A lot of people recognize Filipino cuisine through the country’s famous lechon – a whole roasted pork dish. But this diversified cuisine is much more than just lechon. With a beautiful mix of its Austronesian origins and the influences from Spanish, American, Chinese, and Malay cuisine, Filipino food is an epic world to explore.
For the first start right in Singapore, you can use our list of the 5 best Filipino restaurants as a guideline to embark on your new culinary journey.
Lechon Republic is famous for serving the best-known Filippino classics. The spot stealer of the restaurant is its Lechon which is roasted over charcoal (the traditional way), giving the skin its crispiness.
MENU: Lechon Republic does not provide an extensive menu; you can either order a set or a la carte. The set meal includes meat, rice, and a drink of your choice. It ranges from $7.30 to $11.30. However, if you want sizeable meat portions, go for a la carte. It will be ideal if you are going there in a group (of family or friends). Ordering half to 1 kg of Chopped Lechon will cost between $23.80 to $43.30. You can add on extra Lechon sauces or rice as well.
RECOMMENDED DISHES:
NOTES: Lechon Republic gives you several service options, such as dine-in, takeaway, and delivery (including no-contact delivery).
Specialized in serving lechon, Iskina Cebu Singapore is a must visit culinary destination for those who fell in love with this chargrilled pork dish. Previously located at Jing Ya Yuan Eating House, a coffee shop across Paya Lebar MRT station, Iskina Cebu now has its new home on Ayer Rajah Crescent.
MENU: The menu has a la carte and set meal options but it is limited to a small variety of roasted pigs and chickens. The crowd’s favorites are the spicy belly lechon and Lechon de Cebu which are known for their ‘porkiness’ and crispy skin. A small set meal is available for solo diners at S$6 to S$10, while the lechon for sharing (1 to 1.5kg) is good for 2 to 3 persons. Whole-pig orders are also available pre-order.
ATMOSPHERE: Iskina Cebu Singapore has a festive mood with its traditional “banderitas” (banners) motif which will remind diners of Lechon Festival in Cebu. The restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate a flock of customers during early dinner on weekdays, but on weekends it is best to come over to the eatery 30 minutes before the lechon is ready by 12:30 to get the best seats.
RECOMMENDED DISHES:
NOTE: Online orders are available via the Iskina Cebu website
Inasal at Lucky Plaza is a place to devour some of the best chicken inasal (barbeque) from the Philippines without having to leave Singapore! This little Filipino restaurant offers value-for-money dishes, without letting go of the authentic flavors of Bacolod. Their tasty Filipino delicacies spread a delicious aroma on Lucky Plaza’s 4th floor. So when you are there, just let your nose guide you, and try out this little gem for lunch!
MENU: The menu features a small yet delicious variety of traditional Filipino dishes, with a variety of meat options.
RECOMMENDED DISHES:
Gerry’s Grill will bring Filipinos closer to home. From the restaurant ambiance to its menu, everything is inspired by casual Filipino cuisine and hospitality. With two locations, Gerry’s Grill Singapore is aimed at catering to as many diners as possible who are looking for affordable Filipino food.
MENU: The menu is small but it is enough to satisfy your cravings for popular Filipino dishes. There are a la carte and meal set options for those who are flying-solo and dining in group. Grilled dishes like Chicken Kebab, BBQ, Liempo, and Pusit are the mains of this restaurant, plus the Halo-Halo dessert on the side. For drinkers, there’s Kilawin, Crispy Pata, and Pork Sisig to accompany your beers and liqueurs.
RECOMMENDED DISHES:
ATMOSPHERE: The welcoming presence of two Philippine flags lets you know that you’re going to embark on a journey through authentic Filipino cuisine. Wooden chairs, tables, and indoor plants will remind you of a local grill restaurant by the roadside. Tables are set up in four to six-seaters so both small and large groups of people can make themselves comfortable.
NOTES:
ALL GERRY’S GRILL’S LOCATIONS
@ Starhub Centre
Address: 51 Cuppage Road, #01-12 Starhub Centre
Tel: (65) 67201412
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 to 22:00
@ Esplanade Mall
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, Makansutra Glutton Bay
Tel: (65) 97280426
Opening hours: Daily 17:00 to 2:00
Homey, warm, loud and cheap. Kabayan Filipino Restaurant is reminiscent of the typical carinderia (fast-food) in the Philippines. There’s a wide selection of usual dishes; from appetizers, mains, to desserts, all of which have decent taste and presentation. It is not surprising to see lots of Filipinos flock in here during weekends, so many that the restaurant tends to have a very loud environment. But this could also mean one thing; Kabayan serves good Filipino food.
MENU: Kabayan has a comprehensive menu of Filipino viands available all-day. There are about 30 dishes prepared daily plus appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Customers can just pick amongst the dishes displayed on the counter and then take it from there. A traditional serving of rice, two viands, and a bottle of soft drink is the typical combination here.
RECOMMENDED DISHES:
ATMOSPHERE: While the atmosphere is friendly, the loud, chatting voices might distract a person who prefers the quiet and relaxing ambiance. If you’re a Filipino missing some interaction with fellow countrymen, then Kabayan is the right place to go. A cable TV is also available in the restaurant so everybody could watch GMA-Filipino channels.
NOTES:
