Palawan, Philippines
Filipino cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences, a reflection of the country's diverse history. It highlights strong flavors—salty, sour, and sweet—often balanced within a single dish.
Meals typically include meat, seafood, and vegetables, all served with rice. This culinary blend is an unique and flavorful identity.
Rice is the staple. Pork, chicken, and fresh seafood are common protein sources. Coconut milk, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onions, ginger, and calamansi (Philippine lime) form the backbone of many dishes.
Filipino cuisine often combines sourness (from vinegar, tamarind, or calamansi), saltiness (from soy sauce or fish sauce), and savory notes. Sweetness also appears in many dishes, especially desserts and some savory preparations.
Palawan cuisine highlights fresh seafood. Unique local ingredients and preparations distinguish it. Specialties include "Tamilok" (woodworm) and "Lato" (sea grapes). Palawan's dishes often highlight ingredient freshness.
A refreshing appetizer with fresh raw seafood, often tuna or tanigue, marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, ginger, onions, and chili. Resembles ceviche.
Find at: Many seafood restaurants, local eateries.
Edible seaweed with a distinct salty, crunchy texture. Often served as a side dish or salad with a vinegar dip.
Find at: Seafood restaurants, public market.
A local twist on the popular Filipino "sisig." Uses finely chopped crocodile meat, seasoned with calamansi, chili, and onions. A unique flavor.
Find at: Kinabuchs Grill and Bar, Ka Lui Restaurant.
Skewers of pork, chicken, intestines, and other parts grilled over charcoal. Often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
A popular cold dessert with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, ube ice cream, and milk. A perfect tropical treat.
Ka Lui Restaurant: Famous for its traditional ambiance, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options. Reservations are highly recommended. A unique custom: diners remove their shoes upon entry. The setting holds a traditional Filipino home feel.
For a balance of quality and value.
Inexpensive and authentic local flavors.
The main market for fresh produce, meat, and seafood is the Puerto Princesa Public Market. Malls like Robinsons Place Palawan and SM City Puerto Princesa hold food courts with local fast food and some international chains, offering air-conditioned comfort.
International cuisine options are limited but growing. Some restaurants offer Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Western dishes. These are often located in malls or higher-end hotels. For many international choices, other Philippine cities are a better option.
Fresh coconut water, refreshing and hydrating.
Tart and invigorating Philippine lime juice.
The most popular local beer brand.
A popular local rum, consumed straight or mixed.
Halal food is limited. A few Muslim-friendly eateries exist due to a local Muslim community. It is advisable to inquire directly or choose seafood and vegetable dishes.
Kosher food is extremely limited, if present at all. Travelers with strict Kosher requirements should bring their own certified food items.
Finding strictly gluten-free options can be challenging. Filipino cuisine uses soy sauce (often contains wheat). Cross-contamination poses a risk.
Communicate allergies clearly and repeatedly. A Translation card for food allergies might be helpful.
The HappyCow App locates vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Online research or calling ahead to restaurants for menu and accommodation details is helpful.
While Puerto Princesa holds few specific festival foods, fresh fruits like ripe mangoes are seasonal and highly recommended when available.
Some independent local chefs or guesthouses occasionally offer informal Filipino cooking classes.
Focus on visiting local markets and tasting street food, especially around the Baywalk in the evening.
Baker's Hill: Offers a look into local food production, especially baked goods and cashew processing.
Fresh Buko Juice, Calamansi Juice, popular San Miguel Beer, and Tanduay Rum are widely available.
These drinks pair well with local cuisine.
Hopya/Piaya (sweet pastries), Turon (fried banana spring rolls), Cassava Cake, and Pastillas de Leche (milk candies) are local favorites.
Street food options like Fishballs and Banana Cue are also popular.
Options are growing, especially in tourist restaurants (Ka Lui). State "no meat, no fish, no bagoong."
Halal food is limited (few Muslim-friendly eateries). Kosher food is extremely limited.
Gluten-free dining can be challenging. Communicate allergies clearly; a translation card is helpful.
Look for places with high customer turnover for fresh food.
