Home Food and Recipes The Philippines, a Seafood Magnet

The Philippines, a Seafood Magnet

Philippines, a country endowed with beautiful beaches is also home to some of the world’s most delicious food. Admittedly, part of every memorable travel experience is trying the local cuisine. What sets the Philippines apart from its neighboring Southeast Asian nation is the abundance of seafood. Since most of the country’s 7,107 islands is coastal of origin, it is rich with fresh seafood that will surely make anyone’s mouth water.

You can get seafood anywhere in the Philippines

One thing you would notice in every restaurant in the Philippines is a different section for seafood in the menu. In big cities, prices may vary and it can cost you $12 to $15 for a meagre amount of baked oyster. However, when you go down south, one sack full of oyster is priced at $10. Expect seafood to be expensive in world-class destinations like Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan. Fret not, if you know where to go, your money will go a long way in eating to your heart’s content.

Where to go?

In getting the most of your bucks, head over to the following places to satiate your gastronomic palette.

Shop and Cook Type of Restaurants

Certain cities offer shop and cook or fresh from the market style of restaurants. Dampa, as it is more commonly known, is flocked by both local and foreign people seeking a unique twist to the traditional restaurants. In here, you can buy from the market inside the complex and ask the staff to cook it according to your liking. Prices can range from $15 to $20 for a variety of seafood ranging from shrimps, green caviars, octopus, clam shells and oyster.

Local Wet Market

If you are staying in a hotel or a guesthouse that allows you to cook, the best place to buy fresh seafood is the Farmer’s Market in Cubao, Quezon City. Prices are relatively cheaper compared to the supermarkets and you can be assured of the freshness and quality of the produce. Just a tip though, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and exercise your haggling skills.

Roxas City

A laid back city in the island of Panay, Roxas is considered as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. Due to its proximity from the Sibuyan Sea, its marine life is teeming with all kinds of seafood. The city is known for its mouth-watering oysters that is exported to neighboring countries and goes as far as the United States. When in Roxas, head over to Baybay, a coastal district lined with open-air restaurants offering a bucket full of oyster for around $2 to $5.

Whether you are a foodie or not, in your plan to visit the Philippines, make sure to include seafood indulgence in your travel list. Filipinos will welcome you with a reassuring smile and a sumptuous banquet that will not just fill your bellies but will melt your hearts too.