The Philippines solidified its status as an up-and coming foodie destination with the recent recognition from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which named Iloilo City as a Creative City for Gastronomy.
This acknowledgement only confirmed what world-renowned chefs like Andrew Zimmern and the late Anthony Bourdain have been saying over the last decade: There is so much to discover from Filipino cuisine.
Iloilo City is a great place to start any food journey, but it’s also just one of the destinations in the country that can make foodies hop on the next flight out or take a long drive to sample flavors that are uniquely Pinoy.
Digital travel platform Agoda spotlights three destinations for a cuisine-centric journey that lets travelers experience not just the best of Pinoy food, but also the wonderful sights the country has to offer.
Roxas City, Capiz
Roxas City, Capiz presents an eclectic abundance for travelers. Dubbed as the country’s seafood capital, visitors can have their pick from the freshest squid and oysters down to a whole menu of dried fish items. With heritage structures sprawled all over the city, Roxas City continues to keep the old colonial architecture alive. Places like the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral and the Provincial Capitol are great spots to learn more about local history.
Foodie travelers can also immerse themselves in local sustainable practices in Roxas that help preserve food sources. A visit to the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark offers a number of activities that foodies can avail themselves of. A tour of the Ecopark lets visitors take a closer look at seafood farming, interacting directly with fisherfolk responsible for the protection and cultivation of provincial seas. There is also a chance to dig into the freshest seafood catch of the day inside a floating cottage which allows tourists to take in nature views along with their delicious meal.
Roxas also showcases Pinoy street food at the Maragtas Street Food Market that enlivens the city every Friday afternoon with around 30 stalls serving various skewers and sweet delicacies. Must tries would be the flavored balut, chicken, and pork barbecue, and unique takes on empanada, turon, and lumpia. Waiting on the side are dipping sauces that conquer the tastebud spectrum – whether it’s sour, sweet and saucy, or a spicy kick one is looking for.
Davao City
It may be known for its mix of hilly terrains, expansive forests, and its proximity to rivers and beaches, but Davao City also has culinary experiences waiting to be discovered.
A visit to the King City of the South will not be complete without a sampling of kinilaw, raw fish steeped in vinegar. A crowd favorite among Davaoeños is Luz Kinilaw and Inihaw Place, where their version of kinilaw consists of raw tuna marinated in coconut vinegar and their mix of spices.
Davao is also known for its export-quality native fruits. Durian may seem intimidating for its scent, but it is incredibly delicious and sweet with its custardy texture. Davao boasts the sweetest and juiciest selection of pomelo in the country, so good, visitors often take home a box.
Sampling Davao City’s food offerings aside, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors active. A can’t-miss is a visit to the Philippine Eagle Center, a conservatory for the magnificent, endangered bird the place was named after. The famous Malagos Chocolate Factory & Museum also offers tours and even chocolate-making sessions, giving travelers a peek at how their world-class product is made.
Angeles City, Pampanga
An hour’s drive from Manila, no foodie can skip a trip to Pampanga. Often referred to as the culinary capital of the country, Pampanga has been attracting visitors with their native dishes since the mid-19th century. Within the province, a stop at Angeles City, the birthplace of sisig, is a must.
When in search of sisig, two places come to mind — Aling Lucing Sisig and Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy.
Beyond food, Angeles City features historical sites where visitors can walk around and learn more about the city. The picturesque Holy Rosary Parish Church boasts of Spanish Colonial architecture, every side of which warrants a closer look. Meanwhile, the city’s museum, Museo Ning Angeles, gives travelers a glimpse of the journey that makes Angeles the vibrant locale it is today.
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