If you’re looking to try authentic cuisine that’s brimming with tropical flavors, delicious seafood, and zesty seasonings, you’ll probably fall in love with Filipino food. The culinary style of the Philippines involves tender meats and flavorful vegetables with different textures and aromas.

While Filipino restaurants may not be as common in the Bay Area as Thai or Vietnamese restaurants, this Southeast Asian cuisine is just as delicious and can be found throughout Daly City. With its growing Asian American population, and influence from two Filipino-American city council members, Daly City exhibits a strong Filipino culture, and residents and visitors can find plenty of authentic Filipino restaurants to check out.

Here are some of the best Filipino restaurants in Daly City.

Dale City photo courtesy of Northwalker 

Chibog

Located right on Gellert Boulevard, Chibog knows how to do Filipino comfort food. Lechon kawali is a pork belly dish that’s equal parts tender and flavorful—try it paired with the garlic rice for a tasty, flavorful combination. The sizzling sisig is a great option for those who like tangy flavors, while the fried lumpia spring rolls are the perfect appetizer to prepare your belly for all the good eats to come. In the mood for seafood? Try pusit—that’s fried squid served adobo style—or daing na bangus—marinated milkfish.

Fil-Am Cuisine

In the mood for Filipino-style barbecue? You can’t go wrong with meat from Fil-Am Cuisine. Their chicken and pork are freshly barbecued after being marinated in tasty, zesty sauces. Head to the hot buffet bar for selections like chicken adobo and spicy beef, but definitely leave room for dessert. Karioka are deep-fried sweet rice balls with a deliciously chewy texture, while turon is a deep-fried banana lumpia dipped in caramel sauce. Not a meal for the faint of heart, but definitely good for the soul.

Tselogs

For a Filipino restaurant where you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try Tselogs. This Daly City joint opens its doors at 9 a.m., so customers come here for beef rice porridge first thing in the morning—a hearty meal to start the day. In the mood for a braised beef dish? Try the pares silog for a deep flavor profile and generous portions of meat. Want to get your fill of comfort food? Go for the lumpia—Filipino-style eggrolls—for some savory fried goodness.

Manila Express Gourmet Fast Foods

Enjoying Filipino food doesn’t have to mean eating at a sit-down restaurant. This mom-and-pop restaurant serves up Filipino dishes faster than you can say “extra garlic rice.” The barbecue chicken is cooked for you on the spot, so you can get your fill of protein after the gym or before your afternoon meeting. The pork skewers are huge and juicy, with great flavors to boot. If you work in or near Daly City and need a quick lunch in a pinch, it’s hard to go wrong with Manila Express Gourmet Fast Foods.