Top 10 Must-Try Dishes from Popular PH Restaurant Menus
The Philippines is a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and culinary traditions. From the bold and spicy offerings of regional cuisine to modern twists on comfort food, local restaurants continue to raise the bar when it comes to taste, presentation, and innovation. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler exploring Manila, Cebu, or Davao, certain dishes have earned their spot on must-try lists for a reason. And just like exploring the diverse culinary landscape, delving into the world of online casinos and betting can offer its own unique thrill and excitement. Read more about where to find the best online betting experiences.
Modern Filipino Masterpieces: Elevated Local Flavors
Modern Filipino cuisine has exploded in recent years, thanks to the creativity of local chefs who blend tradition with innovation. Restaurants like Manam, Locavore, and Mesa have reimagined traditional dishes, transforming them into gourmet experiences.
- House Crispy Sisig – Manam (Multiple Locations)
Manam’s version of sisig is iconic. Served on a sizzling plate, this dish features chopped pork jowl and ears, delicately crispy with every bite. What sets it apart is the perfect balance between crunch and juiciness, complemented by a vinegar-calamansi kick and a hint of chili. The texture and bold flavor make this a standout even among sisig purists.
Why it’s a must-try: It honors the traditional Kapampangan roots of sisig while elevating it with better cuts and meticulous preparation.
- Sizzling Sinigang – Locavore (Pasig, BGC, Makati)
Imagine the comforting sourness of sinigang in a completely new form. Locavore turns the classic tamarind soup into a sizzling dish of beef short ribs, vegetables, and sinigang gravy. It’s rich, sour, and deeply savory, with every bite soaked in flavor.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s a revolutionary take on a beloved soup, comforting yet bold and excitingly different.
- Crispy Boneless Pata – Mesa (Various Locations)
Mesa’s boneless crispy pata is a dream come true for meat lovers. This version skips the hassle of bones while keeping the skin crackling and the meat tender. Served with a trio of sauces, it’s a crowd-pleaser meant to be shared.
Why it’s a must-try: You get all the satisfaction of a traditional crispy pata, minus the mess, plus a choice of dipping sauces for added fun.
International Fusion with Filipino Flair
Filipino chefs don’t shy away from bold fusions. Whether it’s Japanese, Korean, or Italian influences, these restaurants show how global cuisine can be reimagined with Filipino soul.
- Umami Fried Chicken – Bad Bird (SM Megamall, BGC, etc.)
At Bad Bird, chicken gets the umami treatment. This isn’t your average fried chicken. Each piece is brined, seasoned, and fried to golden perfection, then served with dirty rice, kimchi, and miso corn. You can choose the spice level: safe, spicy, or chemical.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s a KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) redefined with Japanese umami principles, satisfying and full of character.
- Lechón Carbonara – Ilustrado (Intramuros, Manila)
Ilustrado, known for fine dining in historic Intramuros, introduces a unique pasta dish that combines creamy carbonara with chunks of crispy lechon. The saltiness of the pork balances perfectly with the rich sauce and al dente pasta.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s fusion done right, comfort food with a distinctly Filipino twist that doesn’t compromise either tradition.
- Kare-Kare Bagnet Ramen – Ramen Kuroda x Filipino Pop-Up Collab
Pop-up dining experiences have been trending, and this unexpected ramen fusion is proof of its success. Using kare-kare peanut broth as the base and crispy bagnet as a topping, it’s a hearty bowl that surprises and delights.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s playful yet balanced, a smart merger of Japanese ramen culture and Filipino home-style cooking.
Seafood Stars from the Islands
Given the Philippines’ archipelagic nature, it’s no surprise that seafood dishes are standouts. These dishes showcase not only freshness but also regional techniques that celebrate the sea’s bounty.
- Sugba Kilaw – Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps (Davao & Metro Manila)
This Visayan dish is a combo of grilled pork (sugba) and raw fish marinated in vinegar and calamansi (kilaw). Blue Post serves it with a touch of spice and onions, making it a sharp, refreshing contrast to their heavier seafood boils.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s light, zingy, and perfectly Pinoy, an ideal counterpoint to rich, buttery seafood dishes.
- Grilled Tuna Jaw (Panga) – Dencio’s (Various Branches)
A staple in Mindanao, tuna panga has made its way to Manila menus. Dencio’s rendition is grilled to smoky perfection, seasoned just right, and served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce and tomatoes on the side.
Why it’s a must-try: It’s proof that simplicity win,s just quality fish, fire, and the right seasoning.
Conclusion
What makes the Philippine dining scene so dynamic is its diversity. From hole-in-the-wall eateries and heritage restaurants to modern bistros pushing culinary boundaries, every dish has a story. These top 10 picks represent more than just good food; they encapsulate history, innovation, and the Filipino spirit. Exploring restaurant menus across the country gives you more than just a satisfied stomach; it connects you to the country’s evolving culinary identity. So, whether you’re craving sisig or ramen with kare-kare, there’s always something in the Philippines that will surprise your palate and warm your heart.
