8 Local Delicacies to Try When Visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Editor’s note:

Welcome to this updated and rewritten article on the local delicacies of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Originally written by Let’s Palawan, this article has been refreshed and revamped in 2024 by yours truly, Julie A. Cockburn from Taste Of The Place. While I haven’t personally visited Palawan, I have researched and gathered information to provide you with an updated culinary guide. So, let’s embark on this tasty journey together and discover the flavors that make Puerto Princesa a food lover’s paradise.

What you’ll find in this post…

If there’s one thing most rewarding when it comes to traveling, it’s the food. A place is defined by its beauty and the cuisine that it serves. Exceptional locations with great food are a heavenly combination.

Palawan may be famous for its natural wonders, but this island paradise in the Philippines also steps up its game when it comes to local dishes. If you wish to journey to this island destination, you might want to consider trying out these tasty treats. Here are 8 local delicacies to try when you visit Palawan.

Baker’s Hill Hopia

When it comes to bakeries in Puerto Princesa, Baker’s Hill takes the crown as the most famous one in the entire province. This bakery and theme-park-inspired botanical garden is a must-visit for tourists looking to indulge in delectable pastries and baked goods. And if you’re wondering what to try, look no further than the mouthwatering Baker’s Hill hopia.

Hopia is a beloved Filipino pastry that comes in various flavors, and Baker’s Hill offers an extensive selection. From the classic monggo (mung bean) filling to the rich and creamy ube (purple yam) variant, there’s a hopia flavor to suit everyone. These sweet rolls are not only delicious but also make for a perfect souvenir to bring back home. So, make sure to stop by Baker’s Hill and indulge in their delightful hopia. And don’t forget to grab a box or two to take home and share the flavors of Palawan with your friends and family.

Learn more at Guide To The Philippines and in this Trip Advisor review.

Danggit Lamayo

Danggit Lamayo is a must-try local delicacy when visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Danggit, which refers to salted and sun-dried rabbitfish, is a popular ingredient in Filipino cuisine. In Palawan, danggit lamayo takes it a step further by marinating the danggit in vinegar with garlic and pepper. Once marinated, the danggit is then fried, resulting in a crispy and flavorful dish. It is often served for breakfast and can be found in most hotel and restaurant breakfast buffets.

Danggit lamayo is the perfect combination of tangy vinegar, aromatic garlic, and spicy pepper, alongside a crispy and satisfying texture. It’s a dish that showcases the local flavors of Palawan and is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Tamilok at Kinabuchs Grill & Bar

If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to try something truly unique (and maybe a little disturbing) during your visit to Palawan, then you must try the famous tamilok at Kinabuchs Grill & Bar. Tamilok is a type of mollusk that is harvested from the mangrove trees in Palawan. It looks like a long, slimy worm, but is actually a type of shell-less saltwater clam, sometimes called woodworm or shipworm.

It is traditionally served ceviche-style, marinated raw in vinegar and chili. Many people describe the flavor as similar to oysters or jellied salt water. Its texture is often described as chewy and slightly slimy. For the not-so-brave, you can try tamilok fried, as well.

Kinabuchs Grill & Bar is known by many as the best location to try tamilok. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something out of the ordinary, make sure to visit Kinabuchs and give it a try.

Learn more about Kinabuchs at Facebook.com/Kinabuchs.

Learn all about tamilok in this video from Best Ever Food Review

Lechon Kawali at Blue Palawan

Lechon Kawali is a local delicacy that you must not miss when visiting Palawan. It is made from pork belly that is deep-fried until it becomes crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This dish is all about the perfect combination of crunch and tender meat. While Palawan is known for its seafood, the island’s lechon kawali is a must-try dish that will satisfy your cravings for savory flavors. Whether you choose to have it as a main dish or as a bar food to accompany your drinks, you can be sure that it will be scrumptious.

It’s worth noting that lechon kawali is different than lechon, which is a whole roasted pig – also worth trying when visiting Palawan.

Editor’s note: while updating this article, I could find very little information about the food options at Blue Palawan. I recommend calling ahead before visiting to make sure it is still on the menu. However, my understanding is that lechon kawali can be found at other locations throughout the area.

Crocodile Sisig at Kinabuchs Bar & Grill

Indulge your taste buds with another unique and exotic dish during your Palawan journey – the popular crocodile sisig. This dish has become a favorite among tourists visiting the island. The crocodile meat is expertly cooked with a combination of tasty ingredients and spices, and then served on a sizzling plate. It’s a dish that showcases the unique culinary offerings of Palawan and allows you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

It’s worth noting that Kinabuchs doesn’t always offer the crocodile sisig, so be sure to give them a call before visiting.

Learn more about Kinabuchs at Facebook.com/Kinabuchs and in this Trip Advisor review.

Catch another entertaining episode from Best Ever Food Review Show all about the crocodile sisig at Kinabuchs.

Vietnamese Food at Rene’s Saigon

Rene’s Saigon is a must-visit restaurant in Puerto Princesa Palawan for those who appreciate the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The influence of Vietnamese immigrants on the island has resulted in a diverse range of Palawan dishes, and Rene’s Saigon is the perfect place to experience this culinary fusion. From the fragrant and flavorful pho to the satisfying and savory bahn mi sandwich, every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Vietnamese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Rene’s Saigon is the place to try. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that you’ll have a memorable dining experience. So, make sure to add Rene’s Saigon to your list of must-visit restaurants in Puerto Princesa Palawan and indulge in the flavors of Vietnam.

Learn more at Rene’s Saigon’s Facebook page.

Honey Nougat at La Terrasse Restaurant Café – permanently closed 🙁

Well, shoot! La Terrasse Restaurant Café has gone out of business. If you visit Palawan and find another source for tasty honey nougat, let me know in the comments.

Super Creamy Halo Halo at Noki Nocs Savory House

Halo-halo, which translates to “mixed,” is a cold dessert made by layering crushed ice with a medley of sweet beans, evaporated milk or coconut milk, other sweet additions like corn and fruit gummies, and a generous topping of ice cream or leche flan. It is sometimes referred to as a beverage but is typically eaten with a spoon much like a layered ice cream sundae. One of the most popular places to try halo-halo is at Noki Nocs Savory House, although unique combinations can be found throughout the area.

Find out more at Facebook.com/NokiNocsSavoryHouse and in this Trip Advisor review.

Want to learn more about halo-halo? This short video by Drew Binsky will give you the entertaining details.

The variety of cuisine you can enjoy in Palawan is limitless. The people of the island love to experiment with their meals and are always up to creating new flavorful dishes. If you want to make your Palawan trip even more fulfilling, try the local delicacies on this list. Be a daredevil and don’t miss the exotic ones, either!

About the author

Carmela Alvarez is an editor/customer service representative of Let’s Palawan. She’s a 20-something bubbly and adventurous female who loves to take selfies. Her aim is to share her travel experience and inspire fellow travelers.

Let’s Palawan is no longer in business, but you can still visit their social media sites for inspiration:

Permission to use images granted to Let’s Palawan, credit given within the images via watermark.

Rewritten and edited in 2024 by Julie A. Cockburn, Taste Of The Place.