Top 5 Food Tours In The Philippines: A Culinary Adventure You Can’t Miss!
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A Flavor-Packed Journey Through the Best Food Tour Destinations in the Philippines
Let’s get one thing straight—Filipinos take their food very seriously. In the Philippines, eating isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s a social event, a competitive sport (especially at buffets), and sometimes, a test of courage (looking at you, balut).
If you’re the kind of traveler who believes calories don’t count when you’re on vacation, then get ready for a food trip of epic proportions. We’re talking about sizzling sisig, grilled tuna jaw, purple yam desserts, and even tofu-based breakfast drinks (yes, that’s a thing).
So, loosen your belt and prepare for the ultimate food tour—here are the top 5 best food tours in the Philippines that will make you wish you had two stomachs!
Where the City’s Chaos Meets Culinary Excellence
Welcome to Manila, the beating heart of the Philippines, where history, modernity, and mouthwatering food collide in one energetic, chaotic, and delicious mess. This city isn’t just about towering skyscrapers and bumper-to-bumper traffic—it’s a haven for street food lovers and culinary explorers who don’t mind getting their hands a little greasy. Manila easily qualifies as one of the best food tours in the Philippines.
As the cultural and economic hub of the country, Manila has absorbed influences from China, Spain, America, and even Malaysia—all of which have found their way into the city’s food scene. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to eat like royalty here. Whether you’re squeezing through the packed alleys of Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown), navigating food carts in Divisoria, or enjoying a seafood feast at Dampa, one thing is guaranteed: your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
You will notice that we have left off Cebu as one of the best food tours in the Philippines. It’s not because there isn’t great food in Cebu, there is, but because we wanted to give a shout out to a couple of cities and areas that are not well-known; but deliver outstanding culinary experiences. Cebu will get its chance!
What to Eat During Manila Food Tours:
- Isaw – Grilled intestines that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Sounds weird? Maybe. Tastes amazing? Absolutely.
- Balut – The legendary fertilized duck egg. It’s like an action movie for your taste buds—thrilling, unexpected, and slightly terrifying. But hey, when in Manila! Not many foreigners give Balut a try, but many that do actually like it! Like we do. Give it a chance.
- Kwek-Kwek – Quail eggs dipped in a bright orange batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Think of them as tiny, crunchy balls of happiness.
- Taho – A warm, sweet tofu snack served with syrup and sago pearls. Imagine a hug in a cup, but edible..
- Halo-Halo – Crushed ice, sweet beans, jelly, ube, flan, and evaporated milk, all mixed together in a tall glass. It’s basically Filipino dessert chaos, and it works beautifully. Manila offers many locations to get Halo-Halo and that is one reason why Manila is oe of the best food tours in the Philippines destinations.
Best Places for a Food Tour in Manila:
- Binondo (Chinatown) – If you love dumplings, noodles, and centuries-old food traditions, this is your spot.
- Poblacion, Makati – Trendy bars, fusion dishes, and a nightlife scene that pairs well with food adventures.
- Dampa Seaside Market – Pick your seafood, tell the chefs how you want it cooked, and watch the magic happen.
Pampanga – Where Diets Go to Die (Happily)
The Culinary Capital of the Philippines
If Filipino food had a throne, Pampanga would be sitting comfortably on it, wearing a crown made of crispy pork belly. Dubbed the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is the birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved and iconic dishes. If you’ve ever fallen in love with a sizzling plate of sisig or dreamt about a perfectly marinated slab of tocino, you have the Kapampangans to thank for it. Pampanga is not wildly know as one of the best food tours in the Philippines destinations – but we are trying to change that!
Pampanga’s culinary traditions are a product of its rich history. From Spanish-inspired dishes brought over during colonial rule to indigenous flavors that date back centuries, the food here is an experience in itself. And let’s be real—if you’re coming to Pampanga, you better bring an appetite because the locals don’t believe in small portions. If you are looking for the best food tours in the Philippines Pampanga just might be for you.
What to Eat During Pampanga Food Tours:
- Sisig – The king of bar chow, made from chopped pig’s face and ears, grilled until crispy, and served sizzling.
- Tocino – A sweet and garlicky cured pork dish that belongs in every Filipino breakfast.
- Pindang Damulag – Carabao (water buffalo) meat that’s been marinated and air-dried. Think of it as the Filipino version of beef jerky.
- Murcon – Unlike regular meatloaf, this stuffed masterpiece features chorizo, eggs, and vegetables wrapped inside.
- San Nicolas Cookies – An ancient cookie recipe passed down for generations, perfect with coffee or hot chocolate.
Best Places for a Food Tour in Pampanga:
- Aling Lucing’s Sisig (Angeles City) – The birthplace of sisig. Need I say more?
- Everybody’s Café (San Fernando) – A homey spot where you can point at random dishes and know they’ll all be delicious.
- Susie’s Cuisine – Specializing in kakanin (Filipino rice cakes) that will make you consider moving to Pampanga permanently.
Iloilo – Home of the Noodle Bowl That Will Change Your Life
The Heart of the Philippines and a Haven for Comfort Food Lovers
Iloilo isn’t just the “Heart of the Philippines”—it’s also the beating heart of Filipino comfort food. If warm, flavorful bowls of noodle soup are your idea of happiness, you might want to cancel your return ticket and stay here forever. Iloilo is easily one of the best food tours in the Philippines destinations.
