“Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.” – Louise Fresco
Food is the center of gatherings, bringing people together and encouraging a feeling of sharing and unity. It shows honesty in the way it is simply and traditionally made and carries deep cultural meaning, reflecting who we are as individuals and communities. In short, food is a powerful symbol of tradition, connection, and identity that is part of our daily lives.
1. Tamilok
People travel for many reasons, but for me, it’s all about the food! While I enjoy nice beaches, cheap beer, and good weather, my stomach usually picks where I go. Tamilok, often called woodworm, is actually a mollusk that lives inside mangrove trees. It looks like a long, slimy worm. You can find it in wet markets around Palawan, especially in Puerto Princesa. Many restaurants, like Kinabuchs, serve tamilok.
After being cleaned, it’s soaked in salt and vinegar and eaten raw. I was unsure at first, but it tasted like a chewy oyster, mostly flavored by vinegar. The experience was more than just taste—it was about embracing local culture and trying something unique. If you’re in Puerto Princesa, visit Kinabuchs and try the tamilok—it’s an adventure you won’t forget!
2. Lato
When I visited Palawan, I tried lato, also known as sea grapes or “green caviar,” at a stall in Baywalk, Puerto Princesa. It’s a popular local food, and I was curious about the taste. When I first ate lato, I was surprised by its salty flavor and how it pops in your mouth. The texture is like tiny, crunchy bubbles that burst with a salty, ocean-like taste.
Lato is usually served fresh with a vinegar or calamansi dip, adding a tangy kick that goes well with its natural saltiness. I liked how simple and fresh it was, often paired with grilled fish or kinilaw (Filipino-style ceviche).
If you’re not used to strong ocean flavors or unusual textures, it might take some getting used to, but it’s worth trying if you’re in Palawan. For me, tasting lato in Puerto Princesa was a fun and authentic experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone exploring Filipino food in the area.
3. Chao Long Noodles
Trying Chao Long noodles in Palawan is an experience I’ll never forget. The Vietnamese influence in Puerto Princesa, particularly in these noodles, adds a unique flavor to the local cuisine. The rich, savory broth has a deep, beefy taste with a hint of sweetness, balanced by fresh herbs like basil and mint. The noodles are perfectly chewy, and when you mix in the tender meat and crunchy veggies, it’s a satisfying bite.
I love how some places serve it with a side of French bread, almost like a local version of a banh mi. The strong garlic and chili kick that you can add according to your preference takes the whole dish to another level. It’s a comfort food with bold flavors that’s perfect after a long day of exploring. Plus, the portions are generous, making it a great value for money. If you’re in Palawan, tasting Chao Long is a must!
4. Danggit Lamayo
When I was in Puerto Princesa, I got to try danggit lamayo, a well-known dish in Palawan. It’s marinated dried rabbitfish that’s only half-dried, making it less salty and more tender than regular dried fish. I tried it at a small local eatery, and it was served freshly fried with garlic rice, eggs, and a vinegar dip on the side. The smell alone made me really excited to taste it.
The flavor was a nice mix of salty and savory, with a crispy outside but still soft and juicy inside. The marination made it more tasty than usual dried fish, and the vinegar dip added a tangy flavor. I really liked the crispy edges that went perfectly with the rice.
For me, eating danggit lamayo was simple but really satisfying. It felt like a comforting home-cooked meal. If you’re ever in Puerto Princesa, it’s definitely worth trying. The locals prepare it really well, and it’s a great breakfast dish to start your day.
5. Cashew Nuts
When I was in Puerto Princesa, I made sure to try the locally grown cashew nuts, a popular Palawan food snack. I found a small shop in the city center selling different varieties—roasted, salted, honey-glazed, and spicy. The fresh aroma of roasted cashews caught my attention.
The cashews were crunchier and more flavorful than what I usually buy back home. The roasted ones had the right saltiness, the honey-glazed were sweet and nutty, and the spicy ones had a nice kick.
The cashews tasted fresher, likely because they’re locally sourced. Palawan is known as the “Cashew Capital of the Philippines,” explaining their quality. Prices were reasonable, around ₱150 to ₱200 for a 250-gram pack. I bought several packs as souvenirs. If you visit Puerto Princesa, definitely try the cashews—they’re a delicious, authentic Palawan food treat that highlights the local culture.
6. Buko Pie
During my trip to Roxas, Palawan, I had the chance to try their well-known buko pie. I’ve heard that the buko (coconut) pies in this area are a must-try, so I was excited to see if they lived up to the hype. When I took my first bite, I immediately noticed how fresh the young coconut meat was—it was tender and sweet, with just the right amount of creaminess. The crust was golden and flaky, which added a nice contrast to the soft coconut filling.
What stood out to me was the perfectly balanced sweetness. Unlike some buko pies that can be overly sweet, the ones I tried in Roxas were just right. The pie was light, making it an ideal snack for a road trip or a laid-back afternoon. The flavor was simple and comforting, allowing the natural taste of fresh coconut to shine through.
For anyone traveling through Roxas, I’d definitely recommend stopping by one of the local bakeries or roadside stalls for a taste of their buko pie. It’s a delicious, authentic treat that really captures the local flavors of Palawan.
