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Host: Isi (Food Tour)

Manila, Philippines

USD
$78-$89 per person

Authentic Malabon Food Tour with Chef Isi | Traditional Filipino Cuisine & Local Snacks

Host offerings
  • Cooking studio
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Isi (Food Tour)

Isi has been immersed in the Filipino food world for nearly 20 years. A passionate recipe developer, food stylist, and entrepreneur, she brings deep knowledge and love for local cuisine to everything she does. Isi is the founder of several beloved food brands—Chili Asylum, Haynayan Ketchups, and Eat Matters - all of which celebrate ingredients sourced directly from Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. Her love for food began in Malabon, where she grew up watching her Nanay (grandmother) cook fresh, hearty meals from scratch each day. Today, Isi is proud to carry on that tradition by showcasing authentic regional dishes and street food through immersive culinary experiences in Manila. Whether she’s collaborating with other chefs or sharing the rich stories behind Filipino ingredients, Isi brings heart, heritage, and creativity to every bite. Join her for an unforgettable food tour of Manila and discover the flavors that define Filipino culture - through the eyes (and tastebuds) of a true local expert.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (2-24 guests) Join Chef Isi, born and raised in Malabon, for a one-of-a-kind Filipino food tour through one of Metro Manila’s most underrated culinary destinations. Malabon is known for its rich heritage and unique regional cuisine, and there’s no better way to explore it than with a true local expert and chef. On this immersive food experience, you’ll ride through the city by tricycle or van (depending on group size) and explore beloved neighborhood eateries and hidden gems. You'll make 8-10 stops beginning at the historic San Bartolome Church and others while you enjoy sweet and savory delicacies like soft puto with BBQ pork, Aling Mely's mechado (homage to Isi's grandmother's dishes), Arny & Dading’s famous pichi-pichi, and more. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a special treat: authentic Malabon-style lechon (roast pig), available only on these days. End your journey at Chef Isi’s ancestral bakeshop, Betsy’s, where you’ll sit down for a hearty lunch of classic Pancit Malabon, home-cooked dishes, and refreshing local drinks. Experience the spirit of Naya Naya, the joy of feeding and caring for others, on this unforgettable Malabon food tour. Perfect for foodies, cultural explorers, and travelers looking to taste real Filipino flavors beyond the usual tourist path.

Notes: Isi is happy to accommodate vegetarian guests - please inform her in advance so she can prepare accordingly.

Languages spoken: English, Tagalog

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • 1. San Bartolome Church - Begin your tour with a blessing and learn about the religious history of this neighborhood
  • 2. Hazel’s Puto - Sample soft, pillowy rice cakes filled with savory BBQ pork
  • 3. Anna’s Lechon - Watch traditional Luzon-style lechon being prepared and enjoy a delicious tasting of this iconic roasted pork dish
  • 4. Aling Mely’s Carinderia - A beloved local eatery serving authentic Malabon everyday dishes such as mechado, located in the neighborhood where Chef Isi grew up
  • 5. Aling Tessie’s Valencia - Enjoy a taste of Malabon’s beloved triangular banana fritters, freshly made by one of the neighborhood’s most iconic vendors
  • 6. Rufina's Patis - Learn about Malabon's iconic fish sauce from this historic local brand.
  • 7. Arny and Dading’s - Try their famous pichi-pichi, a soft cassava rice cake topped with fresh coconut.
  • 8. Concepcion Market - Sample local favorites like okoy (shrimp fritters) and Malabon’s famous kikiam (radish cake with pork).
  • 9. Dolor’s Kakanin - Try Sapin-Sapin, a colorful layered rice cake assortment. Malabon is the birthplace of this beloved delicacy.
  • 10. Judy Ann’s - Savor crispy pata (pork knuckles), a local favorite!
  • 11. Betsy’s - Finish at Isi’s ancestral bakeshop, where you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch featuring the famous Pancit Malabon, homemade dishes, dessert, and refreshing local beverages.
  • You will return to the Fisher Mall at the end of your Manila food tour.

