The City of Manila has always been known as the Capital of the Philippines. A historic city that boasts of its rich culture and tradition, it has also become a food destination for locals and tourists alike. What better way to experience all the flavors of Manila than by joining a food crawl? Imagine strolling around the streets and alleyways, hopping from one food stall to another, and indulging in some of the best culinary treats this city can offer. This guide will take you to some of the all-time hotspots in Manila and who knows may your next favorite restaurant is just blocks away from your home.
Restaurants
Some of the restaurants in Manila are notable for their delicious food, great ambiance, and excellent service. Here are some must-visit restaurants in the city:
1. The Aristocrat Restaurant
The Aristocrat is a Filipino restaurant chain that is known for its delicious and iconic dishes. It was founded by the Reyes family in 1936, and the first branch was located in Ermita, Manila. The restaurant, located along the Roxas Boulevard is a classic spot for excellent Filipino cuisine. From grilled food and seafood dishes to fresh fruit desserts, the restaurant has everything to satisfy your taste buds.
Long-time customers rave about their signature steak dish, which has been served since the restaurant’s inception more than a decade ago. Others also enjoy their freshly-squeezed juices and decadent shakes which pair perfectly with their meals. Come visit The Aristocrat today for an unforgettable dining experience!
2. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
Situated at the heart of Old Manila, Barbara’s Heritage Restage showcases its guests the vibe of dining in the Spanish Period and taste their landmark cuisines such as Lumpia al Fresca, Paella de Mariscos, Crispy Pata,and Mixed Seafood Grill. Servers even look the part to emerge you to the times.
If that is not enough it is a hotel that is perfect for wedding receptions and stays with your family and friends. Dive into history and stroll through their Attic Museum and Gallery. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant is an all-in-one tourist destination waiting to be discovered.
3. The Bayleaf Intramuros
The Bayleaf is an upscale Hotel and Restaurant in Intramuros. Enjoy the best views of Manila’s skyline while dining with friends and colleagues after work. Stand at the crossroads of present and past as you indulge in delicious buffet-style meals, set menus, and a la carte dishes featuring Filipino favorites and international cuisines.
Photo courtesy of The Bayleaf Intramuros
Whether it’s a romantic dinner or an intimate gathering, The Bayleaf is sure to make your experience an unforgettable one!
4. New Po Heng Lumpia House
Do you want to explore some Chinese food? How about in the oldest Chinatown in the world. Binondo houses one of the delicious and tastiest cuisines in the Metro. One of those restaurants is the New Po Heng Lumpia House that is avidly visited by locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant has been serving their famous lumpia, a Filipino-style spring roll with Chinese-inspired fillings, that has become famous for sometime now. Their lumpia is freshly made daily and served hot and crispy. They also offer other Chinese dishes such as noodles, dimsum, and rice toppings.
Manila is a city that never fails to capture the hearts of its locals and tourists alike, with its vibrant culture, fascinating history and delicious food. For those looking to experience the flavors of Manila, a food crawl is the perfect way to explore all cuisines and delicacies that are waiting for your tastebuds. The restaurants in Manila are in close proximity to residential developments, offices, schools, and other key landmarks all interconnected by thoroughfares and public transportation. This proves an advantage for someone who wants to hangout with their loved ones and chill during the weekends.
Food Halls
If you want to try different types of food in one location, food halls are a great option. Some of the malls in the city provide meals for someone who is on the go. Here are some of the best food halls in Manila:
5. SM Food Court
SM Food Courts can be found in SM Manila and San Lorenzo. Its location beside LRT Stations and transportation terminals makes it a good place to grab a bite. They have a wide array of selection from fast food restaurants and snacks to local favorites like adobo, sinigang, and sisig.
Their affordable prices and generous serving sizes make it a popular choice for students and workers looking for a quick meal.
6. Robinsons Food Court
Robinsons Manila is a popular shopping mall located in the heart of Manila. It is a go-to destination for shoppers and foodies alike, with its vast selection of stores and restaurants. One of the highlights of Robinsons Manila is its food court, which features a variety of local and international cuisines.
Here are some of the must-try food stalls in Robinsons Manila’s food court:
Bulacan Lugaw Kitchen – Lugaw is a Filipino rice porridge that is usually served with toppings like chicken, pork, or seafood. Bulacan Lugaw Kitchen is known for its flavorful lugaw, which is perfect for a warm and comforting meal.
BonChon – This Korean fast-food chain is famous for its crispy fried chicken. Try their soy garlic or spicy chicken, and pair it with their delicious sides like fries and coleslaw.
Tokyo Tempura – If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll love Tokyo Tempura’s crispy and juicy tempura. They offer different kinds of tempura, from shrimp to vegetables, and also have rice bowls and udon noodles.
Tapa King – Tapa King is a Filipino fast-food chain that serves breakfast meals all day long. Their signature dish is the Tapa, which is marinated beef served with rice and egg. They also offer other breakfast favorites like tocino and longganisa.
KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken is a classic fast-food chain that needs no introduction. Indulge in their famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
7. Lucky Chinatown Food Court
Lucky Chinatown Food Court is a popular food court located in Binondo, Manila. It is situated inside the Lucky Chinatown Mall, which is owned by Megaworld Corporation. The food court offers a wide variety of cuisines at a cheap price. Some of the popular food stalls in Lucky Chinatown Food Court include Sizzling Plate, which serves sizzling sisig and other grilled dishes, Hen Lin, which offers siomai and other dimsum, and KFC, which serves their famous fried chicken. Other popular stalls include Jollibee, Greenwich, and Tokyo Tokyo.
Food courts are typically known for their convenience and efficiency in serving a wide variety of food options to customers. They are often found in shopping malls or commercial centers, and offer a quick and affordable dining experience for people on-the-go. In Manila, food courts are a huge hit due to their accessibility and budget friendly. This combination of affordability, convenience, and variety has made food courts a popular dining choice in Manila.
Street Food
Street food is a popular and beloved aspect of many cultures around the world, and Manila is no exception. The city is renowned for its diverse and flavorful street food offerings, which are available throughout its bustling streets and markets. The following are the snacks worth tasting whenever you are in town:
Isaw
This grilled chicken or pork intestine is a popular street food in Manila. It’s usually served on a stick and dipped in vinegar or sweet chili sauce.
Fish Balls
These deep-fried fish balls are a favorite snack for many Filipinos. They’re usually served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Kwek-kwek
Kwek kwek is made of hard-boiled quail eggs coated in orange batter and deep-fried. It’s served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Taho
Taho is a sweet snack made of soft tofu, arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and sago pearls. It’s usually sold by vendors on the streets in the morning.
In conclusion, Manila is a foodie’s paradise with its diverse food options. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy restaurant, a food hall adventure, or street food, there’s something for everyone in this city. So go ahead and explore Manila’s food scene, and you might just discover your next favorite dish.
