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Manila food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Manila.
Photo by Ulf Sandström on Unsplash
What to eat in Manila
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Adobo
$3–$7
Chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns. It's a national dish, showcasing a perfect balance of salty, sour, and savory flavors.
Where to try: Home-style versions are ubiquitous, but look for it in traditional Filipino restaurants in Malate or Binondo.
Sinigang
$3.5–$8
A sour and savory soup, typically made with pork, beef, or seafood and a variety of vegetables, soured with tamarind or other fruits. Its distinct tanginess is incredibly comforting.
Where to try: Widely available in most Filipino eateries, especially popular in the Quiapo district.
Lechon
$5–$15
Whole roasted pig with incredibly crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. It's a celebratory dish, often the centerpiece of Filipino feasts.
Where to try: Look for stalls selling lechon along Recto Avenue or in markets like Quinta Market.
Halo-Halo
$1.5–$4
A popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, milk, sweet beans, fruits, jelly, and topped with leche flan and ice cream. It's a refreshing explosion of textures and sweetness.
Where to try: Found in dessert stalls and eateries throughout the Ermita district, especially along M.H. del Pilar Street.
Lumpia
$0.5–$2
Filipino spring rolls, which can be fresh or fried, filled with vegetables and sometimes meat. The fried versions are crispy and addictive.
Where to try: Street food vendors in Divisoria and small eateries in San Juan.
Sisig
$4–$9
A sizzling dish made from chopped pig's face (ears, snout) and chicken liver, seasoned with onions, chili peppers, and calamansi. It's rich, savory, and often served on a hot plate.
Where to try: A staple in local 'diner' style restaurants and 'pulutan' (bar snack) spots in Quezon City.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Binondo
Historic Chinatown with bustling streets and authentic Chinese-Filipino fusion.
Dim SumNoodlesStreet Food
Malate
Bohemian and artsy district with a mix of traditional eateries and modern cafes.
Filipino ClassicsSeafoodNightlife Dining
Makati
Upscale business district with a wide range of international and fine dining options.
Fine DiningInternational CuisineTrendy Cafes
Divisoria
Intensely busy market area, perfect for cheap eats and local snacks.
Street FoodBudget EatsLocal Snacks
Dietary notes
Filipino cuisine is heavily meat and seafood-based, with many dishes containing pork, chicken, or fish sauce. Vegetarian options can be limited, though vegetable dishes like 'Ginataang Gulay' (vegetables in coconut milk) are available. Gluten-free options are scarce due to soy sauce and breading in many dishes.
Local etiquette
- •It's common to eat with a spoon and fork, using the fork to push food onto the spoon.
- •Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service, usually around 10%.
- •Cash is king, especially in markets and smaller eateries; always have small bills on hand.
- •It's polite to accept food or drinks offered by hosts.
- •Dining is generally a social affair, with meals often shared among family and friends.
Plan the rest of your Manila trip
Food guides elsewhere