Best Food in Palawan: El Nido & Puerto Princesa | Homejourney Guide

If you are searching for the Best Food and Restaurants in Palawan El Nido and Puerto Princesa, focus on three zones: El Nido Town/Lio/Corong-Corong for island‑hopping pre‑ and post‑tour meals, plus Puerto Princesa’s city centre for authentic Palawan Filipino cuisine and seafood. Together they give you the best mix of beach‑front sunset dining, affordable local grills, and reliable cafés that work well for Singapore travellers used to efficient, safe, and well‑organised experiences.

This food‑focused guide is a tactical companion to our main destination piece, “Palawan Philippines: El Nido & Puerto Princesa Guide | Homejourney” Palawan Philippines: El Nido & Puerto Princesa Guide | Homejourney . Here we zoom in specifically on where and what to eat, with practical comparisons and tips for Singapore visitors who may also be exploring Asian real estate opportunities through Homejourney.

Why Palawan’s Food Scene Appeals to Singapore Travellers

Palawan Philippines – especially El Nido and Puerto Princesa – offers a food scene that balances familiar comfort (grilled seafood, rice dishes, Asian flavours) with adventurous options (Tamilok, crocodile sisig) at prices that feel very reasonable compared with Singapore. A proper seafood dinner with grilled fish, sides and drinks in El Nido can be as low as SGD 10–18 per person in a local grill, and SGD 25–40 in a mid‑range sunset bar, based on recent menus and traveller reports.[1][3]

From Singapore, most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa then connect to El Nido by van or domestic flight. Because the journey can be long, planning where to eat on your first and last nights – especially near your hotel – is one of the easiest ways to upgrade the whole trip experience.

Best Food & Restaurants in El Nido: Where to Eat Before & After Island Hopping

El Nido is compact: most restaurants in town are within a 5–10 minute walk of the main beachfront and tour departure points, while Corong‑Corong and Lio Beach are a short tricycle ride away. That makes it easy to schedule meals around your island‑hopping tours.

1. Sunset & Beachfront Dining (El Nido Town & Corong‑Corong)

AP Kala Beach Bar is a popular choice for a pre‑sunset or post‑tour dinner, right along the water near El Nido Town Square.[1] It is known for a slightly more upscale vibe, long opening hours (around 7am–1am), and excellent bay views – useful if you want one reliable, all‑day spot close to many hotels and guesthouses.[1]

On Corong‑Corong Beach, Bella Vita El Nido stands out for Italian pizzas, burrata and wine directly on the sand, with strong sunset views and a romantic feel.[1][3] Expect pricing closer to Singapore casual Italian restaurants, but still cheaper overall – think SGD 15–25 per person for pizza and drinks.

Insider tip from a Singapore perspective: Book your first night at Corong‑Corong or in town within 10 minutes’ walk of the beachfront. After a long day of diving or Tours A/C, being able to shower and walk straight to Bella Vita or AP Kala without bargaining for a tricycle feels very similar to staying near an MRT interchange in Singapore – it saves both time and negotiation stress.

2. Authentic, Affordable Local Eats

For value‑for‑money Filipino food, Maa’s Grill is a small local seafood spot along El Nido’s main road, well‑reviewed for whole grilled fish and kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) at some of the best prices in town – travellers report paying under USD 10 (around SGD 14) for a full seafood spread for two.[1] It is a good benchmark for what “local pricing” feels like in El Nido.

Another consistent budget favourite is Happy Home in Corong‑Corong, praised for generous portions, a chill atmosphere, and prices that have been compared to fast‑food levels for large plates.[3][6] This is ideal if you are travelling with kids or a multi‑generation family from Singapore and want predictable, non‑fussy meals nightly.

3. International Comfort Food When You Miss Home

El Nido’s rising tourism has attracted some surprisingly solid international options:

Oppa Kitchen – A tiny but very popular Korean spot (around 10 seats), frequently packed and known for flavourful Korean dishes that resonate with visitors from Singapore and Korea alike.[1]
Osaka Castle – A Japanese restaurant offering ramen, sushi, and katsu curry, run by a Japanese chef and noted for importing many ingredients from Japan, with an average spend of about EUR 7 (roughly SGD 10) per person.[1][3]
Gorgonzola – Famous for giant pizzas and sharing platters, especially popular with groups and families.[3]

If you are travelling with friends from Singapore who may not be used to Filipino flavours yet, planning one night at Oppa Kitchen or Osaka Castle can help “reset” palates mid‑trip.

4. Café & Brunch Options for Remote Workers

As more Singaporeans extend their Palawan trips to work remotely between island‑hopping days, cafés with decent Wi‑Fi and coffee are important. New cafés in El Nido Town and Lio Beach cluster around tourist strips; when choosing your stay on Homejourney’s main Palawan guide, cross‑check walking time (under 10 minutes) to your chosen brunch spot so you can beat the mid‑morning crowd.[6][7]

Best Food & Restaurants in Puerto Princesa: Where Palawan’s Local Flavours Shine

Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, is less about beach clubs and more about authentic, sit‑down local restaurants. It is where you should focus if you want to understand how people here really eat – similar to comparing downtown Singapore hawker centres with purely touristy malls.

1. KaLui Restaurant – Puerto Princesa’s Iconic Seafood Experience

KaLui Restaurant is widely considered the must‑try restaurant in Puerto Princesa, topping many best‑restaurant lists and reviews.[2][4] It is known for beautifully presented seafood sets such as the “KaLui Special of the Day,” which can include fish fillet, shrimp, coconut milk fish rolls, vegetables, rice and a fresh fruit platter.[2] The ambience highlights Filipino art and wood interiors, giving a “special occasion” feel without a luxury price tag.

Because KaLui is so popular – especially with domestic tourists – it is wise to reserve a table a few days in advance, particularly for dinner on your first or last night in Palawan.

2. Kinabuch Grill & Bar – Classic Filipino & Adventurous Eats

Kinabuch Grill & Bar is another Puerto Princesa staple, known for Filipino comfort dishes like sisig, crispy pata, grilled meats, and Palawan specialities such as Tamilok (woodworm) and grilled crocodile meat for the adventurous.[2][4] It doubles as a social spot with a lively open‑air setting, ideal for groups wanting to try multiple dishes and share.

Singapore visitors used to lively zi char spots will find Kinabuch’s atmosphere familiar: large tables, shared plates, and lots of noise. If you only have one night in Puerto Princesa and KaLui is full, Kinabuch is a strong Plan B.

3. Other Notable Puerto Princesa Spots

Beyond the big names, consider these when planning your meals:

Balinsasayaw Restaurant – A long‑time local favourite mentioned for its swallow’s nest (bird’s nest) porridge and soft pork ribs, giving a more traditional Palawan angle on Chinese‑influenced flavours.[2][4]
Ver De Palawan – A highly rated vegetarian‑friendly option with a focus on fresh ingredients, useful if your group includes plant‑based eaters.[2][5]
Eightynine Cafe Palawan – Well‑reviewed café option that balances brunch, coffee and desserts, which can be a quieter alternative to the big seafood names.[4]

For families flying in from Singapore on morning flights, planning a relaxed lunch at one of these cafés before checking into your hotel keeps everyone fed while rooms are being prepared.