Malabon food tour

MANILA, Philippines – Whether it’s a heaping plateful of pancit or a slice of bibingka you crave for, the city of Malabon has got you covered. A gastronomic experience all on its own, this city is home to such sweets as puto bumbong, sapin-sapin, pichi-pichi, broas, camachile, and a whole roster of other snacks and savory dishes. 

If you ever find yourself on a food trip here, be sure to check out some of the best old and new restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries listed below. 

 

• Judy Ann Crispy Pata / Jamico’s Restaurant

Considered an institution in Malabon, this establishment opened its doors to the public in 1972. Now, for P500-P550, patrons can enjoy the tender meat and crispy skin typical of the perfect crispy pata, or deep fried pig front leg. Great for family get-togethers, this establishment even offers crispy pata lovers some knuckle tendons, or litid. 

 

Address: 201 Gen. Luna Street

Telephone: 281-4193

 

• Nanay’s Pancit

If there’s one must-try dish in Malabon, it is, of course, their pancit Malabon. There’s no place that serves it quite like Nanay’s Pancit, which draws in both locals and far-flung patrons daily. The pancit, served with the characteristic hard-boiled egg, is prepared with a distinct variety of flavors that add to the richness of the dish. 

Address: Governor Pascual Avenue cor. Sta. Ana Street

 

• Dolor’s Kakanin 

This historic house of kakanin was established in the late 1930s by Dolores Santos, and is now owned and managed by her family. Most customers come to the shop for the famous sapin-sapin, made up of layers of ube, kutsinta, mais, kamoteng-kahoy, and biko. But if sapin-sapin isn’t your thing, fret not! They also serve rellenong bangus,  kutsina, ube halaya, bibingka, and cassava cake. 

 

Address: 19 Governor Pascual Avenue, Baranggay Concepcion

Telephone: 282-3230

 

• Aling Upeng’s Quekiam

What exactly is quekiam, you ask? Not to be mistaken for the sidewalk variety, it’s a deep-fried dish of ground meat and vegetables wrapped in bean curd wrapper. Aling Upeng’s is a steal at a size much larger than your average street stall’s. 

 

 

• Tessie’s Puto Store (Balencia)

Tessie’s serves a snack that is uniquely Malabon: balencia. Picture a triangular turon with bananas, biko, and langka in lumpia wrapper, with a crunchy golden brown sugar coat. 

 

• Palmeras Bistro

This new restaurant boasts cozy interiors and comfort food. Their Tokwa’t Baboy Twist (P195) offers traditional deep fried pork bits with large chunks of crunchy tofu, while their Creamy Tomato and Seafood Pasta (P200) features an assortment of shrimp, squid, and fish. Also on their must-try list are their Deconstructed Pla-Pla (P210) or fried tilapia, Shrimp Salpicao (P235), and Osso Buco Kaldereta (P380). 

 

Address: Paseo de San Antonio Commercial Complex, Governor Pascual Avenue, Baranggay Catmon

Telephone: 441-4332

 

• Cups and Cones

Tucked along Gen. Luna Street is this hidden gem, which promises to bring cosmopolitan dining to the locals of Malabon. It serves a whole range of dishes – from sweets like s’mores (P120), blueberry cheesecakes (P140), mango crepes (P100), and brownies a la mode (P130), to savory dishes like tuna carbonara (P110), fish salads (P220), baked mac (P150), and clubhouse sandwiches (P160). Give their tapang kabayo (P110) a try too if you’re up for it!

 

Address: 247 Gen. Luna Street, Concepcion

Telephone: 294-2194

 

• Cocina Luna Pub and Kitchen 

This place merges pub and all-day breakfast eatery into one perfect combo. With high ceilings and unpainted walls, it evokes that industrial feel. It serves such staples as tapsilog (P120), as well as dishes like the Pulled Pork Burger (P150), which consists of pulled pork, homemade barbecue sauce, bacon, cheese, and fried onion rings with a side of French fries. 

 

Address: 144 Gen. Luna Street, Baranggay Ibaba

Telephone: 373-1420

 

• Q-Xin

Head over here and try their specialty quiron—ube halaya turon served with jackfruit sauce. Run by resident chef Quiel Salanga, the place also serves other quirky desserts like blueberry cream cheese graham balls, peach-mango cheesecake, and deep fried leche flan. 

To be sure, Malabon has more to offer than just its food. Feeling bloated from all the eating? Walk it off and check out the 400-year-old San Bartolome Church or the Angel Cacnio House for a viewing of the master watercolorist’s works. The city’s historic cultural sites are just as worth the trip!  – Rappler.com 

All photos by Manman Dejeto