GUIDE: The Best Latin American Restaurants in the Metro
Latin American cuisine is a flavorful melting pot that spans multiple countries, ingredients, and cooking techniques. It is rooted in indigenous traditions and heavily influenced by the European, African, and Asian cultures that have migrated to the region since the 16th century. The diversity of flavors across the continent is astonishing, from the smoky, grilled meats of Argentina and Brazil to the masa-based dishes of Mexico. Staples such as beans, corn, potatoes, and chilies serve as the foundation for many dishes, while herbs and tropical fruits add depth and brightness.
Birria Taco / IMAGE from La Chinesca
Brazilian Ribs / IMAGES from Philippine Primer
Argentine cuisine, for instance, is world-famous for its mastery of beef. Central to this tradition is the asado, a social event centered around grilling various beef cuts over an open flame. Argentine steakhouses like La Cabrera Manila perfectly capture this, thanks to their tender, perfectly seasoned offerings such as the ojo de bife (rib-eye) and bife de chorizo (sirloin), paired with a wide variety of accompaniments like chimichurri sauce and roasted vegetables. Mexican cuisine–another Latin American favorite–is known for its vibrant and bold fare like tacos, enchiladas, and mole sauces that mix sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
Ribeye / IMAGE from La Cabrera Manila
In Metro Manila, the influence of Latin American cuisine is slowly, but surely spreading. For a taste of Peru, Samba at Shangri-La The Fort boasts coastal Peruvian delights like ceviche and parihuela, which combine fresh seafood and bold flavors that blend Spanish, African, and Asian influences. Their dishes truly showcase the country’s diverse culinary history, making it a favorite for adventurous diners in the Metro.
Parihuela / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Meanwhile, Uma Nota offers something unique with its Brazilian-Japanese cuisine that show how the migration of Japanese people to Brazil in the early 20th century influenced the country’s culinary traditions over the years. Dishes like coxinhas de frango (Brazilian-style chicken croquettes) and moqueca de camarao (tiger prawns with crispy rice) are given a Japanese twist, so as their other offerings like wagyu no brioche and tiradito de atun.
Moqueca De Camarao / IMAGES from Philippine Primer
Flavorful Options
From slow-cooked stews to filling grilled meats, every bite tells the proud culture and history of the Latinos. To whet your appetite, we’re introducing a number of iconic dishes like picadillo, ají de gallina and coxinhas that truly showcase the bold and diverse flavors that make Latin American food a true celebration for the senses.
Picadillo: a traditional Latin American dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Depending on the region, it may include ingredients like raisins, olives, or capers, offering a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Picadillo / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Quesadilla: a Mexican comfort food consisting of a tortilla, usually filled with melted cheese and sometimes additional ingredients like chicken or vegetables, then folded and grilled.
Ají de Gallina: Ají de Gallina is a Peruvian dish made with shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce flavored with aji amarillo peppers, cheese, and nuts and served with rice and potatoes.
Taco: A taco consists of a soft or crispy tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients such as seasoned meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. It is one of Mexico’s most iconic street food, loved for its simplicity and diversity in flavors.
Taco / IMAGE from Onlypans Tacqueria
Burrito: A burrito is a large flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of beans, rice, meat, cheese, and various toppings. Often served in a portable form, it’s a popular Mexican and Tex-Mex favorite that offers a filling meal in a single wrap.
Fajitas: Fajitas are typically made with grilled strips of marinated meat (usually beef or chicken), bell peppers, and onions. The sizzling dish is served with warm tortillas, allowing diners to assemble their own wraps.
Fajita / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Coxinhas: these are Brazilian snacks made from dough shaped like a teardrop and filled with shredded chicken, then breaded and fried to a golden crisp.
Ceviche: like the Filipino kinilaw, it is made from raw fish cured in citrus juice, and mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
These dishes (and more!) highlight the bold and diverse flavors that make Latino food a true celebration for the senses. So whether you’re in the mood for the beefy goodness of Argentina or the seafood-centric offerings of Peru, the Latin American food scene in the Metro is sure to leave a lasting impression. Stay tuned as we take you on a flavorful journey filled with bold spices, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences. ¡Buen provecho!