Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide
Filipino cuisine is an unique fusion. This blend reflects the country's complex history, resulting in a cuisine known for its balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
Ingredients include rice, pork, chicken, seafood, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onions, ginger, calamansi, and coconut milk. Flavors are savory, frequently with a sour or tangy note.
A spicy dish from the Bicol region, featuring pork, chili, and coconut milk.
A hearty noodle soup from Iloilo, famous for its rich broth and toppings.
A ceviche-like dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, often with ginger, onions, and chili.
Savory and tangy meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. Found everywhere.
Often called the unofficial national dish.
Sour and savory broth with a tamarind-based broth, meat (pork, beef, shrimp, or fish), and vegetables.
Widely available and soothing.
Whole roasted pig with incredibly crispy skin and succulent meat.
A festive dish, portions available at stalls and restaurants.
Grilled chicken/pork intestines on skewers, and deep-fried quail eggs in orange batter.
Deep-fried processed balls from fish, pork, or squid, with various sauces.
Makati hosts many of Manila's top fine dining restaurants, often within luxury hotels or upscale malls like Greenbelt.
Abundance of mid-range restaurants in malls and residential villages. Budget eateries a local experience.
Weekend markets (Salcedo, Legazpi) fantastic for food stalls. Makati a melting pot of global flavors.
Options are increasingly available in modern restaurants and cafes. Many dishes can be adapted.
Look for dedicated restaurants or clearly marked dishes.
Halal-certified restaurants operate in Metro Manila. Kosher options are very limited.
Always check for Halal certification; Kosher food may require specific delis or imports.
Learn traditional dishes.
Explore street food and markets.
Themed restaurants, rooftop bars.
Occasional occasions in malls/markets.
Colorful concoction of crushed ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, ube gelato, and evaporated milk.
The ultimate Filipino dessert.
Philippine version of crème caramel; rich and creamy. Purple yam (ube) a cherished ingredient in many desserts.
Suman: Steamed sticky rice cakes, often wrapped in banana leaves.
Warm, comforting snack from silken tofu, drizzled with arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and topped with sago (tapioca pearls).
Fried banana spring rolls. Sliced saba bananas, often with a slice of jackfruit, wrapped in spring roll wrapper, fried until crispy and caramelized with brown sugar.
A delightful, soft brioche-like pastry topped with butter, sugar, and grated cheese.
Strong coffee variety from Batangas, known for its distinct aroma and bold flavor.
A warm ginger tea, often consumed for its comforting and soothing qualities, especially during chillier weather.
Farm-to-table experiences are outside Makati, requiring outings to close-by provinces.
Laguna or Batangas are good options.
Explore themed restaurants, hidden speakeasies, and rooftop bars in Poblacion.
Stunning city views with your meal.
Food that is cooked new and served hot is generally safer.
Stalls with many customers often indicate fresh ingredients and good quality.
Look for vendors with clean cooking areas and appropriate food handling practices.
Awareness of gluten-free and other allergens is growing but not universal. Convey information clearly to restaurant staff.
