Luzon is a fantastic place for food lovers. Its bustling cities, vibrant street scenes, and centuries-old districts mean there’s always something delicious to try. Among the best ways to immerse yourself is through food tours—they offer a local’s perspective, a behind-the-scenes look at Filipino cuisine, and plenty of chances to sample authentic dishes. Tours like the Makati Street Food Experience and the Manila Chinatown Food Tour are favorites because they combine lively markets, historic neighborhoods, and memorable bites. Plus, you’ll learn how Filipinos enjoy food in everyday life, making these tours both fun and educational.
Luzon’s diversity means you can choose from savory street snacks, historic Chinatown culinary walks, or evening market adventures. Each experience offers a different slice of Filipino life, perfect for different travel styles—from quick bites to full-day explorations. Now, let’s explore the top nine food tours on Luzon, highlighting what makes each special.
1. Makati Street Food Experience with V
At number one, the Makati Street Food Experience stands out for its lively sampling of Filipino street foods cooked in traditional ways. This 3-hour tour takes you through Hott Asia Bazaar, where you’ll try sisig, balut, chicken intestines, kwek-kwek, and dynamite, all served alongside local beers. The guide will teach you how Filipinos order food without relying on English menus, making it both practical and immersive. The highlight is the rooftop bar at the I’M Hotel, offering stunning 360° views of Makati’s skyline while you relax after a night of feasting. What makes this tour unique is the combination of street food, live entertainment, and the chance to learn the Filipino way of ordering and eating. With a perfect 5-star rating from 30 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it both fun and filling.
The tour’s value lies in its variety—authentic street eats, a retro diner dessert stop, and a rooftop finale—making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Makati’s lively food scene. This tour is best suited for first-timers, night owls, and those eager to understand local food culture. The only downside might be the busy streets and no English menu, but your guide will handle that.
Bottom line: An engaging, full-flavor introduction to Manila’s vibrant street food scene, perfect for adventurous eaters and curious travelers.
2. Makati Street Food tour Experience
Ranked second, the Makati Street Food tour Experience offers a shorter, more focused 2-hour walk through Makati’s food landscape. Priced at $73 per person, this tour emphasizes tasting delicious Filipino delicacies in a lively, local environment. Guide Mari’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge about Philippine cuisine and culture shine through, making the experience both educational and tasty. She takes you to hidden food stalls and markets you might never discover alone, with some stops in rooftop bars and dessert spots that are big on flavor.
This tour’s strength is its personal touch—Mari’s energy, her insights into Filipino life, and the chance to sample a broad array of dishes like street BBQ, sweets, and savory snacks. Reviewers praise her for being “a lot of fun” and “one of the best guides” they’ve had in over 75 countries. The tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, interactive food experience in a compact time, especially those interested in Filipino street food and local culture.
Bottom line: A lively, guided adventure into Makati’s best bites, perfect for those with limited time but a big appetite for learning and tasting.
3. Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience
Number three on our list is the Manila Chinatown Food Tour, which explores the historic Binondo district. For around $65, you’ll walk through the oldest Chinatown in the world, sampling 7 to 10 dishes from hidden stalls and well-known eateries. This 2-hour tour focuses on Chinese-Filipino fusion cuisine and the cultural history embedded in the vibrant streets. You’ll visit markets, try traditional dim sum, and even browse Chinese souvenir shops, gaining insight into how this neighborhood has been shaping Manila’s culinary and commercial scene for centuries.
The tour’s charm lies in its mixture of food, history, and local color, perfectly suited for history buffs and foodies alike. Reviewers mention it as a “true local experience” with “knowledgeable guides” and a good variety of foods, making it an excellent way to understand Filipino-Chinese cultural blending. Because it’s a shorter tour, it’s well-suited for travelers wanting a taste of Chinatown without a full day commitment.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, culturally immersive food tour that combines history, market visits, and delicious bites—ideal for lovers of authentic neighborhood exploration.
4. Manila City Tour: Intramuros by Bike & Food Tasting in Chinatown
At number four, this Manila City Tour offers a full 7.5-hour experience blending cycling, historical sightseeing, and food tasting. It’s ideal for those who want a deep dive into Manila’s contrasts—the colonial architecture of Intramuros, the bustling markets of Quiapo, and the lively streets of Chinatown. The tour includes stops at Quiapo Market, Binondo’s Chinatown, and Intramuros, with opportunities to sample Filipino street foods, explore historic sites, and see how old and new Manila coexist.
The highlight is definitely the mix of walking, biking, and tasting—each activity enhancing your understanding of Manila’s layered culture. Guests mention how guides are knowledgeable about local history and cuisine, and the included visits to markets and old districts make this a comprehensive day out. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and food, though the long duration might be tiring for some.
Bottom line: An all-in-one adventure perfect for those wanting a well-rounded introduction to Manila’s past and present, with plenty of bites along the way.
