We’re not sure if you recall that little article on CNN which labelled the Philippines as the second best food destination in the world, but it’s indeed true that the increasing interest in our country’s cuisine has put us on the global food map. Its hard to navigate our chaotic streets and 7,107 islands, so we’re thankful for these tour guides who take food as seriously as we do.
The BIG Binondo Food WOK!
Run by Old Manila Walks, a tour company which aims to get locals and tourists walking around the old city in order to explore it, is The BIG Binondo Food WOK! The 3.5-hour tour, which usually starts in the morning from Binondo Church, takes you through Plaza Calderon dele Barca, Carvajal Alley Market, Ongpin Street, and several traditional shops and restaurants in Chinatown. Led by history buff and foodie (and Anthony Bourdain guide) Ivan Man Dy, the tour allows you to taste eats such as dumplings from Dong Bei and hopia from Ho-Land while learning about the area’s history and rich culture. From PHP1,300 per person. Call +63 2 7113823 or e-mail fun@oldmanilawalks.com. Facebook.
Mel’s Davao Food Tour
Davao is known for its fresh produce, and one of the best ways to have a taste of Mindanao’s best offering is through Mel’s Davao Food Tour which is conducted by local Mel Pangan. A favourite among tourists, the 5.5-hour tour takes you to six stops for breakfast, lunch, and merienda. Expect to traipse through the city’s vibrant Bankerohan Public Market during the morning chaos, witness pineapples being chopped at lightning speed, feast on traditional Davao eats for lunch, and if you dare, end the tour by savouring the King of the Fruits. From PHP2250 per person. Call or text +63 947 3613544, or email melsdavaofoodtour@yahoo.com.ph. Facebook.
Makati City Food Walking Tour
With the aim to preserve and grow interest in Filipino culture and environment, Culture Shock conducts a variety of tours which reach the four corners of the country. Within the capital is the 4-hour Makati City Food Walking Tour led by Osep Reyes from 5pm onwards. This tour takes you to six stops in the city and includes much more than just local fare. Explored here are the international cuisines with visits to Le Cafe Curieux, Wang Mart Korean Grocery Store, Ziggurat Cuisine, and Chihuahua Bar and Grill. PHP1200 per person. Text or call +63 917 7146737, email tours@cultureshockph.com or go to www.cultureshockph.com.
A Taste of the Philippines
UK culinary tour company Trip Feast offers a slew of trips for foodies around Asia to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and China. A Taste of the Philippines, their local, all-inclusive tour, encompasses eight days of eating your way through locales like Laguna, San Pablo, Vigan, Ilocos Norte, Manila and Pagudpud. Although this is a tour which centers around food, tidbits on history and culture are mixed into the dialogue as well as you can expect to learn more about the influences of the Spanish occupation in Vigan and the seafood trade in Manila. From PHP67,490 per person. Email info@tripfeast.com or go to www.tripfeast.com.
Eat Your Way Through Pampanga
Warm and enthusiastic tour guide Bryan Ocampo offers a food trip to Pampanga, the province of his grandparents. Eat Your Way Through Pampanga is a full day trip which runs from 7am till 8:30pm, making it a perfect weekend excursion for Manila gastronomes. The trip covers all meals of the day and includes stops in Guagua, Santa Rita, Mexico, Magalang, Angeles City, and San Fernando to let you delve into Pampangan cuisine, which is a unique mix of Spanish and Malay influences. You can expect to sink your teeth into local delicacies such as longganisang Guagua, tibuk tibuk, and tidtad. PHP2900 per person. Text or call +63 9178993948, or email bryanocampo@gmail.com, or go to www.mangankapampangan.com.
Ultimate Manila Food Trip
Let the fantastic tour guides from Yolo Travel Philippines take you on a tour of the best eats of Manila’s Chinatown. The 4-5-hour Ultimate Manila Food Trip spans eight restaurants and over 10 must-try dishes in Binondo. It’s great for out of towners, but also informative and fun for those based in the metro. A full day of eating lies ahead here so it’s recommended to skip dinner the night before. Highlight include chicken mami from Chuan Kee, sweet cakes from Shing Tai Shang, and frog legs with sweet and sour sauce from Estero Food Court. PHP2399 per person. Text or call +63 908 8219388, email info@yolotravelphilippines.com, or go to www.yolotravelphilippines.com.