Traveler reviews

4.95 (39)
The whole experience was amazing : sourcing the ingredients from the market, the host and the food! Isi exceeded expectations! We asked if we could have wine while we were cooking and eating and she bought quite a selection! While preparing the food, we also did vinegar tasting. Who knew there were so many different vinegars! Isi gave us a great understanding of Filipino food and how it varies regionally. She also shared the culture and life in Manila. We got a better feel for the city with her than we did with a previous city tour. The market was huge and not to be missed ! We highly recommend this cooking class with isi.
- wendy December 30, 2025
Chef Isi showed us such a great time! Our tour was great! The stops were paced well and Chef Isi explained everything very well. It was also great to hear about her family and where she grew up. My mother and I enjoyed the final spot where we ate all the food we collected and spent time with Chef Isi's family. Don't hesitate to book!
- Jammy November 29, 2025
My father and I booked a tour with Isi and had a wonderful time. We learned so much about the Malabon culture and cuisine. We tried so many delicious foods during the tour. We are very grateful for the time we spent in the Malabon area with Isi. Would highly recommend!!
- Elenia November 17, 2025
We were warmly welcome by Isi in her home in the central part of BGC. She told us all we needed to know about Filipino staple ingredients to have in our cupboards, the typical ingredients used in everyday dishes. We were up for a treat as we cooked different types of local fish and prawns. All dishes were easy to make and accessible to all. We shared the meal all together and Isi surprised us with a special dessert. Isi then spent time to answer all our questions regarding potential trips to different areas of the Philippines included islands, northern cities, restaurant recommendations and more. This is an ideal activity if you start visiting the Philippines from Manila as you will be able to link the recipes, ingredients and stories to your travel here. Do not hesitate! Book it!
- Marion August 20, 2025
It was a lot of fun getting to know Isi and cooking with her! As a fil-am, I wanted to learn more about Filipino cuisine an to cook dishes I had not tried before, Isi exceeded me expectations. The day started in a local market and buying ingredients with Isi. Isi is very personable and we both got started talking about our passion of food and the significance it brings to Filipino culture. She asked me about my trip to the Philippines and where I was heading to next. Isi was able to provide great recommendations to the places I would going for the remainder of my trip, including restaurants and artisans. I highly recommend taking this tour at the beginning of your trip in the Philippines so you find gems in the areas you may not have otherwise found. She gave me so many recommendations I'll have to start planning my next trip to the Philippines! As for cooking and the food, it was excellent. Isi provided cooking tips and let me sample several ingredients from around the Philippines. She was able to modify the dishes as there were some ingredients I wanted to try. I came away with a better understanding of Filipino cuisine and my trip was made better through Isi's recommendations. I highly recommend cooking with Isi if you can!
- Noel August 10, 2025
Read More

Isi (Food Tour)

$78-$89 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 Not offered $89 $78
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 Not offered $89 $78
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 8:00am-12:00pm

Meet Isi (Food Tour)

Isi has been immersed in the Filipino food world for nearly 20 years. A passionate recipe developer, food stylist, and entrepreneur, she brings deep knowledge and love for local cuisine to everything she does. Isi is the founder of several beloved food brands—Chili Asylum, Haynayan Ketchups, and Eat Matters - all of which celebrate ingredients sourced directly from Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. Her love for food began in Malabon, where she grew up watching her Nanay (grandmother) cook fresh, hearty meals from scratch each day. Today, Isi is proud to carry on that tradition by showcasing authentic regional dishes and street food through immersive culinary experiences in Manila. Whether she’s collaborating with other chefs or sharing the rich stories behind Filipino ingredients, Isi brings heart, heritage, and creativity to every bite. Join her for an unforgettable food tour of Manila and discover the flavors that define Filipino culture - through the eyes (and tastebuds) of a true local expert.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (2-24 guests) Join Chef Isi, born and raised in Malabon, for a one-of-a-kind Filipino food tour through one of Metro Manila’s most underrated culinary destinations. Malabon is known for its rich heritage and unique regional cuisine, and there’s no better way to explore it than with a true local expert and chef. On this immersive food experience, you’ll ride through the city by tricycle or van (depending on group size) and explore beloved neighborhood eateries and hidden gems. You'll make 8-10 stops beginning at the historic San Bartolome Church and others while you enjoy sweet and savory delicacies like soft puto with BBQ pork, Aling Mely's mechado (homage to Isi's grandmother's dishes), Arny & Dading’s famous pichi-pichi, and more. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a special treat: authentic Malabon-style lechon (roast pig), available only on these days. End your journey at Chef Isi’s ancestral bakeshop, Betsy’s, where you’ll sit down for a hearty lunch of classic Pancit Malabon, home-cooked dishes, and refreshing local drinks. Experience the spirit of Naya Naya, the joy of feeding and caring for others, on this unforgettable Malabon food tour. Perfect for foodies, cultural explorers, and travelers looking to taste real Filipino flavors beyond the usual tourist path.

Notes: Isi is happy to accommodate vegetarian guests - please inform her in advance so she can prepare accordingly.

Languages spoken: English, Tagalog

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • 1. San Bartolome Church - Begin your tour with a blessing and learn about the religious history of this neighborhood
  • 2. Hazel’s Puto - Sample soft, pillowy rice cakes filled with savory BBQ pork
  • 3. Anna’s Lechon - Watch traditional Luzon-style lechon being prepared and enjoy a delicious tasting of this iconic roasted pork dish
  • 4. Aling Mely’s Carinderia - A beloved local eatery serving authentic Malabon everyday dishes such as mechado, located in the neighborhood where Chef Isi grew up
  • 5. Aling Tessie’s Valencia - Enjoy a taste of Malabon’s beloved triangular banana fritters, freshly made by one of the neighborhood’s most iconic vendors
  • 6. Rufina's Patis - Learn about Malabon's iconic fish sauce from this historic local brand.
  • 7. Arny and Dading’s - Try their famous pichi-pichi, a soft cassava rice cake topped with fresh coconut.
  • 8. Concepcion Market - Sample local favorites like okoy (shrimp fritters) and Malabon’s famous kikiam (radish cake with pork).
  • 9. Dolor’s Kakanin - Try Sapin-Sapin, a colorful layered rice cake assortment. Malabon is the birthplace of this beloved delicacy.
  • 10. Judy Ann’s - Savor crispy pata (pork knuckles), a local favorite!
  • 11. Betsy’s - Finish at Isi’s ancestral bakeshop, where you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch featuring the famous Pancit Malabon, homemade dishes, dessert, and refreshing local beverages.
  • You will return to the Fisher Mall at the end of your Manila food tour.

Traveler reviews

4.95 (39)
The whole experience was amazing : sourcing the ingredients from the market, the host and the food! Isi exceeded expectations! We asked if we could have wine while we were cooking and eating and she bought quite a selection! While preparing the food, we also did vinegar tasting. Who knew there were so many different vinegars! Isi gave us a great understanding of Filipino food and how it varies regionally. She also shared the culture and life in Manila. We got a better feel for the city with her than we did with a previous city tour. The market was huge and not to be missed ! We highly recommend this cooking class with isi.
- wendy December 30, 2025
Chef Isi showed us such a great time! Our tour was great! The stops were paced well and Chef Isi explained everything very well. It was also great to hear about her family and where she grew up. My mother and I enjoyed the final spot where we ate all the food we collected and spent time with Chef Isi's family. Don't hesitate to book!
- Jammy November 29, 2025
My father and I booked a tour with Isi and had a wonderful time. We learned so much about the Malabon culture and cuisine. We tried so many delicious foods during the tour. We are very grateful for the time we spent in the Malabon area with Isi. Would highly recommend!!
- Elenia November 17, 2025
We were warmly welcome by Isi in her home in the central part of BGC. She told us all we needed to know about Filipino staple ingredients to have in our cupboards, the typical ingredients used in everyday dishes. We were up for a treat as we cooked different types of local fish and prawns. All dishes were easy to make and accessible to all. We shared the meal all together and Isi surprised us with a special dessert. Isi then spent time to answer all our questions regarding potential trips to different areas of the Philippines included islands, northern cities, restaurant recommendations and more. This is an ideal activity if you start visiting the Philippines from Manila as you will be able to link the recipes, ingredients and stories to your travel here. Do not hesitate! Book it!
- Marion August 20, 2025
It was a lot of fun getting to know Isi and cooking with her! As a fil-am, I wanted to learn more about Filipino cuisine an to cook dishes I had not tried before, Isi exceeded me expectations. The day started in a local market and buying ingredients with Isi. Isi is very personable and we both got started talking about our passion of food and the significance it brings to Filipino culture. She asked me about my trip to the Philippines and where I was heading to next. Isi was able to provide great recommendations to the places I would going for the remainder of my trip, including restaurants and artisans. I highly recommend taking this tour at the beginning of your trip in the Philippines so you find gems in the areas you may not have otherwise found. She gave me so many recommendations I'll have to start planning my next trip to the Philippines! As for cooking and the food, it was excellent. Isi provided cooking tips and let me sample several ingredients from around the Philippines. She was able to modify the dishes as there were some ingredients I wanted to try. I came away with a better understanding of Filipino cuisine and my trip was made better through Isi's recommendations. I highly recommend cooking with Isi if you can!
- Noel August 10, 2025
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 Not offered $89 $78
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 Not offered $89 $78
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 8:00am-12:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

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    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

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    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

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