5. Manila Food Tour Experience with Venus
Number five is the Manila Food Tour with Venus, a small-group, 2-hour adventure focusing on Filipino street food. For just $70, you’ll explore markets in Tondo, tasting dishes like adobo and biko, then move to Binondo for Chinese-Filipino delicacies like siopao and dumplings. The tour emphasizes gourmet tastings in an intimate setting, making it ideal for food lovers who want a personal touch.
Venus’s tour is praised for its friendly, approachable style and the chance to explore local markets and eateries that aren’t on the typical tourist path. It’s perfect for travelers interested in discovering the diversity of Filipino cuisine in a short time, especially if they prefer smaller groups for a more personalized experience. Reviewers say it’s a “must-do” for serious foodies wanting to see a different side of Manila’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: An intimate, taste-rich tour that offers a blend of street food and market exploration, ideal for those seeking depth over breadth.
6. Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Local guide
Number six, the Manila Night Market and Food Tour, gives you a lively evening in Manila’s biggest night market. For $62, you’ll wander through the night stalls, sampling Filipino street foods, and then visit Binondo’s illuminated Chinatown. The tour also includes local transportation options, making it easy to navigate. The highlight is the chance to mingle in the bustling night scene, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Rated highly for its local guide and the authentic night market experience, it’s perfect for travelers who want to see Manila’s nightlife and taste street food without a full-day commitment. It’s especially suited for night owls and those interested in local markets.
Bottom line: A fun, social evening tour combining food, shopping, and city lights—great for night owls and culture seekers.
7. Binondo Bites Manila Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Coming in at number seven, the Binondo Bites Manila Food Tour offers an extensive exploration of over 15 tastings in the world’s oldest Chinatown. Lasting 3 to 4 hours, this tour includes visits to family-run dim sum spots, traditional panciterias, and temple visits. It’s ideal for those who want to really dig into Filipino-Chinese fusion cuisine and understand the neighborhood’s cultural roots while sampling a wide range of dishes.
The tour’s detailed itinerary and the variety of vendors mean you’ll get a comprehensive picture of Binondo’s culinary scene. Reviewers mention a “moveable feast” of flavors and mention how guides introduce the history behind each dish. It’s best suited for those with a hearty appetite and an interest in culinary history—since it’s longer and more intensive, it’s perfect for foodies wanting a full immersion.
Bottom line: A thorough, flavor-packed journey through Binondo’s best eateries, rewarding those with a serious appetite and curiosity.
8. Manila Street Food and Drinks with Local Guide
Number eight, this Street Food and Drinks tour is a 2.5-hour walk that explores Manila’s street food and local beverage culture. Starting at Grand Cafe 1919 in Binondo, the tour moves through Escolta Street and Quiapo Market, tasting snacks like isaw and black pudding, and ending with a drink in a lively neighborhood bar. The tour emphasizes the dynamic street food scene and includes engaging conversations with your guide about Filipino life.
Ideal for those who want a mix of eating and socializing, this tour is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy trying small bites and local drinks in a lively atmosphere. The limited reviews highlight its personal approach, and it’s a good choice for a quick, fun introduction to Manila’s street food culture.
Bottom line: A short but lively sampler of Manila’s street eats and drinks, perfect for a casual evening out.
$70.00 per person
9. Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience
Finally, the Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience offers a 2-hour exploration of Divisoria Market and Binondo’s night scene. For $65, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Manila’s nighttime food stalls, trying everything from spices to local snacks. The tour includes a tuk-tuk ride to Binondo Church and a cruise down Ongpin Street, capturing the lively energy of Manila after dark.
This tour is great for night owls and those interested in seeing Manila’s bustling markets when they’re most alive. Reviewers appreciate the lively atmosphere and the chance to try authentic Chinese and Filipino street foods in a short time.
Bottom line: An energetic night-time food adventure that captures Manila’s lively spirit and vibrant street life—ideal for evening explorers.
$65.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Luzon
When selecting a food tour, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. If you want a comprehensive experience with diverse foods and historical sites, the Intramuros bike tour or the Binondo Bites are excellent options. For a quick taste in Makati or Chinatown, the Makati Street Food Experience or the Chinatown Food Tour are perfect. Budget-wise, tours like Venus’s Manila Food Tour focus on intimate, smaller groups, offering a personalized experience, while the Night Market showcases Manila’s lively evening scene.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months, to secure spots in popular tours. Think about whether you prefer walking, biking, or a mix of both, and whether a shorter tasting or an extended culinary journey suits your plans best.
Final Thoughts
Luzon offers a broad range of food tour options that showcase everything from bustling street markets and historic districts to rooftop bars and night markets. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful intro, tours like Makati’s street food walks or Chinatown tastings deliver plenty of local flavor. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, the Intramuros bike tour and the Binondo Bites offer memorable, comprehensive days.
Travelers should choose based on their schedule, budget, and interests—whether that’s sampling street food, exploring historic districts, or experiencing Manila’s lively night scene. Be sure to book early, as these popular tours fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Happy eating!