Mandaluyong City Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide
Filipino cuisine has a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, often less spicy than other Southeast Asian cuisines. Rice serves as a staple with almost every meal.
Common ingredients include garlic, onions, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi (Philippine lime), a salty sauce made from fermented fish (patis), shrimp paste (bagoong), and coconut milk.
Typically from 6:O'CLOCK IN the MORNING to 9:00 AM. Includes rice, a fried egg, and a choice of meat (e.g., longganisa, tocino, tapa).
Usually from 12:FROM 12 pm TO 2:00 PM. This constitutes a substantial meal.
Generally from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A substantial meal, similar in size to lunch.
Braised meat (chicken, pork, or both) in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns.
This national dish is widespread in almost all Filipino restaurants.
A sour soup, typically tamarind-based, featuring meat (pork, beef, shrimp, or fish) and various vegetables.
Available in most Filipino eateries.
A whole roasted pig, famous for its incredibly crispy skin.
Lechon stalls present individual portions, often a celebration centerpiece.
Buko Juice (fresh coconut water), Sago't Gulaman (a refreshing drink with sago and jelly), and Calamansi Juice.
San Miguel Beer (Pilsen, Light), Red Horse Beer, and Tanduay Rum are popular local choices.
Mandaluyong, especially in Ortigas Center, holds several upscale dining establishments within luxury hotels (e.g., Edsa Shangri-La) plus retail centers.
Abundant throughout Mandaluyong, especially in malls (SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, Estancia, The Podium) and retail areas like Greenfield District.
Carinderias (local eateries with affordable, home-style Filipino meals), food courts in all major malls, and street stalls.
Features fresh produce, meat, seafood, and a section with cooked food stalls, delivering an authentic local experience.
Offers affordable, home-style meals.
A popular weekend market having different food stalls, presenting a lively atmosphere.
Also large malls feature extensive food halls.
Sushi, Ramen, Tempura
BBQ, Stews, Kimchi
Pizza, Pasta, Gelato
Noodles, Curries, Stir-fries
Dedicated Halal restaurants are limited but present in Metro Manila. Travelers inquire in restaurants or look for Halal certification.
Check online resources for Halal-friendly eateries.
Very limited Kosher options exist. Travelers with strict Kosher requirements may need to self-cater or rely on pre-packaged foods.
Advance planning is advisable for Kosher diets.
Online apps and websites (e.g., HappyCow for vegetarian/vegan) assist in locating suitable restaurants.
Immerse yourself in local food culture through various experiences.
A mixed dessert featuring shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, and ube (purple yam) ice cream.
A rich and smooth crème caramel or custard, a beloved Filipino dessert.
Ube Halaya (jam), ube cakes, and ube ice cream are beloved treats.
Food tours often cover various districts of Metro Manila, including street food tours or market tours.
These may include areas accessible from Mandaluyong.
Cooking classes focusing on Filipino cuisine exist in other parts of Metro Manila (e.g., Makati, Quezon City).
These are easily accessible from Mandaluyong.
These experiences are not applicable for urban Mandaluyong. The city lacks agricultural land for this type of visits.
Typically, farm visits and food producer interactions are found in rural provinces like Laguna, Cavite, or Batangas.
Consider a day trip outside Metro Manila for these agricultural and food production experiences.
Do not fear trying street food from popular, busy vendors. High turnover means the food is fresh, and authentic local flavors await.
