Filipino Food Spots: Roberto’s, Kitch Café & Buko Pie Guide

We spend a lot of time on this site talking about global chains. Don’t get me wrong, I love knowing exactly what a Big Mac costs in Canada or finding a KFC bucket deal in the UAE. But if I’m being completely honest, the food memories that really stick with me are the ones from small, local joints. Specifically, the ones back in the Philippines.

Why Filipino Food Spots Leave Lasting Memories

Whenever someone asks me for local food recommendations, my mind immediately goes to Iloilo City. You just can’t talk about Iloilo without mentioning Roberto’s. It’s an absolute institution.

I remember standing in line there, the smell of steamed dough and sweet meat practically driving me crazy. You go there for the Queen Siopao.

It’s this massive, ridiculous steamed bun stuffed with bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken, and egg. They don’t even serve sauce with it because it’s already so juicy inside.

Back in the day, figuring out their pricing was a word-of-mouth thing. You just showed up, hoped they weren’t sold out, and paid whatever they asked because it was that good.

A Cozy Spot for Food, Coffee, and Creativity

On a totally different note, when I wanted to get some writing done, Kitch Café was my hideout. It had this very relaxed, French-inspired comfort food vibe. Finding a cafe that doesn’t feel overly commercialized is getting harder these days.

Kitch had this feel-good atmosphere where you could order a warm meal, pull out your laptop, and just lose track of time. I used to sit there for hours editing photos and organizing my chaotic notes on local food prices.

No Laguna Road Trip Is Complete Without Traditional Buko Pie

And then, there are road trips. You can’t do a road trip through Laguna without stopping for traditional Buko Pie. It’s practically a law.

There is nothing quite like opening a cardboard box in the backseat of a car and eating a slice of young coconut pie while it’s still burning hot. The crust is flaky, the coconut is tender, and it’s not overwhelmingly sweet. It is just pure, simple comfort.

Read more: The Leather Bags That Traveled the World With Me

Why Local Food Experiences Matter More Than Famous Restaurant Chains

Tracking global restaurant menus is what we do best now. But exploring these local corners, whether it’s a legendary siopao or a roadside pie stand, is what made me fall in love with food travel in the first place.