7. Crocodile Meat
When I was in Palawan, I decided to try crocodile meat, a local specialty. I was hesitant at first but curious enough to give it a go. The dish was served at a restaurant in Puerto Princesa known for unique delicacies.
The meat looked similar to chicken but was firmer and paler. I expected a strong gamey taste, but it was surprisingly mild, with a slight fishy hint. The grilled version had a nice smoky flavor, and the texture was a mix between chicken and fish—chewy but not tough. I also tried it in a sisig dish, where the spices and onions really enhanced the flavor.
Overall, trying crocodile meat was interesting. It’s not something I’d crave regularly, but it’s worth trying at least once, especially in Palawan. It adds to the unique food experiences that make the local cuisine memorable.
8. Baker’s Hill Hopia
Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa is the most famous bakery in the area and a must-visit spot for tourists who love pastries. One treat everyone recommended was their hopia, and it didn’t disappoint. As a hopia fan, I was impressed by how flaky and light the pastry was, with a rich and flavorful filling. They offer different flavors like ube and monggo, but my favorite was the ube hopia.
The sweetness was just right, making it easy to enjoy more than one piece. Baked fresh, the hopia fills the air with a delicious aroma. The experience of enjoying it at Baker’s Hill, with its beautiful garden, made it even more special. The hopia from Baker’s Hill isn’t just a snack—it’s a perfect Palawan souvenir that I’d recommend to anyone visiting Puerto Princesa, for a quick bite or to take home as a treat for loved ones.
9. Letchon Kawali
When I was in Palawan, I had to try lechon kawali, a popular Filipino dish. I ordered it at a local spot in Puerto Princesa, and it came with crispy pork belly fried to a perfect golden brown. The first bite was a delicious mix of crunchy skin, tender meat, and juicy fat.
What made it even better was dipping the pork in toyomansi (soy sauce with calamansi) and vinegar with garlic and chili. The tangy dip balanced the rich pork flavors well. The rice soaked up all the savory goodness as they served it.
The lechon kawali in Palawan was especially satisfying, with the local places getting the skin super crispy but not too greasy. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect after a day of exploring. If you enjoy crispy pork, this dish is a must-try in Palawan.
10. Halo- Halo
When I was in Palawan, I had to try halo-halo, a popular Filipino dessert. I got mine from a small shop in Puerto Princesa, where they made it fresh with all the classic ingredients. The first spoonful gave me a mix of sweet, creamy, icy, and crunchy flavors.
The halo-halo had crushed ice, evaporated milk, sweetened beans, nata de coco, ube, leche flan, and gulaman. Everything tasted so fresh—the ube was smooth, the leche flan was creamy, and the beans were perfectly chewy. Each layer had a different surprise, making it fun to eat.
What I loved most was how refreshing it was, especially in the warm weather. After a day of exploring, it’s the perfect cool-down treat. Every shop adds its own twist, so each experience is unique. If you visit Palawan, don’t miss out on trying halo-halo—it’s a sweet and satisfying Filipino dessert.
Exploring Palawan’s Culinary Delights
Exploring the Top 10 must-try foods when visiting palawan is important because it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and culinary traditions of the region. These dishes, suggested by experts such as Sam SEO Philippines, are not just tasty but also showcase the distinct flavors and ingredients that make up Palawan’s food culture.
Asking assistance from professionals such as Sam SEO Philippines about these foods is significant as it provides valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise and knowledge of local cuisine. They can offer guidance on where to find the best versions of each dish, ensuring a memorable and authentic dining experience.
A Food Lover’s Paradise!
Palawan offers a variety of must-try dishes that highlight its rich food culture. From fresh seafood to unique local delicacies, these flavors capture the true essence of the island. At beachside eateries or local markets, Palawan’s blend of traditional Filipino tastes and cultural influences makes it a paradise for food lovers.
If you’re interested in exploring more Filipino food traditions, check out our guide to Philippines Food Festivals: Colorful Culinary Celebrations, where you can learn about exciting events that highlight the country’s diverse cuisine.
FAQs
What is Palawan famous food?
The most popular Palawan food is tamilok, a unique local delicacy made from a woodworm-like mollusk, often served raw with vinegar. Another favorite is Chao Long noodles, a Vietnamese-inspired dish popular in Puerto Princesa.
What is the famous product of Palawan?
Palawan is famous for its high-quality cashew nuts. The province is known as the “Cashew Capital of the Philippines,” and you can find different varieties like roasted, salted, and honey-glazed cashews.
What are the famous foods in Coron, Palawan?
In Coron, famous foods include fresh seafood like grilled fish and squid. Another local specialty is lamayo, a semi-dried marinated fish that’s often fried and served with rice.
What is special in Palawan?
Palawan is special for its stunning natural beauty, with clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and unique wildlife. It’s also known for its UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River and diverse marine life, making it a top spot for diving and island-hopping. Along with its scenic beauty, Palawan is also famous for its local delicacies. Visitors can enjoy Palawan delicacies like tamilok, cashew nuts, and lamayo, which add a unique flavor to the experience of exploring this beautiful island.