The Filipino food scene has been getting more exciting in recent years with the rise of the next generation of Filipino American chefs. Drawing inspiration from their Filipino heritages, these chefs are making creative dishes worth tasting and traveling for. But don’t forget traditional Filipino dishes and foods, which still provide nostalgic bites for many of those missing their homeland. Whether you’re a traditionalist for Filipino fare or have an interest in trying new Filipino-inspired dishes, here’s a few Filipino Food Destinations in the US.
White Rice was founded by Philip Esteban, an award-winning chef who hails from National City. Esteban pulled inspiration from his childhood dishes to create his signature silog bowls. “Silog” means garlic rice over eggs and can be mixed up in tasty combinations. Kain na tayo!, means “let’s eat now”, and chowing down on the Pinoy BBQ or the Lechoon Kawali will leave you saying sarap or “delicious”.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina.
Soft, pillowy breads have been Philippine Bread House’s specialty for over 40 years. Located in the heart of Jersey City, the cozy bakery prepares freshly baked bread for the community daily. From traditional pandesal (sweet rolls) to ensaymada (buttered sugar cheese rolls) to ube or mango flavored cakes, you’ll find something sweet to satisfy your sugary cravings.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier NYC Gateway Hotel.
Pepita’s Kitchen in Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of only two Filipino restaurants on the Strip and has only two things on the menu. But don’t shy away. The menu was created by “Lehon Diva” Dedet de la Fuente, who was hailed as a culinary genius for her exclusive meals in Manila, frequented by celebrity guests such as Martha Stewart and Anthony Bourdain. Order the Lechon & Truffled Rice or the Sisig Panini.
Book your stay at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod.
If you want to feast on Filipino food, the best way to do it is at Kubo in Chicago, Illinois. The traditional kamayan feast is meant to be eaten “with hands”, as the name implies, and family-style. Dig in with three of your closest friends and eat everything from longganisa (Filipino Sausage), tocino (sweet pork), and lumpia (eggrolls).
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel.
Searching for fine-dining Filipino cuisine? Look no further than Archipelago in Seattle, Washington, where you can have a 9-12 course meal in one sitting. The innovative restaurant has been named by Eater as “Restaurant of the Year” and Chef Aaron Verzosa was a James Beard Award nominee. The menu is always changing, but expect to see a fusion of Pacific-Northwest flavors with Filipino American ingredients.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown.