Pampanga is a relatively large province in the Philippines, located about an hour and a half northwest of Manila. The region holds fascinating tourist destinations, such as Mt. Pinatubo, a volcano known as the “Beautiful Disaster” because of its breathtaking splendor and dangerous fury (see 1991 Mt. Pinatubo Eruption). An interesting fact about that cataclysmic eruption: we lived about a hundred kilometers away, and the ashes from Mt. Pinatubo still reached our location.
Now, Pampanga may be known for exciting nature trips, but Filipinos primarily and fondly know it as the Cuisine Capital of the Philippines. This is because Pampanga and its people, Kapampangans or Pampango, are incredibly well-versed in culinary art. There is a saying that if you marry someone from Pampanga, your tummy will forever be blissful.
8 Most Delicious Places to Eat in Pampanga
With the province having such a moniker, you can bet that Pampanga is the top spot to visit in the Philippines for foodies. So, to help you plan out your food trip, I have included the best must-visit places to eat in the province of Pampanga. So, ready your tummy as this will be one mouthwatering ride.
1. Atching Lilian
– A Local Legend in Kapampangan Cuisine
Address: 2021, 174 3, Mexico, Pampanga
Atching Lilian Borromeo, or just Atching Lilian (Atching is the Kapampangan equivalent of “ate” or “big sister“) is one of, if not the last remaining makers of traditional Pampanga cuisine. Dubbed as the “Guardian of Pampanga Recipes,” Atching Lilian is the foremost name in Pampanga foods.
Atching Lilian’s name is often associated with traditional Kapampangan foods. She is the most sought-after in the province for those looking to taste Pampanga’s classic dishes in their purest form.
Please note that Atching Lilian does not operate a restaurant and primarily cooks from her home. However, you can book a reservation to dine in her dining room, where she will cook you Kapampangan food. So, if you are going to Pampanga to taste their world-class cuisines, Atching Lilian’s legendary cooking skills should be at the top of your list.
2. Aling Lucing’s Sisig
– Take a Bite of the Iconic Pork Sisig Made by the Queen of Sisig Herself
Address: Glaciano Valdez St. Agapito del Rosario, Angeles City, Pampanga
One of the Philippines’ favorite dishes is the Sisig, which originated from Pampanga. The Sisig is a dish that uses sliced pork face that is then boiled and grilled to give it that crunchy texture. In addition, it is cooked in onions and chili, which give it a spicy taste. Other Sisig versions add pork liver and chicken to enhance its flavor further.
If you are in Pampanga craving the iconic dish, there is no place better to go than Aling Lucing’s Sisig restaurant. The long-standing diner has been serving Sisig since the 70s, and they have practically perfected the recipe. Hence, Aling Lucing has been dubbed the “Sisig Queen” because she can cook you a delicious hot sizzling plate of Sisig with her eyes closed.
Of course, Sisig isn’t the only dish that Aling Lucing’s Sisig restaurant offers. For example, the towka’t baboy (fried tofu and pork) is often partnered with Sisig, liempo (fried pork belly), and other classic grilled dishes.
3. Matam-ih Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine
– The Best Place to Taste the More Exotic Side of Pampanga’s Signature Cuisine
Address: M.A. Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles 2009 Pampanga
This restaurant offers exotic Kapampangan dishes for those with a more adventurous palate. The restaurant’s name, “Matam-ih” is from the native Aeta dialect, which means “delicious,” They indeed prove that claim. The Matam-ih Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine should be on your itinerary when going to Pampanga, especially if the food is one of your main reasons for visiting the province.
Piece of friendly advice, though, check their menu beforehand as the foods there are pretty exotic. Their popular dishes include Filipino favorites such as sisig and chicharon bulaklak. In addition, the restaurant offers dishes that incorporate crocodile meat for those who are game to take a bite out of the wilder cuisines. There is also the favorite beer food of people in Pampanga, the fried adobo cricket.
As I said, this restaurant includes some of the more niche Pampanga local cuisines. So if ever you want to try those dishes that locals love, I suggest checking out the Matam-ih restaurant to get your foodie fix.
