Filipino cuisine has evolved over the years, blending influences from Indian, American, Chinese, and Spanish cooking. Despite these influences, Filipino cooking has developed a distinct identity, with each recipe imbued with flavors that evoke a sense of home. The dedication to traditional methods and the passion for food preparation make Filipino cuisine unique, reaching not only the stomach but also the soul of anyone who experiences it.
Pampanga, known for its vibrant festivals and tilapia production, holds the prestigious title of the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Kapampangan families are renowned for preserving heirloom recipes and reviving forgotten dishes. A Gastronomic Tour in Pampanga offers a journey through time with its homegrown restaurants that showcase the province’s rich culinary heritage. Here are the top picks for your Gastronomic Tour in Pampanga:
Kusinang Matua ng Atching Lillian Borromeo In Parian, Mexico, Pampanga, this homey restaurant, adorned with sawali and antique kitchen utensils, accommodates up to 50 people. Atching Lillian is considered the queen of Pampanga’s cuisine. Signature dishes include Bobotung Asan (boneless milkfish with kamias, tomatoes, alagao leaves, soy sauce, and oil), her unique version of Morcon (ground pork, egg yolk, tomatoes, chorizo de Bilbao, cheese, bell peppers, cornstarch, pepper, and bay leaf), and Quilayin (pork innards). Don’t miss her handmade San Nikulas cookies.
Everybody’s Cafe Located in San Fernando, Pampanga, this restaurant serves ready-made meals at affordable prices in a cozy, non-intimidating setting. Traditional Filipino dishes like Mami, Pancit Lug-lug, and Palabok are served alongside exotic options such as Kamaru (fried field crickets), Betute (fried stuffed frogs), and Tapang Kalabaw (cured water buffalo meat).
Aling Lucing Sisig Situated in Angeles, Pampanga, Aling Lucing’s is famed for reinventing the original Sisig. Besides the classic Pork Sisig, they now offer variants like Seafood Sisig and Sisig Pusit. Other popular dishes include Inihaw na Boneless Bangus, Nilasing na Hipon, and Chicken Barbecue.
Binulo Restaurant A favorite among balikbayans and tourists, Binulo Restaurant in Clark Freeport Zone serves authentic Kapampangan food cooked in bamboo stalks. Top picks include Pangat na Hipon (water prawns in sour broth), Crispy Binagoongan (deep-fried pork and eggplant in shrimp paste), and Beef Kare-Kare (oxtail in peanut sauce). The friendly staff and relaxing ambiance make it a must-visit.
Cafe Fleur Chef Sau Del Rosario’s Cafe Fleur in Angeles combines Kapampangan cuisine with international twists. The restaurant’s heritage house facade and cozy interior complement dishes like Tamales Pampangueña (coconut cream, quail eggs, rice flour, and peanuts), Pinoy Caesar (greens with salted egg and milkfish tinapa), Salted Egg Bibingka Cheesecake, and Crispy Pork Belly Macadamia Kare-Kare.
Downtown 1956 Owned by Chef Claude Tayag, this retro-style restaurant in Angeles evokes the 50s and 60s. Must-try dishes include Trianggulos (tinapa, kesong puti, and pine nuts wrapped together), Crispy Crablets with Pure Talangka on Rice, Crispy Aromatic Spring Duck, and Bagnetta (rolled fried pork with garlic and rosemary).
Bale Dutung Also owned by Chef Claude Tayag, Bale Dutung in Angeles offers a strictly by-reservation dining experience. Translated as “House of Wood,” the restaurant features three menus: the Kapampangan Menu, Lechon Menu, and the recently introduced Anthony Bourdain Menu.
Historic Camalig Restaurant Known as the home of Pampanga’s Pambansang Pizza, Historic Camalig in Angeles serves pizzas, pastas, grilled meals, and sizzling platters. Highlights include Armando’s Best Pizza and the Very Vegetarian Pizza.
19 Copung Copung This restaurant in Angeles, named after a nostalgic phrase referring to old times, serves unique dishes like Crispy Camaru (deep-fried crickets), Crispy Fried Frog’s Legs, Bopis, and Crispy Crablets.
Matam-Ih Meaning “delicious” in the Aeta language, Matam-Ih in Clark offers authentic Kapampangan dishes in an open setup. Signature dishes include Pork Sinigang, Pinaputok na Tilapia, Sinigang na Hipon, Lechon Kawali, and Adobong Pusit.
Apag Marangle Located in Bacolor, Pampanga, Apag Marangle means “dining in the farm.” The restaurant offers dishes like Betute (fried frogs with minced pork filling), Camaru (rice field crickets in soy sauce, salt, and vinegar), and Suam na Mais (corn soup in a claypot), all in a farm-like ambiance.
Rainforest Kitchen In San Fernando, Rainforest Kitchen emphasizes organic and freshly prepared meals. Notable dishes include Buttermilk Fried Chicken with blue rice, Seafood Paella, and Organic Salad with edible flowers.
Mila’s Tokwat Baboy Beyond its namesake dish, Mila’s Tokwat Baboy in Angeles serves Crispy Pata, Pork Barbecue, and a unique version of Sisig, making it a proud representative of Kapampangan cuisine.
Denlim’s Kitchen Offering private dining by reservation only, Denlim’s Kitchen in San Fernando is known for dishes like Classic Chicken Roast, Squid Spaghetti Marinara, and Summer Salad. The restaurant’s Instagram-worthy decor and the option to bring your own booze with no corkage fee make it a popular choice.
Didi’s Pizza Open from 9 AM to 4 AM, Didi’s Pizza in Angeles is a go-to spot for burgers, tacos, fried chicken, and pizzas. Their Pizza Sisig is a must-try. Despite the small space and frequent queues, the food is worth the wait.
A Gastronomic Tour in Pampanga reveals the province as a haven for homegrown restaurants that have kept up with modern food trends while preserving traditional Kapampangan cuisine. The continued support for these establishments ensures that heirloom recipes are passed down through generations, keeping the province’s rich culinary heritage alive.
