Pampanga Food Guide to a Summer Staycation

If you’re planning a staycation in Pampanga, often hailed as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines“, you’re in for a treat.

Known for good food and its distinct Kapampangan cuisine, the province offers a rich feast of flavors to satisfy even the most seasoned food lover. Whether you’re in Angeles City or exploring the more laid-back San Fernando, Pampanga’s food scene is a delightful mix of savory dishes, exotic food, and other unique culinary experiences.

The Ultimate Pampanga Food Guide

We’ll introduce you to some of the best restaurants and food destinations in the province showcasing authentic Kapampangan dishes and flavors that reflect the province’s deep culinary heritage.

1. Susie’s Cuisine

For an introduction to heritage Kapampangan food, Susie’s Cuisine in San Fernando is a must-visit. The restaurant is famed for serving up some of the best Kapampangan dishes in the region.

Try their kare-kareng laman dagat (seafood kare-kare) made with crab fat and a creamy coconut milk-based sauce, which blends Filipino cuisine and the Spanish palate in Kapampangan cooking. Don’t miss their signature pako salad—a local fern salad dressed with shrimp paste that balances out the richness of other dishes.

For dessert, sample their lemoncillo (lime-flavored custard), a distinct Kapampangan treat.

2. Chef Claude Tayag’s Apag Marangle

If you’re looking for an exciting culinary adventure, head to Apag Marangle in Guagua City, the restaurant by world-renowned Chef Claude Tayag.

Known for his unique blend of traditional flavors with modern techniques, Chef Claude serves degustation menus featuring a mix of international and Kapampangan dishes. Notable dishes include sizzling plates of thinly sliced pork and the famous duck stewed in soy sauce showcasing the rich tastes of the province and other ethnic groups surrounding Pampanga.

Chef Tayag’s take on the fermented rice dish (known locally as burung babi) is a unique Kapampangan dish that elevates this fermented delicacy with a sophisticated twist.

3. Razon’s

When it comes to iconic Pampanga restaurants, Razon’s is one name that always comes up. Located in San Fernando, this humble eatery is known for its halo-halo, considered by many to be the best in the province.

However, their menu also includes a wide range of other Kapampangan dishes, such as the savory sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and fried fish served with a side of crab meat and crab fat.

It’s the perfect stop if you want a light yet satisfying meal that highlights the best flavors of the region.

4. Aling Lucing’s Sisig

For most people in the Philippines and even in other countries, Pampanga is synonymous with sisig. No Pampanga food guide would be complete without a mention of Aling Lucing’s Sisig, the birthplace of sisig.

Located in Angeles City, this legendary spot has been serving sisig (sizzling plates of finely chopped pork belly seasoned with calamansi, chili, and soy sauce). Originally made with pig’s head, the sisig at Aling Lucing’s offers an unforgettable distinct taste that will surely leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re a fan of pork or looking to try something new, this is a must-try for anyone exploring Pampanga.

5. 25 Seeds

Located in San Fernando, 25 Seeds Pampanga offers a farm-to-table dining experience that focuses on organic, locally sourced ingredients. Headed by Chef Sau del Rosario, it’s one of Pampanga’s most famous restaurants.

Specializing in both international dishes and Kapampangan food, this restaurant serves a variety of popular Kapampangan dishes, such as kare-kare (a peanut-based stew), chicken saffron rice, and lechon tortilla, a modern twist on the traditional Filipino roast pig wrapped in a soft tortilla.

The restaurant’s eco-conscious setting, surrounded by lush greenery, enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a unique and sustainable meal. At 25 Seeds, you can enjoy Kapampangan cuisine while supporting local farmers and sustainable practices, making it a must-visit for food lovers and eco-conscious diners alike.

6. Sizzling Plate

Sometimes on staycation, you might just want a quick, easy, and satisfying meal.

