Don’t miss these local delicacies!
Palawan's cuisine is a delectable fusion of Filipino, Malay, and Spanish flavors. From seafood delicacies to meaty stews, here are some must-eat dishes that will delight any foodie's palate.
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“Filipino food offers a delectable array of dishes beyond the infamous balut (duck embryo), thanks to its abundance of seafood, tropical fruits, and creative cooks,” as highlighted by CNN Travel.
Sisig has been described by the late chef Anthony Bourdain as a “divine mosaic of pig parts,” while he considered lechon to be the best whole roasted pig dish he ever had.
Andrew Zimmern believes that Filipino cuisine combines the best of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Spanish techniques, making it an exciting culinary destination.
Recently, the Philippines has been recognized as one of the top ten countries with the best food, and Palawan is an excellent place to explore Filipino delicacies, whether from street vendors or restaurants.
Philippine cuisine, a fusion of Austronesian, Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and American influences, has evolved over centuries.
When visiting Palawan, make sure to indulge in these must-try delicacies:
Chicken Inasal
Palawan's Chicken Inasal is a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish, marinated in a unique blend of spices and herbs, then cooked to perfection. You can find this delicious dish in many restaurants on the island, but Haim Chicken Inato Restaurant in Manalo Extension is a must-try.
Halo Halo
The Filipino term "Halo Halo" means "Mix-Mix" in English. This refreshing drink is a popular favorite, made from a blend of sweetened preserved fruits, evaporated milk, and crushed ice. It's usually topped with either ice cream or leche flan. For the best Halo Halo in Puerto Princesa, head to Noki Nocs Savory House located on Rizal Avenue.
Crocodile Sisig
If you're feeling adventurous with food, you might want to try Crocodile Sisig in Palawan, a twist on the classic sizzling pork dish. Crocodile meat is similar in taste to chicken, with a mild flavor and firm texture. It's a healthy meat choice because of its high protein and low-fat content. Kinabuchs Grill and Bar is the perfect place to try this delicacy.
Lato Seaweed
Lato seaweed, also called sea grapes or green caviar, is a highly sought-after dish in Palawan because of its tender and juicy texture. It goes well with any dish, especially fried ones, and is typically served with either salt or vinegar. Though common in the Philippines and neighboring countries, the highest quality Lato seaweed is found in the municipality of Cuyo in Palawan.
Hopia Bread
Hopia is a famous Filipino pastry filled with beans, first introduced by Fujianese immigrants in the urban areas of the Philippines. It is an affordable treat and a popular gift among friends and family. There are two varieties: flaky, made with Chinese puff pastry, and cake dough, made with soft cookie dough. Baker’s Hill, which offers homemade bread and baked goods, is renowned for its delicious hopia bread.
Chao Long Noodles
Vietnamese immigrants brought Chao Long noodles to Palawan. The Puerto Princesa version has flat, thin rice noodles in sweet-savory broth with beef or pork. Try them at Rene's Saigon Restaurant on Rizal Avenue, along with other Vietnamese dishes.
Tamilok
Palawan's unique cuisine is sure to take your taste buds on an adventure, and the Tamilok is a must-try. It's a mollusk harvested from mangrove trees, with a long, soft and flabby body that tastes like oyster. You can find it in many restaurants in Puerto Princesa, but Kinabuchs Grill and Bar on Rizal Avenue is the most popular spot.
Fresh Seafood
Palawan's seafood is a treasure trove of fresh and delicious catches that are both accessible and affordable. Indulge in the best of the best at Badjao Seafood and KaLui, two top seafood restaurants in Puerto Princesa. Their menus feature a variety of dishes depending on the day's catch, including Tuna, Shrimps, Blue Marlin, Crab, Lobster, Seabass, and Squid.
Lechon
Roasted meat in Filipino is called Lechon manok (chicken) and liempo (pork belly). Lechon is a whole roasted pig with crispy, golden-brown skin. You can find this delicacy in street food stalls in Rizal Avenue and Manalo for an affordable price. It is served with a sweet and spicy liver-based sauce.
Cashew Nuts
Coron is a great place to sample traditional cashew delicacies, in addition to roasted cashews. Try Bandi and Brittle, which are cashew nuts coated with honey and caramelized brown sugar. For high-quality cashews, head to Coron Harvest shop.
Danggit Lamayo
When visiting Coron, don't miss the chance to try the local favorite, danggit lamayo. It is made by marinating sun-dried rabbitfish in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and pepper, and is commonly served for breakfast at hotels and guesthouses.