Where to Eat in Bataan

“Food is very representative of a city’s culture. In order to really get to know a place and the people, you’ve got to eat the food.” -Emeril Lagasse

Whenever I travel, I stay away from the fast food chains. I choose to eat in local restaurants to try the native delicacies of the place. Since I spent four days in Bataan last 76th Araw ng Kagitingan, I made sure to try the most famous restaurants in the place.

1. Ima Flora’s Pamangan

Ima Flora’s Pamangan is an Eat-all-you-can Filipino restaurant. They are known for “lutong bahay” (homemade dishes) and their Kampangpangan Cuisine. The daughter of Ima Flora explained that they want their customers to feel that they are at home. For only 200 pesos, you can enjoy their buffet. They also have ala carte meals.

If you haven’t tried eating balut (fertilized duck eggs), you should come and try their Adobong balut. For dessert, I enjoyed their ube decadence, as well as their salads!

• Location: Pilar, Bataan
• Store Hours: 7am-10pm
• What to Eat: Traditional Filipino (Kapampangan) Cuisine

2. Cafe Kyoto

Cafe Kyoto offers authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by their Japanese Executive Chef. They serve Japanese dishes like sushi, ramen, tonkatsu, teppanyaki, and more. It is located inside The Plaza Hotel.

If you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant, this is the place to be! You may even admire the stunning view of the Plaza Mayor de Balanga while dining at Cafe Kyoto.

• Location: The Plaza Hotel, Balanga, Bataan
• Store Hours: 11am-9pm
• What to Eat: Japanese Cuisine

3. Plaza Brew Coffee Company

The Plaza Brew Coffee Company is an artisan coffee shop. The coffee shop is decorated with vintage collection from the pre-war period. They serve handcrafted brew, a wide selection of desserts, and and all-day menu with sumptuous breakfast selection.

If you are staying in The Plaza Hotel, you’ll get a complimentary breakfast from them. I had breakfast here twice. I tried their Country Style Tapa, and Longganisa & Tocino Combo. It’s so good to start the day with good food! I also like that they serve a variety of fruits for dessert. If you’re not a coffee drinker, you may order fruit juices like their very delicious cucumber juice.

If you want to try local dishes, I suggest Balanga’s Own Tinapa meal, Tortang Talong, and Adobo. If not, you may have American Style Breakfast – Pancakes, and Omelette.

• Location: The Plaza Hotel, Balanga, Bataan
• Store Hours: 6am-10pm
• What to Eat: Brewed Coffee, Desserts, Rice Meals

4. Stregato Gelateria

Stregato Gelateria is the most Instagrammable restaurant I’ve visited in Bataan. Colorful is an understatement. From the exterior to interior and to their staff, you’ll see how vibrant the restaurant is. Their furniture and decorations will really make your eyes pop. They have interesting chairs for singles, for couples, and for groups. Kids and kids at heart will really enjoy taking pictures here. Check out my Facebook Page, for more pictures.

Silly me, I missed the chance to try their Gelato! I ordered the Eight hour Roasted Beef because it’s lunch time. Though the price is above the average, I must say that it’s worth it. The beef is tender and it has some veggies on the side.

• Location: Balanga, Bataan
• Store Hours: 12pm-8pm
• What to Eat: Rice meals, desserts, and Gelato

5. Arki’s Cafe The Food Project

Arki’s Cafe The Food Project is a cool family restaurant. They serve affordable and flavorful meals. Everything is below 100 pesos! If I only live in Bataan, you’ll see me often in this place.

There are three reasons why I love it. First, their meals are not only affordable but also flavorful. Eating here won’t break the bank. Second, the ambiance is cozy. They don’t serve alcoholic beverages. Most of the customers come in groups. They are with their family or with a group of friends. Lastly, their customer service is exceptional. The owners themselves engage in conversations with their customers. They are very hospitable and they accommodate all our questions.

• Location: Balagtas, Orion, Bataan
• Store Hours: 3pm-10pm
• What to Eat: Rice Meals, Snacks, and Smoothies!

6. BTN Food Park

The Bataan Food Park showcases various food stalls from Bataan. They sell different types of food depending on your taste. They have an All day breakfast menu, Korean cuisine, American cuisine, and even some assorted snacks!

What I enjoyed eating there is the bingsu (Korean shaved ice), the bagnet (crispy pork belly), the twister fries, the Takoyaki, the plato wraps, the fried rice and of course the samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and shabu shabu (hotpot). Check out my Facebook Page for more details.

• Location: Balanga, Bataan
• Store Hours: 3pm-11pm
• What to Eat: Asian and American Cuisine

7. Choco-Late de Batirol

No need to visit Baguio! Choco-Late de Batirol has a branch in Bataan. Besides their signature hot chocolate, I really enjoyed the crispy pata, the daing na bangus, and their Sinigang. For desserts, you have to try their turon de langka.

• Location: Pilar, Bataan
• Store Hours: 7am-11pm
• What to Eat: Traditional Filipino Food and Chocolate de Batirol

What kind of restaurant do you like best?

Disclaimer: I am not compensated to make a review of these restaurants. I went there as a blogger and they gave me free meals. Nonetheless, be assured that it didn’t affect my opinions in this review.