Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
1. Sinigang na Baboy (Pork Sour Soup)
A popular Filipino dish made with pork, tamarind broth, and various vegetables. Savor the tangy and savory flavors at Lutong Bahay ni Tita Crusing (2360 Arroceros St).
- Authentic Flavors: Traditional recipe passed down from generation to generation
- Fresh Ingredients: Locally-sourced vegetables and meats ensure top quality
- Warm Atmosphere: A cozy, homey dining experience in a family-run restaurant
2. Kare-kare (Peanut Stew)
A creamy stew made with vegetables and ox tail, served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Experience this rich dish at Razon's Vicinal Seafood Restaurant (659 Ylang-Ylang St).
- Rich Texture: Thick, creamy peanut sauce gives the dish a unique flavor
- Local Spices: Traditional Filipino spices elevate the taste of this classic dish
- Bagoong Pairing: The tangy shrimp paste provides a contrast to the rich flavors of the stew
3. Balut (Duck Embryo)
A controversial Filipino street food, balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. Try it at the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Bold Taste: Rich and savory flavor unlike any other food
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying balut
- Unique Presentation: The cracked, partially-opened egg is an unforgettable sight
4. Lumpia (Spring Rolls)
Crispy, golden-brown spring rolls filled with savory ground meat and vegetables. Savor these treats at New Po Heng Lumpia House (1327 Arroceros St).
- Crispy Texture: The perfect balance between the soft filling and crispy wrapper
- Affordable Price: Delicious spring rolls at budget-friendly prices
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from vegetarian, pork, or shrimp lumpia options
5. Pansit (Noodle Dishes)
A wide variety of noodle dishes made with rice noodles, vegetables, and proteins such as shrimp, pork, or beef. Try them at Eng Bee Tin-Tahanan Filipino Food (2478 Arroceros St).
- Versatility: A diverse range of flavors depending on the ingredients used
- Quick Service: Perfect for a quick, filling meal during your travels
- Authentic Recipes: Traditional Filipino noodle dishes with a twist from local chefs
6. Halo-Halo (Mixed Dessert)
A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, milk, and various tropical fruits, beans, and sweet treats. Savor this delight at Karibba (2371 Arroceros St).
- Cooling Effect: Ideal for the hot, humid Manila weather
- Tropical Flavors: A medley of local fruits and sweet treats that are a taste of the Philippines
- Visual Appeal: Beautifully layered, colorful dessert that is as tasty as it is pretty
7. Tapsilog (Beef Tapa with Rice and Fried Egg)
A traditional Filipino breakfast dish consisting of beef tapa, fried rice, and a fried egg. Savor this savory meal at Adol's Linangs (2589 Arroceros St).
- Energy Boost: A hearty, filling breakfast to fuel your day of exploration
- Versatile Meal: Can be customized with various side dishes and condiments
- Local Cuisine Introduction: A taste of traditional Filipino cooking at its best
8. Torta (Sandwich)
A hearty sandwich made with a thick slice of meat, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg, served between two pieces of bread. Try it at Gerry's Grill (542-C Ylang-Ylang St).
- Filling Option: A satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours
- Flavorful Combinations: Various meat options, pickled vegetables, and sauces to choose from
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a delicious sandwich in a casual, bustling setting
9. Palitaw (Sticky Rice Cake)
A sweet, sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice flour and coated in sesame seeds. Enjoy this treat at any of the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Sweet Delight: A tasty, traditional dessert that is a favorite among locals
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying palitaw
10. Puto Bumbong (Glutinous Rice Cake)
A traditional Filipino Christmas treat made with glutinous rice flour, purple yam, and coconut milk. Try it during the holiday season at the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Seasonal Treat: A festive dessert that is a must-try during Christmas time
- Soft Texture: The soft, spongy texture of the rice cake is irresistible
- Sweet Flavor: A sweet, slightly nutty flavor that is a favorite among Filipinos
11. Isaw (Chicken Intestines on Stick)
A popular street food made with grilled chicken intestines and seasoned with calamansi (Philippine lime) and soy sauce. Try it at the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Bold Flavor: A unique, bold flavor that is an acquired taste for many
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying isaw
- Crispy Texture: The crispy, chewy texture makes this dish irresistible
12. Tilapia sa Tausi (Tilapia with Soy Sauce)
A simple yet delicious Filipino dish made with grilled tilapia fish and soy sauce. Try it at Dora's Heritage Restaurant (641 Ylang-Ylang St).
- Fresh Seafood: Tasty, fresh tilapia fish caught daily
- Simple Preparation: A simple preparation allows the natural flavor of the fish to shine
- Authentic Filipino Cuisine: A classic Filipino dish that is a must-try for food enthusiasts
13. Biko (Sticky Rice Cake with Caramel Sauce)
A sweet, sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice flour and topped with a rich caramel sauce. Enjoy this dessert at any of the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Sweet Delight: A tasty, traditional dessert that is a favorite among locals
- Soft Texture: The soft, spongy texture of the rice cake is irresistible
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying biko
14. Kwek-Kwek (Deep-Fried Quail Eggs)
A popular street food made with deep-fried quail eggs coated in orange batter. Try it at the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Crunchy Texture: The crunchy, golden exterior gives way to a soft, gooey yolk
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying kwek-kwek
- Portable Snack: A convenient, portable snack that is easy to carry around
15. Suman (Sticky Rice in Banana Leaves)
A traditional Filipino dessert made with glutinous rice and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves. Enjoy this treat at any of the street vendors along Avenida Rizal.
- Sweet Delight: A tasty, traditional dessert that is a favorite among locals
- Soft Texture: The soft, spongy texture of the rice is irresistible
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy a taste of the bustling local culture while trying suman