Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quezon City, Philippines
1. Sinigang na Baboy (Pork Sinigang)
A sour tamarind-based stew with tender pork pieces and various vegetables, served in a soupy broth. Solve hunger and satisfy your craving for comforting Filipino cuisine.
- Authentic Taste: Try this at Mesa at Kapistrano, where the sinigang recipe is passed down from generations.
- Healthy Option: Rich in vitamin C due to the tamarind and vegetables used.
- Popular among Locals: A well-loved dish among Quezon City residents for its unique blend of flavors.
2. Kare-Kare (Peanut Stew)
A hearty stew made with ox tail, vegetables, and peanuts, served in a rich, creamy sauce. Solve hunger pangs and indulge in a classic Filipino dish.
- Unique Ingredients: Uncommon use of ground peanuts as a thickening agent.
- Special Occasion Dish: Often served during family gatherings and special occasions.
- Taste of the Philippines: Experience this at Barbeque de Pareco, where they serve authentic Kare-Kare.
3. Balut (Fertilized Duck Egg)
A popular street food consisting of a fertilized duck egg, eaten straight from the shell. Solve curiosity and try something truly unique to the Philippines.
- Cultural Experience: Taste a piece of Filipino culture by trying this unique delicacy.
- Bravery Badge: Brave travelers can sample this dish at night markets in Quezon City.
- Adventurous Foodie's Dream: For those seeking the ultimate food adventure, balut is a must-try.
4. Tapsilog (Beef Tapa with Rice and Fried Egg)
A traditional Filipino breakfast dish consisting of marinated beef tapa, fried rice, and a fried egg. Solve morning hunger and kickstart your day the Filipino way.
- Energy Boost: A hearty meal to energize you for the day ahead.
- Filipino Breakfast Tradition: Experience a local's breakfast at any of Quezon City's tapsilog restaurants.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy this dish with various condiments like soy sauce, vinegar, or garlic to suit your taste.
5. Tilapia sa Tapa (Grilled Tilapia)
A simple yet flavorful dish of grilled tilapia fish, seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon. Solve your seafood cravings and enjoy a light meal in the Philippines.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy fresh, locally-caught tilapia at any seafood restaurant in Quezon City.
- Healthy Option: A lighter alternative to richer Filipino dishes.
- Flavorful Fish: Grilled tilapia's natural flavors are enhanced by the lemon and seasonings used.
6. Lechon Kawali (Crispy Pork Belly)
Deep-fried pork belly served with a soy and vinegar dip. Solve your craving for something crispy and savory. A must-try Filipino dish.
- Crispy Delight: Experience the perfect balance of crunchiness and tender meat.
- Shared Experience: Perfect for family-style dining with loved ones.
- Cultural Significance: Lechon Kawali is a symbol of celebration and hospitality in the Philippines.
7. Lumpia (Spring Rolls)
Filipino-style spring rolls filled with ground pork, vegetables, and seasonings, served with a sweet and sour sauce. Solve your snack cravings in a delightful way.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Vegetarian Option: Vegetable-filled lumpia are also available for vegetarian travelers.
- Street Food Favorite: A popular street food found in various stalls around Quezon City.
8. Halo-Halo (Mixed Dessert)
A refreshing Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruits, and milk. Solve your sweet tooth cravings and beat the heat with this tropical treat.
- Cooling Dessert: Ideal for cooling down during hot days.
- Variety of Flavors: Each establishment offers unique combinations of ingredients.
- Taste of the Tropics: Experience the flavors of the Philippines in a sweet and refreshing way.
9. Bibingka (Rice Cake)
A sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Solve your dessert cravings with this traditional Filipino treat.
- Traditional Dessert: Typically enjoyed during the Christmas season.
- Creamy Texture: The creamy, soft texture is a delight to savor.
- Unique Flavors: Some versions include salted eggs and cheese for an interesting twist.
10. Pansit Palabok (Rice Noodle Dish)
A savory dish made with rice noodles, shrimp sauce, chicharon (pork rinds), and various toppings. Solve hunger pangs with this flavorful Filipino meal.
- Rich Flavors: The shrimp sauce and chicharon add depth of flavor.
- Visual Appeal: The dish is garnished with hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and crushed chicharon for an eye-catching presentation.
- Easy to Find: Available at many Filipino restaurants and eateries in Quezon City.
11. Adobo (Chicken or Pork Adobo)
A classic Filipino dish made with marinated meat (chicken or pork) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Solve hunger cravings and taste this comforting dish.
- Comfort Food: A popular comfort food among Filipinos.
- Versatile Dish: Can be made with chicken, pork, or seafood.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic creates a distinct flavor profile.
12. Sisig (Grilled Pork Cheeks)
A popular Filipino dish made from grilled pork cheeks, liver, and onions, served in a sizzling hot plate. Solve your cravings for something savory and unique.
- Savor the Flavor: Experience the bold flavors of this dish.
- Spicy Variation: Can be made spicier with the addition of chili peppers.
- Iconic Filipino Dish: A must-try for any traveler seeking authentic Filipino cuisine.
13. Taho (Soy Pudding)
A popular street food consisting of silken tofu, tapioca pearls, and a sweet syrup. Solve your snack cravings in a unique and satisfying way.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Light and Refreshing: A refreshing snack for hot days.
- Unique Texture: The combination of soft tofu, chewy tapioca pearls, and sweet syrup creates an interesting texture.
14. Kakanin (Rice Cakes)
A variety of Filipino rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and various ingredients. Solve your snack cravings or satisfy your sweet tooth with these traditional treats.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Versatile Ingredients: Each rice cake has unique ingredients and flavor combinations.
- Traditional Filipino Treats: Experience the flavors of the Philippines in a sweet or savory way.
15. Puto (Steamed Rice Cake)
A soft and fluffy rice cake made with coconut milk and served with a sweet sauce. Solve your snack cravings or satisfy your sweet tooth in the Philippines.
- Soft Texture: The soft, fluffy texture is irresistible.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Flavored with Coconut Milk: The coconut milk imparts a rich, creamy flavor.