Coron, Palawan, is a haven for adventure seekers, but its culinary offerings are just as exciting as its scenic landscapes. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Filipino favorites, Coron offers a feast of flavors that reflect its island charm and rich culture. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes in Coron and where you can find them.

1. Freshly Grilled Seafood

What to Try: Grilled fish, squid, prawns, and lobsters
Nothing beats the taste of freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection. Coron’s local catch is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and calamansi (local lime), letting the natural flavors shine.

Where to Go:

  • Santino’s Grill: A popular spot for grilled seafood, offering generous portions at great prices.

2. Kinilaw (Filipino Ceviche)

What to Try: Tuna or tanigue (Spanish mackerel) kinilaw
This dish features raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chili, creating a tangy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for the tropics.

Where to Go:

3. Lato (Sea Grapes) Salad

What to Try: Lato served with vinegar or bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)
These tiny green seaweed pearls burst with a briny flavor and are often paired with grilled dishes for a refreshing side.

Where to Go:

4. Chao Long (Filipino-Vietnamese Fusion)

What to Try: Beef stew noodles and banh mi sandwiches
Coron inherited its chao long from nearby Palawan towns with Vietnamese influence. The savory noodle soups and French-style sandwiches have a unique Filipino twist.

Where to Go:

  • Khadoi’s: A well-loved spot offering affordable and hearty chao long bowls.

5. Cashew-Based Treats

What to Try: Cashew nuts, brittle, or polvoron
Coron is known for its locally grown cashews. They’re available as roasted snacks, sweet brittle, or as crumbly cashew-flavored polvoron (Filipino milk candies).

Where to Go:

6. Danggit Lamayo (Marinated Rabbitfish)

What to Try: Sun-dried and marinated danggit served fried with rice
This breakfast staple is crispy, salty, and pairs perfectly with garlic fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg.

Where to Go:

  • Epic Cafe Coron: A local cafe serving Filipino All Day breakfast favorites.

7. Kare-Kare (Peanut Stew)

What to Try: Seafood kare-kare
While this dish is traditionally made with oxtail, Coron’s seafood twist features prawns, crabs, and squid cooked in a rich peanut sauce.

Where to Go:

  • El Kuvo: Known for their premium seafood dishes, including a standout seafood kare-kare.

8. Halo-Halo (Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert)

What to Try: Halo-halo with tropical fruits and leche flan
This refreshing dessert combines crushed ice, sweetened fruits, beans, jelly, and milk, topped with ube (purple yam) ice cream or flan.

Where to Go:

9. Tanduay Cocktails and Local Brews

What to Try: Tanduay rum-based cocktails and local craft beers
After a day of exploring, enjoy a drink made with Tanduay, the Philippines’ famous rum, or sample local craft beers.

Where to Go:

  • Bam Bar: A laid-back spot with creative cocktails and live music.
  • The BrewHouse: Offers craft beer brewed right in Palawan.

10. Lechon Kawali (Crispy Pork Belly)

What to Try: Lechon kawali with dipping sauces
This crispy, golden-brown pork belly is a Filipino classic. The crackling skin and tender meat make it a crowd favorite.

Where to Go:

Insider Tips for Foodies in Coron

  • Market Finds: Visit the Coron Public Market early in the morning for the freshest seafood.
  • Local Tours: Some island-hopping tours offer freshly cooked seafood feasts as part of the package.
  • Street Food: Don’t miss snacks like banana cue (fried caramelized bananas) or balut (fertilized duck egg).

Coron’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its natural beauty. Whether you’re indulging in freshly grilled seafood or sampling local delicacies, every bite is a chance to connect with the island’s culture and traditions.