Foods That May Found In The Philippines

First Lets Go To Camiguin Island

Coming from a food trip in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we decide to swing by Camiguin—the smallest province in Northern Mindanao. A short ferry crossing is all it takes and we’re there.

From Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon we drive to Balingoan Pier where cargo boats take people to Benoni Port in Camiguin, an island composed of merely five towns—Mambajao (the capital town), Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman.

By the time we arrive in Camiguin, it is nearing lunchtime and we are ready to eat. Craving the fresh stuff, we ask locals for recommendations. This leads us to J and A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant at the Taguines Lagoon, just a short drive from the port. In cottages set on stilts in the water, there are wooden tables and chairs for dining kamayan-style. Square fish pens of about 12 feet long by 12 feet wide hold different kinds of fish that make up the menu. Diners choose, and have it cooked by the kitchen staff however they like. A huge fish called mamsa (jackfish) can be had for P350 a kilo. “Puwede po yang orderin ‘sutokil’,” says Malou Señara, a restaurant staffer. She then explains that a large fish like that can be served three ways—“sugba (grilled), tola (as tinola or soup), and kilaw (ceviche).”

While waiting for our orders to be served (chili crabs, their specialty, and the ginormous fish), we snoop in the kitchen through a screened window. An assortment of fresh seafoods are being prepared by the cooks. A woman arrives carrying a shallow basket containing fresh, humongous prawns. We are tempted to add these to our order.

After we have our fill of a delicious lunch, we take a drive to our resort. Driving through the winding roads with steep, rocky mountains on the left and the blue-green ocean water on the right, we realize quickly that the whole island is more of a diver’s haven than beachcomber’s. The miles and miles of sandy beaches I was expecting to see are nowhere in sight.

While most cityfolk hardly have as much as a square inch of vacant space behind their houses, in Camiguin we pass by residents lounging in their backyard taking their afternoon siesta. With the front of the house facing the paved road, their backyard faces the wide space of the ocean, with the cool breeze lulling them to sleep. Life here is wonderfully slow and relaxed.

Now Lets Go To Palawan

Sip the Most Expensive Soup in the World. Almost every tourist who visited the Underground River would notice those small birds flying in and out of the cave; they are actually “balinsasayaw.” Their nest is made up of their saliva and locals gather their nest because of its value. Class A bird’s nest could reach up to Php100,000/kilo. Why not try it at Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill at Rizal Ave. If you want to learn more about this soup, look for Kim, their Food & Beverage manager who is more than willing to explain the benefits of this soup. (Price: PhP300 good for 4 persons)


Get Worm-ed. When kids develop big round stomachs physicians suggest deworming. But when adults land on Palawan, locals suggest worms- the tamilok or woodworm is a local delicacy found on dead mangroves. Yes it’s slimy and a little bit fishy but I think you should try it. Kinabuch’s offer this on a very cheap price, pair it with some booze. (PhP115 good for 3, not including beer)

Suran, best when grilled

Eat some Unicorn (Spotted unicorn fish). I’ve been to a lot of wet markets in the Philippines but Puerto Princesa’s market still amazes me because of the colourful display of fish and shells found in the seafood section. I still remember my sister, Kit, taking some photos of orange, blue, red and violet-colored fish. Because you’re already in the market, try looking for the suran (spotted unicorn fish)- it’s my favorite grilled fish ever! Then ask your local restaurant to grill it for you- just pay for the service. Balinsasayaw Restaurant allows this. Its tender, juicy white meat is love. The best part is meat in the head. Go try it. (Price: Php100-150/kilo)
No other merienda but Chaolong and French Bread. When I’m in town I always look for these two. The best French bread is found in front of Palawan National High school (near Mendoza Park) and the perfect pair would be Chaolong from Chaolong house (beside Mang Inasal) which is just walking distance from where you bought your French bread. (Price range: Php75 for both the Chaolong and French bread).

Chaolong- rice noodles with beef stew top with mint leaves and monggo sprouts

Now For The End Surigao Del Sur

SURIGAO del Sur is known for its fresh seafoods and scenic beaches, and one of the best places to experience great fresh bounty of the seas with an amazing scenic view is but in the town of Cantilan in a seafood restaurant known as Chanlac.
Located at the edge of the town’s old fish port, Chanlac (as it is popularly called) is just the place for a cool, soothing, laid-back seafood meal with a view of Cantilan River’s mouth going toward Lanuza Bay. Here, you will have the amazing gastronomic experience and fill of fresh fish and crustaceans that you will never find in the big cities.

For someone living in the city, eating fresh-caught seafood is a rarity, especially when it’s cooked in the traditional way.
Simply be taken away by the mouth-watering experience with a variety of fish, shrimps, shells, squid, and crabs cooked in different style – from the traditional Tinola, Kinilaw or Kilawin, and grilled to a unique twist of spicy sizzling meal. Whatever your preference will be – I’m certain it will be a worthwhile experience for the appetite.
Aside from the eating experience, you will enjoy the scenic view and the fresh soft ocean wind blowing through your hair while you savor your meal.
If you’re seating beside the window, try to take a peek at the waters below and you’ll see fish of different shapes and sizes swimming underneath the restaurant. At other times, you’ll get to see fresh fish and other marine delicacies being delivered from fishing boats arriving at the nearby fish port.

Through the years with its fresh traditional seafood preparation, the restaurant has earned its loyal patrons, which include diners from out of town and from abroad. And just like all the other customers, I’m sure I’ll be back for more of the rich sumptuous meal at Chanlac.

Chanlac Sea Food Restaurant is located at Embarcadero Mini Wharf in Barangay Linintian, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

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