Pampanga restaurants land in the Michelin Guide Philippines for first time

On the Michelin Guide's second year in the Philippines, Pampanga finally enters the prestigious guide with four restaurants earning recognition.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III proudly announced the good news, sharing Apag Marangle and Tito Boy as among the 31 restaurant recognized with the Bib Gourmand Award, a distinction given to restaurants that serve good-quality food at good value.

Meanwhile, SOUQ Pampanga and Mila's Tokwa't Baboy were among the 80-plus strong Michelin Selection.

Adding to the province's achievements is Clyde Joseph Zafra of Tito Boy, who received the Michelin Service Award in recognition of his excellence in restaurant service.

“Here’s to the chefs, restaurateurs, service professionals, and teams who continue to bring local cuisine to the table and share a taste of Central Luzon with the world. Luid!” the agency wrote.

Apag Marangle, located in Guagua, Pampanga, "showcases 70+ dishes crafted with top-drawer local ingredients and starring house-made condiments," the guide said on its website. It highlighted the restaurant's fermented rice and shrimp dip and its super popular leche flan.

Tito Boy meanwhile is located at the Clark Freeport Zone, with the Michelin Guide highlighting Chef Bong Sagmit's "European techniques" and the "friendly staff on hand with insightful wine tips."

For Souq, which can be found on Lazatin Avenue in San Fernando Pampanga, the Michelin Guide spotlighted the classic lechon paksiw dish, its "unfussy welcome" and the "generous portions" of food that's ideal for sharing.

Finally, Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in San Andres, is "the quintessence of home-from-home thanks to rustic simplicity and feel-good vibes," the Michelin Guide said as it pointed to the locally produced soy sauce and the world-famous sisig.

On Facebook, Mila's Tokwa't Baboy reacted to the recognition, saying they are "deeply honored and humbled."

"What started as a modest dream in 1986 has reached international recognition, and we owe this moment to every single one of you who has shared a meal at our tables over the decades," it added.

Mila's Tokwa't Baboy started as a neighborhood sari-sari store run by Mila and Ruben Gomez. "When customers stopping by for cold drinks requested a quick pulutan (snack) to enjoy, Ruben began tweaking a local recipe. With budget-friendly ingredients, crunchy fried tofu, tender pig ears, fresh onions, celery, and a signature calamansi-soy dressing, Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy was born," it recounted.

At the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2027, held Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts, the prestigious guide recognized a total of 127 establishments.

Michelin is a French tire company that introduced the Michelin Guide in 1900 to support the growth of automobile mobility.

Since its inception, the guide has remained true to its original mission of guiding international travelers and local food enthusiasts to the best restaurants, showcasing the world's culinary scenes, and promoting travel culture.

According to the Michelin Guide, its inspectors are full-time, anonymous professionals who dine out more than 250 times a year in nearly 60 destinations worldwide to discover the best of the culinary world.

The prestigious guide also emphasizes that its inspectors “always pay their bill to ensure an unbiased customer experience.”

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA News