Philippines · tool
Manila food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Manila.
What to eat in Manila
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Adobong Manok
Chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns, a quintessential Filipino comfort food that balances savory and tangy notes.
Sinigang na Baboy
A sour and savory tamarind-based soup with pork and various vegetables, offering a refreshing and complex flavor profile that's deeply satisfying.
Halo-Halo
A colorful, layered dessert of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, and ube ice cream, perfect for beating Manila's heat.
Lumpia Shanghai
Crispy, fried spring rolls filled with ground pork and vegetables, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce; an addictive appetizer.
Sisig
Finely chopped pig's face and ears, seasoned with onions, chili peppers, and calamansi, often served sizzling on a hot plate; a rich and flavorful bar snack.
Kare-Kare
A rich stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables in a thick, savory peanut sauce, traditionally eaten with bagoong (shrimp paste).
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling, historic, and chaotic street food paradise.
Eclectic mix of historic eateries, lively bars, and live music venues.
Modern, upscale, and international dining scene with trendy cafes and restaurants.
Hipster enclave with hidden speakeasies, artisanal coffee shops, and diverse global eateries.
Dietary notes
Filipino cuisine is traditionally meat and seafood-heavy, with many dishes featuring pork, chicken, and fish. Vegetarian options can be found, often focusing on vegetable stews like Pinakbet or Ginisang Gulay, but vegan and gluten-free options require careful inquiry and may be limited.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated; 10% is a common gesture for good service.
- •Cash is king, especially at smaller eateries and markets, though larger establishments accept cards.
- •It's common to eat with a spoon and fork; the fork is used to push food onto the spoon, not to spear.
- •When sharing dishes, use serving spoons rather than your personal utensil.
- •It's polite to try a little bit of everything offered to you, especially at family gatherings.