4. Bale Datung Downtown Café
– World-Class Menu with a Pampanga Twist
Address: Unit 1B, The Quad at Nepo Plaridel Street Barangay, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga
One of Pampanga’s most famous dishes is their Paella with a twist. Bringhe is a dish made from glutinous rice, chicken, coconut milk, egg, ginger, and bell peppers. This is a classic Pampanga dish that is both delectable and filling.
Bale Datung serves one of the best versions of this recipe and is founded by Chef Claude Tayag. This restaurant is one of the most visited in Pampanga and was even featured by the late chef Anthony Bourdain in his show.
In commemoration of the beloved international chef, Anthony Bourdain, Bale Datung even created a special menu called the, you guessed it, The Anthony Bourdain menu. This special menu consists of Lechon tortilla, esaladang pako, sisig babi, and one of my favorite desserts, tibuk-tibuk.
Bale Datung serves pretty large meals, making it a great place to eat with a group of friends. The menu is also quite diverse, and you will likely find something that captures everyone’s palate.
5. Apag Marangle
– Another Excellent Place to Taste Pampanga’s More Niche Cuisine
Address: Jose Abad Santos Ave., Sta. Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga 2001
Another spot to challenge your palate with Pampanga’s more exotic dishes, the Apag Marangle specializes in that unique Kapampangan recipe that uses meat from a whole different category. Go to this restaurant if you want to try dishes such as deep-fried frog stuffed with pork or shrimp to enhance its already delicious flavor. You might not be surprised to hear this, but frog meat tastes quite similar to chicken.
If you are going for authentic countryside dishes of Pampanga, then Apag Marangle is one of the best places to satisfy that craving. The restaurant’s name translates to “served on a farm,” which captures the essence of their eclectic menu.
6. Bale Capampangan
– An All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Featuring All of Pampanga’s Greatest Hits
Address: Km 69 MacArthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga
Bale Capampangan is another top-tier restaurant in Pampanga that serves classic Kapampangan dishes. Their extensive menu includes all-time favorites such as Sisig and Lechon kawali and is also available for take-out. What separates Bale Capampangan from the rest, though, is their All-You-Can-Eat buffet which is worth every penny, to be honest.
Bale Capampangan will give you every bang for your buck if you prefer buffets. The restaurant offers all the all-time classic favorites in its buffet selection. In addition, customers will enjoy an unlimited serving of dozens of mouthwatering meals.
Please keep in mind that due to the restaurant’s reputation and popularity, the place is usually fully booked throughout the day. Therefore, you might need to wait a bit before getting inside. As you wait, you can check out the art on display which features Pampanga’s rich history and culture.
7. Piccolo Padre
– Pampanga’s Best Fine Dining Experience
Address: Black Pearl Aklan Oyster Resto 41-80H, Zeppelin, Hensonville, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga
Pampanga’s Piccolo Padre offers both delectable delicacy and an elegant atmosphere for those looking to enjoy some luxurious fine dining. The restaurant is located inside the Prime Asia Hotel and is not only known for its Italian cuisine but also its cavalcade of mouthwatering seafood.
The elegance of the architecture found in Piccolo Padre further adds to its charm. This fine-dining restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners and celebrations. Have your wallet ready, as this place is not cheap. However, the grand interior and tasty menu make it all worth it.
8. Abe’s Farm
– Experience the Rustic Pampanga Farm Life with Delicious Fresh Kapampangan Meals
Address: Magalang, Pampanga
With a picturesque backdrop consisting of Mt. Arayat, Abe’s Farm is one of the more aesthetically pleasing restaurants that you can find in Pampanga. The farm’s restaurant serves classic Pampanga food such as liempo, spicy sizzling Sisig, and sinigang na Bangus with bayabas (sour milkfish soup). The place also serves the more exotic Kapampangan cuisine, like fried mole cricket and fried frog with pork/shrimp stuffing.
After a hearty meal, you can also pamper yourself further with their spa treatment facilities. There is also a museum that features the works of writer Emilio “Abe” Aguilar Cruz, the farm’s namesake. You can also try out some of Pampanga’s healthier dishes like the Pako Salad, a fresh salad that mixes onions, tomatoes, ferns, and salted eggs, and is coated with sweet and sour vinaigrette.
Additionally, Abe’s Farm offers overnight stays for those who want to take full advantage of its tranquil countryside farm experience.