A few columns back, I wrote about fine dining at a new restaurant discovery here in Davao. In the comments, one reader told about how he avoided a lot of foods and drinks on his recent trip to the Philippines (his first time here), fearing that he might have stomach problems from the food. It’s not an uncommon fear, many foreign visitors that I meet here are a little leary to drink the water and to partake in other local foods. Honestly, while you need to be cautious, no need to be overly careful. While visiting here, remember you are on vacation, so have a little fun!
Of course, the number one concern for most travelers visiting a country that they are not used to is the water. I understand the concern too, because in many countries water can really give you a bad case of stomach problems. I would agree that in almost every part of the Philippines, the drinking water should be a concern, and you should try to drink bottled water if at all possible. And, a good thing to know is that bottled water is very readily available all over the Philippines. Even the smallest sari-sari stores generally offered botteled water, and it’s cheap too. I recommend as a first time traveler in the Philippines you should drink bottled water. This recommendation can be ignored if you are in Davao, though, as Davao is the only place I know of in the Philippines with treated water that is safe to drink for foreigners. When I lived in General Santos I only drank bottled water, while here in Davao I regularly drink tap water, and have never experienced a problem with it.
Another area that people are regularly concerned about, which is also related to water, is using ice in their drinks. I agree that if you should not drink local tap water, it is probably a good idea to avoid ice too, although I suspect that the freezing process probably kills off some of the germs. That said, I feel that it is OK to use a limited amount of ice in your drinks here without experiencing problems. I have always used ice in my drinks here, even in areas where I would not drink the tap water, and it has never caused me stomach problems.
Other beverages like soft drinks, beer, juices (bottled or canned) should present no problems at all, as they become sterilized during the manufacturing process.
A third area of concern, which was mentioned in the comment a few days ago was a concern about eating local fresh fruits. In my opinion, not eating fresh fruits when you are in the Philippines would be a real shame, as I feel that the fruits in the Philippines are among the best in the world. Philippine mangoes are the best mangoes in the world in my opinion, and it would be a real shame to miss them! Honestly, I have never heard of anybody getting sick from eating fresh fruits here, and I would not even be slightly worried about it. I know that I regularly eat every fresh fruit that you could think of here, and it has never presented even a slight problem for me. In addition, eating fresh fruits, tree ripened is not only a delicious addition to your diet, but highly healthy as well. If you are worried about getting stomach problems from fresh fruit here, start off with just eating a small amount and increase your intake as the days go by.
What about vegetables? In my opinion, all vegetables can follow the same guidelines that I outlined for fresh fruits.
When it comes to meats, seafoods and poultry, as long as it is properly cooked, you should experience no problems at all. In my case, I regularly eat raw fish (sashimi and sushi) here, and it has never caused me a problem. I eat beef medium rare, or even rare on many occasions and have remained healthy over the years. So, because of the diet that I have maintained, I don’t think that these foods are anything to be too concerned about.
When you come to the Philippines, have a good time! Be careful, but not overboard. There is a fine balance – if you are too careful it can spoil some of your fun and adventure. If you are too carefree you might spend a day staying near the toilet! But, I don’t think you need to be worried about any foods or drinks causing a problem bigger than that!
Eat, Drink and be Merry!
If you have traveled the Philippines, or if you live here, what have been your experiences in eating the local foods and drinking the water here?
Morning Bob,
I found the same too. I believe I have an iron gut, though, as I've only ever been poisoned a couple of times. I also believe water to be probably the greatest risk (a lot of places pump direct from shallow bores don't they?). I ate everything I came across – even from roadside stall vendors. Given the lack of refridgeration and the temperatures and the bugs – that was probably a significant risk to be taking. Maybe it was all the beer and cheap gut-rot whiskey I drank that protected me, who will ever know! Look at all the research they are doing now on sickly kids and they are finding they are developing illnesses like diabetes because of a lack of exposure to dirt and bugs as young kids. A recent experiment hot-off-the-press discovered mice kept in extremely sanitary conditions nearly all developed diabetes. A healthy level of exposure to bad bugs is essential in avoiding ill health I reckon.
I have been to the Philippines twice now and I did have a problem once with some water. I drank some in a restaurant out of habit and paid for it later. None of the foods, fruit, beer, or soft drinks gave me any trouble.
Maayon Buntag Bob
Have you ever tried Balut ❓ I am curious to try it but not brave enough. 😕
Hi AussieLee – Like you, I eat food from sidewalk vendors and such, and so far it has never bothered me. Funny thing is that I tend to have a sensitive stomach too, but have not been bothered by these things.
Hi Richard D – Sorry to hear of your trouble with water, although it's not a big surprise. Where were you when you drank that (what city?)?
Hi Larry – So far, I never tried balut before… it's not something that is high on my "to-do" list either! 😉
Ditto onthe mangos Bob..they are THE best ! When it comes to the food if it looks good (and sometimes when it doesnt) its all fair game 4 me, I enjoy trying pretty much anything. I did fnd that the mall mango shake stalls often dont use purified water (cebu malls) and I have suffered for it. At the fish market I insist that all the flies on the filet come with it !!
Hi brian – Those flies are important! Every bit of extra protein that you can get helps! 😯
I have been coming to the Philippines since 1977 and lived there and never got sick on the food. I do drink bottled water but prior to the year 2000 bottled water was hard to get. As far as the fruit, anyone who doesn't eat the fresh fruit esecially the mangoes is missing out bigtime.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – eating the wonderful fruits here is really a big part of coming here. You can't experience the Philippines without enjoying the fruits!
