles and soy sauce. American impact brought canned goods and fast-food concepts.
Rice is the staple, accompanying almost every meal. Laguna province, Calamba’s home, is known for fertile lands and access to fresh produce and milk products.
A soft, unripened white cheese from carabao's milk, often eaten with pandesal.
A famous Laguna specialty featuring tender young coconut meat in a sweet custard filling.
Native rice cakes like espasol and sapin-sapin. Fresh tilapia, dalag, and hito from Laguna de Bay often feature in local dishes.
Meat (pork/chicken) braised in a flavorful, tangy sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves.
Widely available in almost all Filipino restaurants and carinderias.
A sour and savory soup, using tamarind as its main souring agent, containing meat and various vegetables.
A refreshing and popular dish, found in most Filipino eateries.
Deep-fried pork belly (Lechon Kawali) or roasted chicken (Lechon Manok). Crispy Pata: Deep-fried pig trotters with crispy skin.
Lechon Kawali/Manok available everywhere. Crispy Pata in many Filipino restaurants.
Fresh young coconut water and a refreshing drink with brown sugar syrup, tapioca pearls, and jelly.
The most popular beer in the Philippines. Halo-Halo is a shaved ice dessert with various sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and ice cream.
Calamba has limited true "fine dining" compared to Metro Manila. Some upscale resorts or hotels might offer refined dining with vibe and service.
Many mid-range options, including local Filipino eateries and some offering Korean, Japanese, or other Asian cuisines. Popular fast-food chains are also present.
Carinderias (local eateries) offer affordable, authentic pre-cooked Filipino dishes. Public markets and street food stalls provide quick, inexpensive bites.
Offers fresh produce, meats, fish, and cooked food sections. A spot to buy local delicacies and elements.
Excellent for undergoing local life.
Located in the largest mall, it provides a wide array of local and international fast-food options.
Offers convenience and variety in an air-conditioned setting.
Popular among locals, offering sushi, ramen.
Serving classic Chinese-Filipino dishes.
Jollibee, McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut for quick bites.
Limited, but options may appear.
Rice is naturally gluten-free. Cross-contamination is common. Many sauces contain gluten.
Be explicit about gluten intolerance. Focus on naturally gluten-free dishes like chargrilled fish/meat (confirm no gluten marinades), plain rice, fresh vegetables.
Be very clear about severe allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish, dairy).
Awareness of severe food allergies and cross-contamination is lower than in Western countries.
Very limited Halal-certified restaurants in Calamba. Jewish-approved food is virtually nonexistent.
If your accommodation is in accommodations with a kitchen, consider cooking meals using fresh ingredients from the local market.
Many private hot spring resorts in Pansol offer large dining areas and kitchens. Guests often bring their own food, hire caterers, or cook meals.
This forms an unique social dining experience.
Often accompanied by karaoke, making it a memorable part of the Calamba visit for groups.
Less about a restaurant concept and more about a communal feast.
Ideal for large gatherings, family reunions, or celebrations where food and entertainment are central.
Book ahead of time for busy periods.
During town fiestas or special occasions, more elaborate and celebratory dishes are a major feature.
Expect large servings of Lechon and Kare-Kare.
A wider variety of kakanin (rice cakes) are available.
These occasions are communal feasts.
Stir-fried wheat noodles with veggies and meat, a popular merienda or side dish. Available everywhere.
Filipino spring rolls, fresh (lumpiang sariwa) or crispy fried (lumpiang shanghai). Widely available.
A famous Laguna specialty, creamy young coconut meat in a sweet custard pie. Seek out local bakeries for fresh versions.
