Located in the heart of Manila, Ermita is a bustling district known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. However, beyond its famous tourist spots, Ermita is also a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to various tastes and budgets. From traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors, Ermita’s culinary scene is a reflection of the district’s cosmopolitan character. In this blog post, we will explore the best places to eat in Ermita, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Traditional Filipino Cuisine
Ermita is home to many restaurants that serve authentic Filipino dishes, often using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Here are some of the top places to try traditional Filipino cuisine:
Adobo
Adobo is a classic Filipino dish made with marinated meat or seafood cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. Some of the best places to try adobo in Ermita include:
- Barrio Fiesta: This popular restaurant has been serving adobo and other Filipino favorites for over 50 years. Their adobo is cooked to perfection, with tender meat and a rich, savory sauce.
- El Cirkulo de la Union: This historic restaurant has been a Manila institution since 1871. Their adobo is a must-try, with a flavorful sauce and tender chicken or pork.
- Barrio Fiesta’s sister restaurant, Barrio Fiesta de las Islas, also serves excellent adobo.
Lechon
Lechon is a classic Filipino dish made with roasted pork that’s been slow-cooked over charcoal. Some of the best places to try lechon in Ermita include:
- Barrio Fiesta: This restaurant offers a delicious lechon that’s slow-cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat.
- Lechon de Leche: This restaurant specializes in lechon and offers a variety of flavors, including classic, spicy, and garlic.
Other Traditional Filipino Dishes
Ermita is also home to many restaurants that serve other traditional Filipino dishes, including:
- Chicken Inasal: This popular dish is made with grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of spices and vinegar. Some of the best places to try chicken inasal in Ermita include Barrio Fiesta and Chicken Inasal sa Balic-Balic.
- Batchoy: This noodle soup is made with pork organs, crushed pork cracklings, and shrimp. Some of the best places to try batchoy in Ermita include La Maja Blanca and Batchoy sa Balic-Balic.
International Cuisine
Ermita is also home to many restaurants that serve international cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American food. Here are some of the top places to try international cuisine:
Chinese Food
Ermita is home to many Chinese restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, including: (See Also: Where to Eat in Trincomalee? Best Local Spots)
- Dim Sum: Some of the best places to try dim sum in Ermita include Tim Ho Wan and Crystal Jade.
- Wonton Noodles: This popular dish is made with thin noodles and wontons filled with shrimp or pork. Some of the best places to try wonton noodles in Ermita include Tim Ho Wan and Wonton Noodles sa Balic-Balic.
Japanese Food
Ermita is also home to many Japanese restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, including:
- Sushi: Some of the best places to try sushi in Ermita include Sushi Saito and Sushi Zo.
- Ramen: This popular noodle soup is made with pork or chicken broth and topped with vegetables and meat. Some of the best places to try ramen in Ermita include Ramen Nagi and Ippudo.
Korean Food
Ermita is also home to many Korean restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, including:
- BBQ: Some of the best places to try Korean BBQ in Ermita include Hanilkwan and Korean BBQ sa Balic-Balic.
- Bibimbap: This popular rice bowl dish is made with mixed vegetables and meat. Some of the best places to try bibimbap in Ermita include Hanilkwan and Bibimbap sa Balic-Balic.
American Food
Ermita is also home to many American restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, including:
- Burgers: Some of the best places to try burgers in Ermita include Burger King and Jollibee.
- Steak: This popular dish is made with grilled steak served with vegetables and potatoes. Some of the best places to try steak in Ermita include Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse.
Cafes and Bakeries
Ermita is also home to many cafes and bakeries that serve a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Here are some of the top places to try:
Coffee Shops
Ermita is home to many coffee shops that serve a variety of coffee drinks, including:
- Starbucks: This popular coffee chain has several locations in Ermita, including one on Roxas Boulevard.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: This coffee shop serves a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and frappes.
Bakeries
Ermita is also home to many bakeries that serve a variety of pastries, including: (See Also: Where to Eat in Rye? Culinary Delights Await)
- Goldilocks: This popular bakery serves a variety of pastries, including cakes, muffins, and bread.
- Red Ribbon: This bakery serves a variety of pastries, including cakes, muffins, and bread.
Food Courts and Markets
Ermita is also home to several food courts and markets that offer a variety of dining options. Here are some of the top places to try:
Food Courts
Ermita is home to several food courts that offer a variety of dining options, including:
- Greenhills Shopping Center: This popular shopping center has a food court that serves a variety of Filipino and international dishes.
- Robinsons Place Manila: This shopping mall has a food court that serves a variety of Filipino and international dishes.
Markets
Ermita is also home to several markets that offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Here are some of the top places to try:
- Divisoria: This popular market is known for its affordable prices and wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood.
- Quiapo Market: This market is known for its fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as its affordable prices.
Recap
Ermita is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to various tastes and budgets. From traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors, Ermita’s culinary scene is a reflection of the district’s cosmopolitan character. Whether you’re in the mood for adobo, lechon, or sushi, Ermita has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ve highlighted some of the top places to eat in Ermita, including traditional Filipino restaurants, international cuisine, cafes, and bakeries. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your dining itinerary during your visit to Ermita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the best places to eat in Ermita?
A: Some of the best places to eat in Ermita include Barrio Fiesta, El Cirkulo de la Union, and Tim Ho Wan. These restaurants serve a variety of traditional Filipino and international dishes.
Q: What are some of the best places to try Filipino cuisine in Ermita?
A: Some of the best places to try Filipino cuisine in Ermita include Barrio Fiesta, El Cirkulo de la Union, and Adobo sa Balic-Balic. These restaurants serve a variety of traditional Filipino dishes, including adobo, lechon, and batchoy. (See Also: Where to Eat in Sharjah? Culinary Delights Await)
Q: What are some of the best places to try international cuisine in Ermita?
A: Some of the best places to try international cuisine in Ermita include Tim Ho Wan, Sushi Saito, and Ippudo. These restaurants serve a variety of international dishes, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine.
Q: What are some of the best places to try coffee and pastries in Ermita?
A: Some of the best places to try coffee and pastries in Ermita include Starbucks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Goldilocks. These coffee shops and bakeries serve a variety of coffee drinks and pastries.
Q: What are some of the best places to try fresh produce, meats, and seafood in Ermita?
A: Some of the best places to try fresh produce, meats, and seafood in Ermita include Divisoria and Quiapo Market. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood at affordable prices.