When in Puerto Princesa, you can go exotic and dare yourself to sample the crocodile sisig and tamilok (a slimy woodworm) prepared by a handful of restaurants in town. Or you can go the safe and definitely satisfying route of purchasing these or bringing them home to prolong the pleasure.
Either way, these will ensure that your Palawan trip will be worth it.
1. Lamayo
It’s the process of splitting a fish open and marinating it in vinegar and a bunch of spices before letting it dry under the sun. The type of fish usually varies from danggit, bangus or even tilapia, and unlike tuyo or daing, they are not allowed to be fully dried up, making the fish still juicy and meaty. Ask the seller to vacuum-pack them and wrap in newspaper and plastic so your luggage won’t wreak of their fishy smell.
2. Cashew Nuts and Cashew-Based Products
Did you know that Palwan is responsible for 90% of the country’s supply of cashew nuts? Although more prominent in cities like El Nido and Coron, Puerto Princesa has access to many of them, including cafes like Isla Casoy de Palawan, which is known for their cashew-infused beverages and pastries, as well as their cashew butter or Baker’s Hill, which stocks the YRICH cashew butter on their shelves.
3. Buko Puff
It’s not rare to see Palawan tourists carrying a bag of green boxes full of these delicious baked goods in the plane. Catalina’s Bakeshop and Cafe started selling their now-famous choux au craquelin filled with fresh and creamy coconut custard back in 2024. Three years into operations, they have extended their line to serve many other variants including Nutella, cashew cheesecake and ube, as well as pandesal sandwiches, barbecues and an array of beloved Filipino fare.
4. Hopia
Perhaps the most popular pasalubong center in Puerto Princesa is Baker’s Hill. At any given time of day, you’ll see people queuing for their packaged pastries. They have brownies, Spanish and raisin breads, and tarts but their undeniable bestseller is their hopia, with fillings that range from monggo and ube to pastilles and bagnet.
5. Kandis
Also known as asam kandis or asam kandis kecil, kandis is actually a super sour fruit native to southeast Asia. It comes from the same family as mangosteen and it’s what the locals actually use for their sinigang and paksiw.The deep red-colored rind and flesh are dried and can be rehydrated and added to soups and stews to add some tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buko puffs from Catalina’s Bakeshop, Baker’s Hill hopia, Palawan cashews, and lamayo are among the city’s most popular food souvenirs.
Popular stops include Baker’s Hill, Catalina’s Bakeshop and Cafe, local markets, specialty food stores, and airport souvenir shops.
Lamayo is fish that’s marinated in vinegar and spices before being sun-dried, resulting in a juicier and meatier texture than traditional dried fish.
Palawan produces around 90% of the Philippines’ cashew supply, making it one of the country’s best places to buy fresh cashew products.
Kandis is a sour tropical fruit traditionally used as a natural souring agent in dishes like sinigang and paksiw.
Yes. Most items can be packed in checked luggage, while vacuum-sealed products like lamayo are recommended to minimize odor during travel.
