One of the best melting-pot cuisines in the world, Philippine food is full of unique sweet, sour, and meaty flavours. It is influenced by Spanish, Chinese, American, Dutch, and indigenous Malay influences that span five centuries.
Sisig is a dish made using pork parts available almost everywhere, though several variations use milkfish, tofu, or chicken. Halo-halo is a popular frozen treat that consists of layers of jackfruit, milk, coconut gel, rice flakes, and coconut shreds. The ice cream on top is flavoured with ube, a purple yam.
The number of Filipino eateries in New York City constantly increases as the food leaves its traditional neighbourhoods. To learn more about these wonderful places, keep scrolling!
7 Best Filipino Street Food Restaurants in NYC
1. Naks
Naks, an East Village Filipino outpost, comes from the same company that brought you Dhamaka and Brooklyn's Masalawala & Sons. The restaurant's name is Tagalog slang for "surprise and admiration," and their food will make you feel the same way. Their menu contains a few a la carte options, but the highlight is an 18-course kamayan-style tasting menu featuring grilled meats, noodles, Filipino street cuisine, and much more.
Location: 201 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: 18-course kamayan-style, grilled meats
Price for 2: $120 approx.
Image Caption: Naks
2. Jollibee
Jollibee's, a Filipino fast food brand with over 1,000 branches in the Philippines, has made a stylish arrival in New York. The Jolly Spaghetti, fried chicken and gravy, and a delicious peach mango pie for dessert are all popular choices at these establishments. There are a few sites throughout NYC, the most recent being in Brooklyn, which debuted earlier this month. There are more outlets in Times Square, Queens, and beyond!
Location: 609 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Jolly Spaghetti, fried chicken
Price for 2: $120 approx.
3. Pig & Khao
Pig & Khao is a Filipino-Thai hybrid that serves up vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine in the heart of LES. Their colourful dining space, complete with brilliantly coloured artwork and high ceilings, is extremely attractive. It also offers menu items such as Green Papaya Salad and Hainanese Duck to immerse you in the local culture. The place is very open and crowded. Although the delivery options and quick servings make up for it.
Location: 68 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Green Papaya Salad and Hainanese Duck
Price for 2: $120 approx.
4. Gugu's Room
This Lower East Side Filipino-Japanese izakaya combines the flavours of both cultures, serving contemporary Japanese cocktails with a Filipino twist, exquisite yakitori, and inventive entrées. The main dining area is dark, melancholy, and red, reflecting the mystery of 19th-century romance. The menu includes robata kushiyaki (fireside skewered meats), tempura, congee, and kare-kare. Popular options include teriyaki chicken and Filipino-style pork belly.
Location: 143 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Teriyaki chicken and Filipino-style pork belly
Price for 2: $120 approx.
Image Credit: Gugu's Room
5. Renee's Kitchenette And Grill
Renee's Kitchenette & Grill is located in the heart of Woodside's "Little Manila" neighbourhood, and their home-style Filipino cuisine attracts customers from all over NYC. It's a mom-and-pop business where you can converse with proprietors Renee and Ernesto Dizon while eating their Sizzling Sisig Special and Kare-Kare dishes, which have been perfected over decades. You can expect a bit of crowds during the live events hosted in these places. Hence, booking a table beforehand would be a wise option.
Location: 69-14 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Sizzling Sisig Special and Kare-Kare
Price for 2: $120 approx.
6. 87 Ludlow
87 Ludlow specialises in Filipino/Spanish tapas, which chef and owner Aris Tuazon has perfected through his travels to Spain and Filipino background. Also, the place is very recognisable as it is named after the street it is located in. Their art-filled dining group is ideal for dining with friends because you may order a variety of sharing dishes such as Oyster Sisig, Pork Belly Adobo Kebabs and Chorizo Shrimp al Ajillo.
Location: 87 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Pork Belly Adobo Kebabs and Chorizo Shrimp al Ajillo
Price for 2: $120 approx.
7. Ihawan
Ihawan, also located in Woodside, serves the best Filipino BBQ food! Their Kapampangan food is exceptional, and it is unquestionably the place to go for meat. You can't go wrong with their no-frills cuisine, which includes sizzling meat, pig, and seafood. You can also appeal to customise the food according to your choice. They also have a separate area of their menu dedicated to house specials.
Location: 40-06 70th St, Woodside, NY 11377, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Grilled Pig and seafood
Price for 2: $120 approx.
You now know where to find roomy eateries that provide group dinners on banana leaves and BBQ joints. There are also taquerias featuring Filipino fusion food for the Ube aficionados. Check out every one of these locations!