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Are you looking for the best Filipino food in San Diego? Well, you’re in luck because this city has some of the best Filipino restaurants around. San Diego is home to a large and vibrant Filipino community, and as a result, there are many great places to find Filipino dishes. From chicken adobo to garlic fried rice and to Filipino street food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Keep reading to learn more about the best Filipino food in San Diego that you need to try.
Filipino Restaurants In San Diego
If you’re in the mood for some delicious and authentic Filipino food, San Diego is the place to be! From flavorful dishes like adobo , fried rice, and sinigang to sweet desserts like halo-halo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to get Filipino cuisine in San Diego:
Mission Asian Market Mission
This market has a great selection of great-tasting Filipino food, as well as other Asian cuisines. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of the food is superb. Worth checking out!
3320 Mission Ave Ste L (at Roymar Rd), Oceanside, CA, 92058
Manila Fast Food & Desserts
This restaurant is famous for its halo-halo, which is a dessert made with shaved ice, condensed milk, fruits, and beans. It’s also known for its legit Filipino food like rice dishes and chicken adobo. The portions are generous and the price is right.
8915-8945, 8979 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Max’s Restaurant
Max’s is a chain restaurant originating from the Philippines. It’s well-known for its fried chicken, which is marinated overnight and then fried to perfection. The restaurant also serves other Filipino staples like pancit and lumpia. The servings are large and the prices are reasonable.
8285 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
Zarlitos Family Restaurant
This restaurant is family owned and operated, and it shows in the quality of the food. The servings are hearty, and the flavor is spot on. If you’re looking for a home-cooked meal, this is the place to go. Check it out!
505 E 8th St, National City, CA 91950
Carin de Ria
This restaurant specializes in seafood, and it doesn’t disappoint. The crab cakes are some of the best in town, and the shrimp curry, and vegetable coconut stew is to die for. If you love seafood, you’ll definitely want to give this place a try.
124 W I St, Encinitas, CA 92024
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National City Restaurant
National City is home to some of the best Filipino food in San Diego. The restaurant scene here is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dish or something new and innovative, you’re sure to find it in National City.
From family-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone in the restaurant. And with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect meal to satisfy your appetite.
A List Of Filipino Foods
One of the best things about the Philippines is its vibrant street food scene. Visitors can find all kinds of tasty treats being sold by vendors on the streets, including grilled meats on skewers, banana cue (fried bananas coated in caramel), and fish balls (deep-fried fish paste). Yum!
The yummy Filipino cuisine is a delicious melting pot of different cultures and influences. From the Spanish to the Chinese to the Americans, all sorts of flavors have made their way into Filipino dishes. And we’re not just talking about the big cities like Manila. Even in rural areas, you’ll find unique and mouth-watering dishes that will make your taste buds jump for joy.
So, what are some of the best Filipino foods you should try? Here’s a list of must-try dishes that will leave you wanting more.
Adobo
This is probably the most famous Filipino dish there is. It’s garlic chicken stewed in soy sauce and vinegar, and it’s delicious. Adobo can be served with rice or eaten on its own as an appetizer. Make sure you try this dish when you’re in the Philippines!
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Pancit
Pancit is a noodle dish that can be made with different kinds of noodles, meats, and vegetables. It’s usually served as a main course, but it can also be eaten as a snack or side dish. Pancit is a very popular dish in the Philippines and is often served at parties and celebrations.
Garlic Fried Rice
One of the most popular dishes in Filipino cuisine, garlic fried rice is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Traditionally made with long-grain rice, garlic, onions, and sometimes green peas, this dish is typically served with grilled meats or chicken adobo. For an extra savory kick, many restaurants will also top their garlic fried rice with a sunny-side-up egg.
Filipino Desserts
No meal would be complete without dessert! And in Filipino cuisine, there are plenty of delicious sweets to choose from. Popular desserts include turon (fried plantains with brown sugar), halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert topped with fruits and beans), Leche flan (a custard dessert similar to crème brûlée), and ube halaya (a purple yam pudding).
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Lumpia
Lumpia are Philippine spring rolls that are filled with meat and vegetables, then fried to perfection. They can be served as an appetizer or main course, depending on how they’re prepared. Lumpia is a must-try for anyone visiting the Philippines!
Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is a Filipino dessert that means “mix-mix.” It’s a mix of fruits, beans, Coconut milk, ice cream, and shaved ice, topped with Leche flan. Halo-halo is a truly unique dessert that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Fried Chicken
Last but not least, no discussion of Filipino food would be complete without mentioning fried chicken. A popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and weddings, fried chicken is often served with dipping sauces such as vinegar or soy sauce.
The key to perfectly crispy fried chicken? Double Fry! This means frying the chicken once at a lower temperature to cook it through, then frying it again at a higher temperature to get that crispy golden brown skin. Delicious!
Conclusion:
San Diego is home to a large community of Filipino Americans, and as a result, there are many excellent Filipino restaurants in the area. One of the best things about Filipino cuisine is its diversity – dishes can be sweet, savory, or even spicy.
And because it is heavily influenced by both Spanish and Chinese cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For those looking for a truly authentic experience, check out the restaurants discussed above.
These restaurants specialize in home-style cooking, and the menu features all of the classic dishes that one would expect to find in the Philippines. Whatever your preference, you are sure to find some delicious Filipino food in San Diego.