A cosmopolitan hub, Miami is home to just about every ethnic group—and their exciting cuisines—imaginable. From restaurants cooking up home-style classics to contemporary kitchens serving fusion fare, eateries across the city are dishing out Filipino flavors. Here are 10 of our favorite spots to enjoy the tastes of the Philippines in South Florida.
At his restaurants in Miami Beach, New York, and beyond, Chef Dale Talde, who is of Filipino descent, captivates cosmopolitan diners with his East-meets-West cuisine. Leave it to a Top Chef alum (and the mind behind such unorthodox concoctions as the Philly cheesesteak bao) to put a spin on the cultural classic halo-halo. Talde Miami Beach’s incarnation of the sweet treat, which always involves shaved ice and creamy coconut milk, features fresh mango and pineapple, matcha drizzle, and Cap’n Crunch pieces.
Upscale eatery Pao by Paul Qui brings modern Asian flavor and flair to Miami Beach. Here, cosmopolitan crowds and fans of fusion cuisine can enjoy Filipino ceviche, pork-adobo rice, and Filipino-style carnitas. The restaurant, boasting gorgeously plated food and breathtaking ocean views, makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Specializing in what it refers to as “Asian funk fusion,” Sakaya Kitchen shines for its remixed Korean cuisine. Renowned Chef Richard Hales extends his adventurous approach to the traditional lumpia, a fried and filled roll widely enjoyed in the Philippines. At Hales’ kitchen, the snacks come stuffed with shrimp, green beans, sautéed onions, and juicy shredded pork, made tender to the touch by nearly 40 hours of roasting.
The same team behind locally beloved Toni’s Sushi Bar brings you Shokudo, a stylish Asian bistro and mixology bar. Snag a seat in the spot’s cozy sake lounge, and dig into contemporary Filipino desserts, such as halo-halo topped with jackfruit and mango mochi and a caramelized banana, cream cheese, and caramel-stuffed spring roll.
At Lutong Pinoy Filipino Cuisine, North Miami noshers gobble up street food staples enjoyed across the Philippines. Trust the spot’s ever-present crowd, and brave Miami traffic for a taste of Lutong Pinoy’s sweet bacon sandwiches, adobo fried rice, salted duck egg salad, and pan-fried Filipino hot dogs.
Promising diners a taste of “authentic Filipino cuisine and Filipino hospitality,” Manila Grill and BBQ delivers with mouthwatering home-style cooking and a friendly Filipino staff. Classic dishes such as kare kare anddeep-fried pork belly are expertly prepared here, but it’s the restaurant’s traditional breakfast plates that steal the show. Filipino sweet sausages, cured pork, meaty milkfish, and garlicky rice provide a satisfying, savory start to your day.
Located within the popularly used Dadeland Station, Lan Pan Asian Cafe is a favorite fast-dining destination amongst Miami’s commuters and in-the-know foodies. Traditional Filipino plates, such as green papaya salad and garlic fried rice topped with pork and fried eggs, shine at this casual establishment. Also featuring flavors from Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, and beyond, the café’s expansive menu invites you to eat your away across Asia without leaving the city.
Don’t be fooled by Pampanguena’s compact size—this small spot packs huge flavor. Part family-style restaurant and part grocery store, this casual establishment cooks up cultural classics such as sizzling sisig, lumpia, and Filipino-style spaghetti. Conveniently offering every hard-to-find Filipino ingredient you might need, Pampanguena makes it easy to enjoy the flavors of the Philippines at home.
Come to AKLAN with a hearty appetite—or plans to enjoy leftovers at home. Deep-fried whole fish, adobo-braised pork, meaty tamarind stew, and Filipino-style omelets are just a sampling of the fusion fare served up at this all-you-can-eat establishment. Boasting an exceptionally charming, knowledgable Filipino staff, AKLAN makes eating out feel like a family affair.
One of many fusion eateries on the local restaurant scene, Lee Sushi stands out for its unique Japanese-meets-Filipino flavors. Here, riffs on Filipino classics include adobo-braised pork served atop Japanese sticky rice and green papaya salad infused with spicy shredded crab.
