Palawan Food (Must try!)

A must try food in Palawan! 

This article is written by Big Dream Boatman, the #1 Ranked Tour/Expedition operator on TripAdvisor 2018/2019. Specialising in 3 night expeditions to experience true island life, Coron-El Nido and Coron-Coron.

It is very interesting that there are so many islands in the Philippines that could really distinguish its culture and people through food! Except that, we all love our main dish, “White Rice!”.

We’ve mentioned on the previous blog “Food in the Philippines” that you should try the famous “Balut” (duck embryo). Have you tried one? How was it?

If you’re an exotic food lover or just a plain food lover, it’s time to explore the must try/exotic foods in Palawan.

 

1. Tamilok (Woodworm) – often found in Palawan and is a type of mollusk that are harvested from mangroves.

 

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

 

They were called “worm” because they are slimy and they really look like one, but they are not a type of worm (yes, I am convincing you!). This one tastes like an oyster and you can buy in Puerto Prinsesa where you can see locals that sells it. Calamansi, vinegar, chili (labuyo), and chopped onions is the famous way to make a marinated Tamilok.

The price ranges from 120 -150 pesos ($2-$3) with sometimes unlimited rice. The Kinabuchs Bar and Grill in Puerto Prinsesa serves the tasty Tamilok in fresh or deep-fried(breaded). So, if you’re heading to Palawan and would like to try, I think it’s the best place to go.

 

2. Crocodile Sisig – this one tastes like a chicken meat and although it’s gummy, it’s still one of the famous foods in Palawan.

 Photo credit: Google

        You can request to have it marinated too with Lime/Kalamansi and Soy Sauce and some extra spices/herbs or if you want to be extra, it can be cooked like Bicol Express (specially if you like spicy food!).

Normally, it costs $2 to $5 per order and you can try Crocodile Sisig at the Ka Inato Restaurant in Rizal Avenue, PPrinsesa Palawan.

 

 

3. Mud Lobster – Palawan is rich in seafood. On the BDBM expedition, our usual thing to do is to catch some fresh fish and we cook it during lunch or dinner and serve it to our guests.

 

 

         One of the must tries is the mud crab and is usually cooked with coconut milk and chili or sometimes steamed with vegetable side dish. You can visit Lobster King in Coron Palawan to taste different mouth watering seafood.

       

4. Lato Seaweed – Cuyo has the best quality Lato in the Philippines and is often harvested by Tagbanua tribes in Palawan. 

          It’s an edible sea grape and can be eaten with some vinegar or salt or just the usual salad (ensalada). You can make “Ensaladang Lato” very easily, with just tomatoes, onions, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and you’re done!

Photo Credit: Panlasang Pinoy

 

        Cuyo, Palawan is a nice place to visit too since it has group of islands with white sand beaches which is a good spot for snorkeling, island hopping and beach bumming. And so, Lato has been the #1 to go salad of travelers who visits Cuyo.

         Kalui Restaurant is a place to go to try the Lato salad too. It's also located in Rizal Ave. in PPrinsesa. 

 

5. Chao Long – a Vietnamese food in Palawan and is served by Rene’s Saigon in Puerto Prinsesa & Bona’s Chao Long Haus. The boat people has been refugees in the Philippines and left an incredible food culture in Palawan.

 Photo Credit: Google Images

 

Chao Long is a thin rice noodles with a sweet-savory broth mixed with beef/pork. Perfect for a rainy day or after a long expedition and tour around Palawan. 

 

 

Hope this blog is helpful and if you think you can do Coron to El Nido, Coron to Coron or El Nido to Coron Expeditions in the following months, do not hesitate to contact us. Always free to chat or email!

It's also good to check our TripAdvisor reviews for guest's feedback and check out our Instagram @bdbm_coron.

 

Cheers,

Charm