Known for its rich Spanish heritage, Iloilo is a city of elegant ancestral homes, old churches, and timeless recipes. But while the city itself is historic and charming, the food scene is anything but stuck in the past. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional home-cooked meals, fresh seafood straight from the waters, and the kind of hearty dishes that make you want to curl up and take a nap afterward.
What to Eat During Iloilo Food Tours:
- La Paz Batchoy – The holy grail of noodle soups, loaded with pork, chicharrón, and a broth so rich you might shed a tear. This noodle dish, almost on its own makes Iloilo one of the best food tours in the Philippines.
- Pancit Molo – Filipino-style wonton soup, because why settle for just noodles when you can have dumplings too?
- KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka) – A sour soup that combines pork, pigeon peas, and jackfruit into something unexpectedly perfect.
- Fresh Oysters – If you love oysters, Iloilo’s got some of the freshest and cheapest you’ll ever eat.
Best Places for a Food Tour in Iloilo:
- Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy – The OG batchoy spot inside the La Paz Market. This place deserves an article on it’s own about the best food tours in the Philippines.
- Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood – Where grilled seafood dreams come true.
- Madge Café – A no-frills coffee shop serving Filipino-style strong coffee that will wake you up and change your life.
Bacolod – The City of Smiles… and Seriously Good Chicken
A Sweet Haven Where Every Bite Feels Like a Warm Hug
Bacolod isn’t just the City of Smiles—it’s the city where your taste buds will be grinning from ear to ear. Known for its friendly locals, rich culture, and love for grilled, caramelized, and buttery goodness, this charming city in Negros Occidental is a food lover’s paradise. If you’ve never tried chicken inasal, the city’s most famous dish, you’re missing out on one of the best grilled chicken experiences on the planet.
But Bacolod’s food scene doesn’t stop at savory delights. If you have even the slightest sweet tooth, you’ll fall head over heels for its legendary piaya, napoleones, and buttery pastries that will make you question why you ever settled for store-bought cookies. Bacolod takes its desserts as seriously as its grilled meats, which means you might want to bring an extra suitcase just for pasalubong (souvenirs). If you haven’t had Piaya, Napoleones, and Chicken Inasal then Bacolod should be on your list of best food tours in the Philippines.
What to Eat During A Bacolod Food Tour:
- Chicken Inasal – The city’s most iconic dish, featuring marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with annatto oil.
- Piaya – A sweet, flaky flatbread stuffed with muscovado sugar. Think of it as a crispy Filipino pancake with a caramel surprise inside.
- Napoleones – Bacolod’s take on the French mille-feuille, featuring buttery layers of puff pastry filled with creamy custard.
- Kansi – A rich, sour beef bone marrow soup, perfect for those who love tangy flavors with a meaty punch.
- Cansi Rice – The same deep, comforting flavors of kansi, but in rice form—because why not?
Best Places for a Food Tour in Bacolod:
- Manokan Country – A row of eateries specializing in chicken inasal, where the grilled meat is so flavorful, you won’t even need sauce.
- Calea Pastries and Coffee – Bacolod’s dessert mecca, known for its heavenly chocolate mud pie and buttery cakes.
- Sharyn’s Cansi House – If kansi had a throne, this place would be the palace.
Davao – The Land of Durian and Tuna Panga
The Southern Giant Where Exotic Fruits Meet Fresh Seafood
Davao isn’t just the largest city in the Philippines by land area—it’s also a giant when it comes to unique flavors and unforgettable food experiences. Known as the Durian Capital of the Philippines, Davao is where you’ll find the country’s best and freshest durian, which some claim “smells like hell but tastes like heaven.” If you’ve never tried durian before, this is the place to do it—just make sure you have a strong stomach and an open mind.
But beyond the controversial durian, Davao is a seafood lover’s dream. Thanks to its proximity to rich fishing waters, the city serves up some of the best tuna dishes in the country, including grilled tuna panga (jaw), kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and tuna belly so tender it practically melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the city’s cacao farms, which produce some of the finest chocolates in Southeast Asia. If you can make it to Bacolod you will see why we have included it in our best food tours in the Philippines.
What to Eat In Davao Food Tours:
- Durian – Love it or hate it, you HAVE to try it. Just be warned—its smell is so strong, some hotels ban guests from bringing it inside.
- Tuna Panga – Grilled tuna jaw, smoky, juicy, and packed with umami goodness.
- Imbaw – A light, refreshing clam soup that highlights the freshness of Davao’s seafood.
- Sikwate – Thick, rich Filipino hot chocolate made from Davao’s world-class cacao.
- Mangosteen Candies – Sweet, tangy, and perfect for people who find durian too intense.
Best Places for a Food Tour in Davao:
- Magsaysay Park – The best spot for trying durian fresh from local vendors.
- Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant – A must-visit for grilled tuna belly and fresh seafood.
- Blugré Coffee – Home of the infamous durian coffee—for those who like their caffeine with a side of adventure.
Our Final Thoughts On The Best Filipino Food Tours
The top 5 best food tours in the Philippines are not just about eating—they’re about experiencing. Whether you’re braving a bowl of sizzling sisig in Pampanga, slurping up a hearty bowl of La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo, or conquering a plate of grilled tuna panga in Davao, every bite tells a story of history, culture, and Filipino hospitality.
Filipino food is a mix of bold flavors, hearty portions, and a whole lot of love and laughter—because in the Philippines, eating isn’t just a necessity, it’s a way of life.
Now, the only question is… how soon can you book that flight?
