7 Best Places to Eat in Pampanga

A province renowned as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” Pampangan is a gastronomic haven that boasts a rich culinary heritage with a blend of Spanish, Kapampangan, and Asian influences.

We all know that Pampanga is the home of the famed “Sisig,” a sizzling pork dish. However, the province has much more to offer.

Pampanga’s culinary scene offers an extraordinary trip through cuisines that have pleased generations, from vibrant street food booths to exquisite fine dining.

Here are a few Pampanga restaurants to satisfy your cravings:

1. Everybody’s Cafe

Everybody’s Cafe, located in San Fernando, started out as a small eatery serving simple Filipino dishes, such as pancit luglug and mami in 1967.

Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most popular restaurants in Pampanga, known for its authentic Kapampangan cuisine. Their menu emphasizes Pampanga’s rich flavors and unique culinary traditions.

Order their bestsellers sisig (sizzling pork), kare-kare, bringhe (a local version of paella), and morcon (stuffed beef roll).

FB: https://www.facebook.com/everybodyscafepampanga/

2. Bale Dutung

Situated in a gated community in Angeles City, Pampanga, Bale Dutung is a private dining space owned by Chef Claude Tayag, a Kapampangan chef, author, and one of the country’s culinary giants.

“House of wood” is the literal Kapampangan term for Bale Dutung. The house is largely composed of wood, and is filled with antiques, artwork, and retro memorabilia emanating a sensory experience in and of itself, which is clearly a reflection of Chef Claude, who is also an artist.

Bale Dutung provides a degustation experience, which is a multi-course meal highlighting the best of Kapampangan cuisine. The dishes are made with traditional methods and ingredients, and the flavors are genuinely one-of-a-kind. Must-tries include Kare-kareng Lamang Dagat, Lechon, and Beef Caldereta.

A quick trivia, did you know that the late Anthony Bourdain visited this restaurant during his No Reservations episode in the Philippines?

FB: https://www.facebook.com/baledutungenterprisesph

3. Binulo Restaurant

Binulo Restaurant derived its name from the ancient method of cooking food in bamboo tubes known as “binulo.”

This restaurant in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City offers authentic Kapampangan cuisines. One of the dishes that you must not skip is their Pangat na Ulang. With its tangy and rich flavored soup, a second cup of rice is in order.

Other dishes to try out here are Kare-kare, crispy binagoongan, and their light yet hearty paco salad.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/binulo

4. SOUQ

SOUQ is a food hall concept restaurant in Lazatin Boulevard, San Fernando. The restaurant is built in an old warehouse that has been refurbished, and the inside is designed to resemble a traditional souq (marketplace). Its high ceilings and natural lighting gives the dining space a sleek, airy, and homey vibe.

If you’re looking for Kapampangan cuisines with a modern flair, this place is perfect. They also serve Italian and some fusion cuisines.

For starters, their Firecracker Belly is an absolute delight. It’s tasty, and with a texture reminiscent of a calamari. For pasta, their Pasta sa Taba ng Alimango and Seafood Marinara are crowd favorites.

Their Krispy Liempo Kare-Kare is one of their bestsellers. With its thick peanut sauce and crispy pork, you can never go wrong with this dish. Another must-try is their Asado Matwa. The meat is so tender that it literally falls off the bone. The sauce will remind you of kaldereta, but different.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/souqofficialaccount

5. Abe’s Farm

Wanting to hit three birds with one stone, or should we say one trip? Then head over to Abe’s Farm.

This restaurant, resort, and museum is located in Magalang, Pampanga. Set in a lush garden, Abe’s Farm offers traditional Filipino dishes, which of course include Kapampangan delicacies.

Some of the dishes that people rave about here are Bamboo Rice, Paco Fern and Tomato Salad, Crispy Pata, and Binukadkad na Pla-pla.

Are you in the mood for something different? Then, order their Betute. Betute is stuffed frogs packed with ground pork and seasonings and deep-fried, usually served with a vinegar, onion, and chili pepper dipping sauce.

What’s amazing about dining here at Abe’s Farm is that after your meal, you can stroll around the area and visit the farm’s herbal garden and gift shop.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AbesFarmPH

6. Apag Marangle

Located in Guagua, Pampanga, Apag Marangle is another go-to restaurant in the province. The name translates to “food being served in the field or farm concept” in Kapampangan. If you want to dine in a restaurant surrounded by trees and plants, this is the perfect choice.

The food here is superb. Aside from the infamous authentic Kapampangan sisig, you also have to order their Begukan, which is the province’s version of pork binagoongan, and Tidtad, their version of dinuguan. Their relyenong bangus is also a must-try!

If you’re going here as a group, better order their boodle fight sets that range from P1700 to P4000.

From vegetable dishes to more exotic choices, you’re in for some culinary treat.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/apagmarangle

7. BIF’s Smoke Grill

If you’re on the lookout for dishes other than Kapampangan local cuisines, head over to BIF’s Smoke & Grill.

BIF’s Smoke & Grill, located in Angeles City, is a popular spot for barbecue lovers. They have a wide array of food choices. For starters, order their chipotle chili fries, nacho stack, and chili con brisket. If you’re into greens, their caesar salad is a good choice.

Then, of course, you have to order one of their burgers and sandwiches. Some of the crowd faves are the BIF’s American Classic American Burger and the Texas BBQ Burger.

Craving for steaks? They serve T-bone, Rib eye, and Porterhouse hot off the grill. Best chomped down with their side dishes, whether it’s crispy fries, corn wheels, or homemade pickles, there’s many to choose from here.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BifsSmokeandGrill