Places to Eat in Puerto Princesa
One thing that we were really excited about during our visit to Puerto Princesa is the food – crocodile sisig and woodworm anyone? If you're not as adventurous however, there are other gastronomic delights that await you besides the aforementioned exotic dishes.
Street Food and Local Fare
Head over to Baywalk at night if you're hankering for some street eats such as isaw, balut, and kwek-kwek. Besides the usual street food, you can also choose among the many food stalls offering seafood to be cooked according to your wishes.
Are you perhaps craving for some piping hot noodle soup? The city inherited Chao Long ( a Saigon original noodle soup) from the Vietnamese refugees who lived in the city a few decades ago and the dish has since become a staple. Our local friend recommended Bona's Chaolong (Manalo Extension, Puerto Princesa) and we weren't disappointed. A big bowl of beef or pork Chao Long costs only 75PHP. Threw in some chili peppers, mint leaves, and bean sprouts and you're good to go.
Another establishment that offers the same dish is Noki Nocs Savory House (Lacao Street). However, the reason we dropped by is for a taste of their famous halo-halo (shaved ice). Believe us when we tell you people actually line up for this dessert. It's really worth the wait though! Not sure if they mixed water with milk before they freeze it because it was simply the best halo-halo we've ever had.
Traditional Philipino Food
Hands down, Kalui is on everyone's top of mind (369 Rizal Avenue) when it comes to seafood in Puerto Princesa. It's also famous for asking their guests to enter barefooted. The prices were neither cheap nor expensive and the dishes are well presented. We loved the seafood sisig, Tubbataha salad, and pinakbet. Actually, everything tasted oh so divine including the complimentary mixed fruits in a coconut shell. Dining here is an experience in itself too with paintings all around. Yes, even at the restroom.
Kinabuch Grill & Bar (369 Rizal Avenue) is the place to be for that crocodile sisig and tamilok (mangrove woodworm) experience. In addition to these exotic fares, they have a pretty extensive menu and we really enjoyed our crispy pata and roasted chicken that go so well with the local beers. Overall, it's a nice place to hang out. There's a pool table and various sports showing on several TV screens.
Western and International Food
Yosek's Restaurant (Rizal Avenue Extension) offers the best Israeli food in the city. We dined there several times so we had a chance to sample the main items in their menu. We had the chicken shnitzel, falafel, shakshuka, pita bread and hummus and everything was simply scrumptious. A tad pricey but you get what you pay for.
If you're yearning for some pizza, get seated at the Hibiscus Pizzeria (Manalo St., Barangay Milagrosa, Hibiscus Garden Inn). The restaurant is tucked in a garden so the atmosphere is really nice especially in the evening. We had carpaccio, carbonara, and vegetarian pizza. Authentic Italian taste at a reasonable price.
Cafes and Coffee Houses
Let the smell of freshly ground coffee be your guide to Itoy's Coffee Haus (Rizal Ave.) They have an air-conditioned and a smoking areas which is great, menu is extensive and includes delectable looking pastries, cakes, and pasta. The chocolate mint latte certainly perked us up.
Sweetcorner Cafe ( Fernandez Street, Rizal Ave. Corner) is another go-to place for a relaxing caffeine -induced interlude. The staff were attentive and the free WiFi was working. They have a good selection of teas, pasta, and sandwiches but what really had us talking was the Eggs Benedict, so yum! If you're in the city, make sure to spend your coffee break here.
