Food & Dining: Bohol

Culinary Overview

Cultural and historical context of local cuisine:

Philippine cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. This blend forms an unique flavor profile. Boholano cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, pork, and local vegetables. Flavors tend to be savory, salty, sour, and sometimes sweet. It is generally less spicy than other Asian cuisines.

Dining customs and etiquette:

"Kamayan" (eating with hands): This traditional practice, especially for informal meals. While utensils are usually present, do not be surprised to see locals eating with their hands.
Sharing: Dishes are typically served family-style and shared among diners. Ordering a variety of dishes to share is common.
"Sawsawan" (dipping sauces): Various sauces, like vinegar, soy sauce, calamansi, and chili, are often on the side for dipping; diners customize flavors.
"Pulutan" (finger foods): These are often served with alcoholic beverages and are meant for sharing.

Ingredients and flavors:

Common ingredients:

Coconut milk, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onions, ginger, and calamansi (Philippine lime). Various fresh herbs and spices also play a role.

Staple food:

Rice is a staple food, served with almost every meal. It forms the base of the diet.

Regional variations:

Bohol is known for its fresh seafood, especially in coastal areas like Panglao. Unique local delicacies include "kalamay" and "peanut kisses".

Meal times and structures:

Breakfast (agahan): Typically from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. It often has rice, fried eggs, cured meats, or fried fish.
Lunch (tanghalian): The main meal of the day, typically eaten from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Dinner (hapunan): Typically from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Merienda (snack): Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are common. These include pastries, sweet treats, or simple savory dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature dishes with descriptions and where to find them:

Kinilaw

Fresh raw fish, often tuna, marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, ginger, onions, and chili. It is a refreshing appetizer, widely available in seafood restaurants.

Adobo

Considered the national dish of the Philippines. Meat is braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns until tender. You will find it everywhere.

Lechon Kawali / Lechon Baboy

Lechon Kawali is crispy fried pork belly. Lechon Baboy refers to a whole roasted pig, often served for celebrations. These dishes are savory and satisfying, available in local eateries and markets.

More Signature Dishes:

Sinigang: A sour soup, typically made with pork, shrimp, or fish, and various vegetables. Tamarind forms the sour flavor.
Pancit Canton: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and often meat or shrimp. It is a hearty and flavorful dish, available in Chinese-Filipino restaurants and local eateries.
Halo-Halo: A popular cold dessert meaning "mix-mix." It features shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, and ube ice cream, topped with evaporated milk.
Grilled Seafood: Fresh catch of the day, including fish, squid, and prawns, grilled to perfection and served with various dipping sauces. Abundant in Panglao's Alona Beach restaurants.

Street Food Specialties:

Isaw

Grilled chicken or pig intestines, a popular and adventurous street food.

Balut / Kwek-Kwek

Balut: A fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. Kwek-Kwek: Quail eggs coated in an orange batter and deep-fried.

Dining Options

Fine Dining Establishments

Limited in number, but some luxury resorts on Panglao Island feature upscale international and Filipino cuisine.

Fresh Buko (Coconut Water): Hydrating and refreshing, served directly from a young coconut.
Calamansi Juice: A refreshing drink made from Philippine lime, similar to lemonade.
San Miguel Beer: The most popular local beer in the Philippines.

Mid-range Restaurants

Abundant in Alona Beach and Tagbilaran. These restaurants serve a mix of Filipino, Asian, and Western cuisines, catering to diverse tastes. You will locate comfortable settings and good service.

Kalamay: A sticky sweet delicacy from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar.
Peanut Kisses: Cone-shaped peanut cookies, inspired by the Chocolate Hills.
Tablea: Unsweetened chocolate tablets from roasted cacao beans, used to make rich hot chocolate.

Budget Eateries & Markets

Carinderias: Local, informal eateries that serve a selection of pre-cooked Filipino dishes. Street Food Stalls: Pervasive in local markets and along busy streets, with quick and inexpensive snacks and meals.

Tagbilaran Public Market: This bustling market features fresh produce, meat, seafood, and various local cooked food stalls.
International Cuisine: Alona Beach has a wide variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Western restaurants.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian and vegan options:

These can be challenging to locate outside of major tourist hubs. Strategies: Search for vegetable-based dishes like "chop suey" or "ginataang gulay".

Many restaurants in Alona Beach now serve vegetarians and vegans due to demand.

Gluten-free and other allergen-aware dining:

This can be challenging due to the prevalence of soy sauce and other wheat-based ingredients. Inform staff clearly about any allergies.

Carry translation cards for dietary restrictions in Cebuano/Filipino. This aids clear communication.

Halal and Kosher Availability:

Halal:

Limited availability. Some restaurants in Tagbilaran might have Halal options. Confirm directly.

Kosher:

Extremely limited, likely not available. Travelers with strict Kosher diets should plan to bring their own food.

Fresh Produce:

Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables from markets. Use caution with prepared foods unless ingredients are confirmed.

Resources:

Online forums or apps like HappyCow can assist in locating vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants.

Culinary Experiences

Engage with Food Culture:

Cooking Classes: Some resorts or local initiatives have hands-on Filipino cooking classes. These present a fun way to learn about local ingredients and recipes.
Food Tours: Informal food tours can be arranged by local guides to explore markets and street food, giving a taste of authentic local life.
Farm Visits: Some organic farms or bee farms, like Bohol Bee Farm on Panglao, have tours and dining experiences. These often feature organic and local produce, fresh honey, and unique flavors.
Food Festivals: Local fiestas often feature abundant local food. Attending one presents a chance to experience local culinary traditions.

Unique Dining Concepts:

Loboc River Cruise with Lunch

A popular experience where you dine on a floating restaurant while cruising along the scenic Loboc River.

It often has a buffet lunch and live music or performances.

Bohol Bee Farm

Has an unique menu featuring edible flowers, organic ingredients from their farm, and homemade ice cream with distinct flavors.

It creates a healthy and interesting dining experience.

Traditional Beverages & Snacks:

Beverages:

Fresh Buko

Calamansi Juice

San Miguel Beer

Tuba (coconut toddy)

Snacks/Desserts:

Kalamay

Peanut Kisses

Tablea

Turon

Seasonal and Festival Foods:

Food often revolves around local harvests or specific religious holidays.

During town fiestas (feast days of patron saints), you will find an abundance of local food, often shared freely.
Dates vary for these community-focused events.

Affiliate Resources:

Local Dining:

No specific affiliates here.

Food & Dining