If you’re in that kind of mood, head over to Sizzling Plate in SM Clark. This restaurant is known for its quick-serve sizzling hot plates of meat (sisig), including minced pork and ground pork, served alongside rice noodles and a refreshing glass of cold drink.

While it also offers a variety of international dishes, its Kapampangan offerings like pork belly dishes and fish sisig never fail to satisfy. The restaurant provides a perfect mix of familiar comfort food and distinct local flavors sure to please everyone.

7. Souq Pampanga

Pampanga is considered a culinary capital not only because of local food but also because of the variety of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.

If you’re looking for Italian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, and maybe Spanish cooking, head to Souq Pampanga. It’s one of the best fusion restaurants in the province.

Located in San Fernando, this chic dining spot is great for when you need to entertain foreign dignitaries, guests, or government officials.

Souq offers a selection of fusion dishes alongside traditional Filipino dishes, such as lechon and fried tofu in a savory soy-based sauce. With its elegant setting and fresh ingredients, Souq Pampanga promises a unique dining experience that combines modernity with tradition.

8. Samgyupsal-Hopping in Koreatown

If you love K-Drama and Korean food, then you’re in luck. Make your way over to the Kapampangan version of Koreatown in Angeles.

The area is now a popular destination for those craving grilled meats or samgyupsal. Offering a selection of pork belly, fried fish, and spicy stews, there are countless restaurants serving hearty meals that are perfect for large groups or casual dining. Some notable samgyupsal restaurants include Donenoo Restaurant, ChonNom, and Quatro Grill.

BONUS: Must-Try Dishes for the Adventurous

A Kapampangan menu is distinct from other cultures. Outside of the typical sisig and kare-kare, there are also some exotic food and delicacies. If you’re entertaining foreign guests or sensitive eaters, however, be warned. If you’re an adventurous eater, then expect memorable gastronomic experiences.

Here are some dishes you won’t find in typical Kapampangan households, but are definitely must-try Kapampangan dishes:

• Spicy monitor lizard stew – an exotic Kapampangan delicacy made from the meat of monitor lizards, often stewed with spices, soy sauce, and local herbs. This dish dates back to the Spanish friars’ time when sailors taught Kapampangans how to prepare such unique and exotic dishes.

• Mole crickets – mole crickets or balang in Kapampangan, are a unique delicacy often stir-fried or cooked in a savory sauce. This dish dates back to the Spanish colonial period, when Kapampangans, known for their resourcefulness, used insects from rice fields like mole crickets as a protein source. It reflects how Kapampangans can adapt to whatever local ingredients they have access to.

• Spicy dog stew – a traditional Kapampangan delicacy made from dog meat, seasoned with local produce and herbs. This dish has historical ties to Kapampangan households during the challenging Spanish era, when the locals utilized all available ingredients, including dog meat, for sustenance – another sign of Kapampangans’ resourcefulness.

• Stuffed Frogs

Where to Stay in Pampanga

There’s nothing like staycation-ing in the culinary capital of the Philippines. Pampanga is a treasure trove of authentic Kapampangan food that continues to attract food lovers from around the world.

If you’re looking for the best place to live in Pampanga, whether you’re staying for just a few days or moving there for good, Camella Pampanga’s got you covered.

Living in Camella properties in Pampanga—such as Camella Fiorenza, Camella Pampanga, and Camella Sorrento—offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and accessibility. These Camella communities provide modern homes, quality amenities, and strategic locations near key areas like Angeles City and San Fernando. Additionally, you’ll have numerous amazing restaurants at your doorstep.

Ideal for families and professionals, Camella in Pampanga offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, making the developments excellent choices for living in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.

With its rich history rooted in Spanish rule and ethnic groups who influenced local cuisine, Pampanga’s food scene is a true reflection of its cultural depth. Whether you’re enjoying a sizzling plate at Aling Lucing’s or indulging in modern takes on Kapampangan dishes at Apag Marangle, each meal you savor will deepen your appreciation for this province’s unique and deeply rooted culinary traditions.