Best Restaurants Near Ninoy Aquino International Airport — Eat Like a Local

Manila guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arriving in Manila: A Foodie's Guide to Your First Few Hours

After landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you'll likely be eager to explore the city's culinary scene. Fortunately, you're in luck – Manila is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of delicious dishes to try.

Grabbing a Quick Bite at the Airport

You can grab a quick bite at the airport's various restaurants, including the food court on the 3rd floor of Terminal 3. Try a plate of adobo or sinigang for a taste of the Philippines' national cuisine.

Getting to the City

From the airport, you have several options for getting to the city. You can take a taxi, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the P2P (Premium Point-to-Point) bus, which will take around 30 minutes. The fare for the bus is around PHP 150-200 (approximately USD 3-4), while a taxi ride will cost around PHP 300-500 (approximately USD 6-10).

Exploring the City's Food Scene

Manila is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary offerings. Here are a few must-visit areas for foodies:

The Binondo District: Manila's Chinatown

The Binondo District is the world's oldest Chinatown, and it's a food lover's dream come true. Try some dim sum at one of the many restaurants on Ongpin Street, or grab a plate of siomai (Philippine-style dumplings) at a street food stall.

The Ermita District: Seafood and Street Food

The Ermita District is a bustling neighborhood that's home to some of Manila's best seafood restaurants. Try some grilled fish at one of the many street food stalls, or visit the famous Ermita Night Market for a wide variety of street food options.

The Malate District: A Mix of Filipino and International Cuisine

The Malate District is a vibrant neighborhood that's home to a mix of Filipino and international restaurants. Try some Filipino-style barbecue at a street food stall, or visit one of the many restaurants on Roxas Boulevard for a taste of international cuisine.

What to Avoid in Manila

While Manila is a city of contrasts, there are some areas that are best avoided. Here are a few neighborhoods to steer clear of:

The Divisoria Market: A Chaotic and Crowded Area

The Divisoria Market is a bustling area that's home to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from clothing to electronics. While it's a great place to find deals, it's also a chaotic and crowded area that's best avoided.

The Tondo District: A Neighborhood with a High Crime Rate

The Tondo District is a neighborhood with a high crime rate, and it's best avoided at night. While it's a great place to visit during the day, it's not a safe area to explore after dark.

Final Tips and Recommendations

Before you head out to explore Manila's food scene, here are a few final tips and recommendations:

Be Prepared for Crowds and Traffic

Manila is a crowded and chaotic city, and you should be prepared for traffic and crowds. Try to avoid rush hour, and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Try the Local Cuisine

Manila is a city of delicious food, and you should try the local cuisine as much as possible. From adobo to sinigang, there are many dishes to try.

Don't Forget to Try the Street Food

Street food is a big part of Manila's culinary scene, and you should try some of the many options available. From siomai to grilled fish, there are many delicious options to choose from.

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to explore Manila's food scene. Just remember to be prepared for crowds and traffic, try the local cuisine, and don't forget to try the street food. And when you're ready to exchange your money, consider using a reliable currency exchange service like Portability to get the best rates.