Travel Smart, Eat Well: Essential Philippines Safety Tips for the Hungry Explorer

Many people know that the Philippines is known as the Pearl of the Orient or Pearl of the Orient Seas, but not many know that it’s made up of more than 7,000 islands and is home to some of the most stunning beaches, mountains, and scenic landscapes in the world, but what it actually means is that there’s no shortage of delicious food to try. Yeah, you can find anything from hearty rice dishes to sweet snacks and street food. But when you’re traveling somewhere new, especially in a tropical country like this one, there are a few tips worth keeping in mind so your trip stays fun and your tummy stays happy.

The cuisine here is a mix of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and local traditions, but with so many islands it is not hard to imagine that every single one has its own specialties. You’ll find grilled seafood on the beaches, noodle dishes in city eateries, and tropical fruits you didn’t know existed before.
But with so much variety some considerations like food safety and travel habits can help us stay healthy to fully enjoy our trip.

Know the Basics

The first thing you need to have in mind is that safety and health are always first. That’s why it’s a must that we talk about safety in general first. The Philippines is a beautiful country, yes, and many parts of it are great for travelers. Still, it’s highly recommended that you stay alert in crowded areas like markets or attractions.

That’s why you need to use common sense, avoid poorly lit areas, don’t go around showing off your goods, and try to stick to official business. For example, if you need to send money from Canada to the Philippines, make sure you use a legit business like Ria, so you can avoid paying absurd tariff or getting scammed.

Drinking Water and Food Hygiene

This is a good rule of thumb, and not only for the Philippines but almost every single place you visit. It’s not a secret that one of the easiest ways to get sick while traveling is through unsafe water or food, and in many parts of the Philippines, tap water isn’t safe to drink, so you’re better off staying away from it, even if the locals are drinking it, even if it’s boiled or filtered tap water.

This goes for drinking water, brushing your teeth, and even rinsing produce that you plan to eat. If you’re unsure about how water was treated, it’s safer to use bottled water for anything involving eating or drinking.

Also, remember to wash your hands before and after eating, and after being out and about. I know this sounds simple, but it can be a lifesaver when it comes to an unhappy stomach.

Street Food and Local Eats

Street food in the Philippines is amazing; it’s not only tasty, but it also looks good and feels good, which is why there are so many Michelin recommendations. You can find a lot of different dishes like skewered meats, grilled fish balls, sweet pastries, and lots more, but not all street food is created equal, and that’s a fact.

Usually, food that’s sold from carts or stalls might not always follow strict hygiene practices, especially if it’s been sitting out in the heat all day, but don’t worry, here’s what you can do:

• Choose vendors where the food is cooked fresh in front of you. Remember that food that is still steaming off the grill is safer than stuff that’s been sitting out for a while.
• Look for stalls that are packed with people; if lots of locals are eating there, turnover is high, which usually means fresher food.
• Be careful with raw seafood, unpeeled fruit, and anything that hasn’t been cooked.
• For drinks, bottled water or drinks without ice, unless you know where the ice is coming from.

Also, if you do want to try really local snacks, focus on items that are cooked thoroughly. Believe me, this way you avoid so many stomach aches, and remember that if you’re out of money for local stalls, you can always use international money transfers, but having local currency is always a good idea.

Smart Eating Tips While You’re Exploring the Islands

Chances are that you will be doing some island hopping, and when you’re lounging on a beach, food choices might range from high-end restaurants to roadside shacks, which is why making sure you eat well wherever you are is a must.

Here are a few tips to help you with that:

• Eat where the locals eat. It doesn’t get as simple as this; if it’s packed with locals, then it’s probably good.
• Avoid foods that have been left out in the heat for a long time; go for food that’s cooked in front of you.
• Be wary of uncooked salads or fruits you haven’t peeled yourself.
• Carry a small bag with some basic digestive aids, like probiotics or medicinal charcoal.

Yes, trying new food is one of the best parts of traveling, but it can easily turn into a nightmare, especially if you’re not used to a particular type of cuisine.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Philippines is not only well known for its stunning beaches but also for its food, which is why it has become a foodie must-visit, but sadly, not everything is fun… tap water and cleanliness is a major concern, one that can easily be mitigated with some tips like avoiding ice, unpeeled fruits or food that have been sitting in there for hours.

Remember that by watching what you drink, choosing wisely where you eat, and listening to your instincts, you can enjoy all that good food without issues.