Bob,
Good article. About drinks and ice. One thing I do is drink beverages out of the can or bottle, unless sharing a big bottle, especially at a caranderia. with everything washed in cold water, I do not like drinking out of a glass.
Gum infections can be passed this way.
i was told to enjoy everything and have a good time ..but don't drink the water so i had a good time and didn't drink the water …i enjoy the little out of the way restaurants and sidewalk vender's ..never been sick in the Philippines so far knock on wood [knock knock] ……Phil R.
Hi Bruce – I don't think that the water temperature makes a difference in the cleanliness or the killing of germs in the real world. The reason is because to kill germs, the water would need to be much hotter than any regular hot water heater delivers.
Hi Phil R. – I think that you got some good advice there!
Hi Bob
The biggest problem I have when I'm in the Philippines is eating to much fresh fruit (mangoes). In my opinion they are simply the best in the world and I would often eat to much for my comfort. As you said as long as you eat in moderation fresh fruit should be fine especially since many fruits like mangoes you dont eat the skin. When it comes to ice it also depends if it comes from tap water or distilled or bottled water. Also its important to know that when you buy bottled water do not re-use the plastic bottles. I do re-use them sometimes but only 1 time.
Hi Neil – When it comes to the ice, what I had in mind while writing was in restaurants and such, and I believe that all restaurants would use tap water to make ice, although I could be wrong on that.
Yes, I agree on the fruits! They are soooo good that it's hard to stop eating!
If you buy the big 5 gallon mineral water that you would put in a water cooler, those bottles are re-used many times, but they are washed very good, I think.
I spent the summer in the cagayan de oro area. It was my 4th trip to mindanao. I drank tap water in camiguin, gingoog, bukidnon and iligan city. I did not or any of my family (wife and 3 kids) have any problems while we were there. We also ate raw tuna belly, SO GOOD. Anyway, we ate most everything. Not one of us got sick from food or water. I also found corona beer in one place in cagayan de oro. VERY HARD TO FIND. Mostly, like where ever you are from, If you use common sense you will be ok.
Hi Robert G – glad to know that the tap water in Northern Mindanao worked for you and your family! Yes, raw tuna belly (Sashimi) is delicious – one of my favorite things. I love the stuff.
Two things that is needed for clean food is clean water to wash and proper storage, refrigerator. The third is the way it is prepared and cooked. I am usually worry about eating at sidestores and roadside cos the above conditions are not there. Even in this situation one have to eat moderate or not eat at all until your next meal at a place you feel comfortable. Fruits like durians and mangoes is a yamiii. For better hygiene i fell that ice cubes should be made from factories and deliver and sell to eatery outlets. Dont know if this is practice there but in Malaysia it is.
Hi fun – Yes, there are ice plants here, and I believe that most restaurants (especially the better ones) buy their ice from such plants.
Hi Bob,
Well, on my two trips down there I ate and drank everything and did not get sick. I also loved the custom in the restaurants of serving beer with a beer mug full of ice! Sure keeps the beer cool. And yes, I drank lots of water from ice as I drink lots of beer! As for food, we got mangoes, and fresh pork and chicken from the open market. No problems. I will remember to ask for the flies next time 🙂
hi Bob , me being a chef , and before for years i worked on a ship ,
i tryed a lot of food , and eat almost everything. except ,
1 time on a Spain market , i had something what was very hard , it was de inney,s of cow .Did not like that .
And 1 time in iligan ,i saw [ in the dirty kitchen ] a woman , older than
80 yrs . preparing things with a lot of blood .
It was my wife,s aunt , making diner for party.
And later the whole family eat that [ red ] stuff. But not me.
But mostly i try everithing abroad .
And in the Philippines the most i drink is San Miguel , same allso in Spain
[ the only country in Europe who sell that ]
where there is a brewey.
And 65 years old now , it is not more than 25 liter water a YEAR that
i drink , but maybe 25 liter beer a MONTH .
And i still feeling well.
Gr. Anton
Hi John in Austria – Since they didn't give you the flies last time, I hope you got a good discount! 😆 Yes, I get a kick out of the beer on ice thing too. 😉
Hi Anton – It sounds like you are keeping San Miguel in business with your beer consumption! At least you don't need to worry about the water affecting you! 😉
Hi Bob,
Well, my brief stay in Davao gave me the chance to try the local cuisine. For breakfast, sorry to say, was spent at McDonalds. Ok, so I wasn't sure of where to go for breakfast, I will do better on my next visit, ok? For dinner, I would go to a nearby KTV bar and restaurant. They had a daily buffet for 99 pesos per person! Naturally, I ate there each night (not to mention numerous San Miguel to drink). I became so familiar that the owner would personally greet me with a warm smile and firm handshake. Did I mention how tasty the food was? Oh, my stomach was in heaven after each meal. I never had a problem with anything I ate. Now I'm hungry for adobo again….. 😛
Hi Henry – There are so many little eateries like that KTV that you ate at, your choices are almost unlimited!
last MAY went to BOHOL for a holidays and my husband was very ill 4days in the hospital and had a 15 dripped the docter said i was fom the water, he had an eccoli. that day we went to KFC in ISLAND MALL and he had ice tea for the drinks and that night he was terribly ill he won't stop vomiting and pooing, the doctor said if he's not fit enough he might died at the time coz he started vomitting and pooing 7pm we arrived in the hospital at 1am coz we run out the petrol in our van in the middle of the night all petrol station are closed luckily we passed the community clinic and they have an umbulance so we begged them to drive us to hospital. now my husband don't want to live in far away in the hospital for his bad experienced of getting ill.
HI BOB, Every time that I i have been to the Philippines, I have gotten sick. I figured out that it was from eating away from our house. So, now when I return, I will only eat at home, period. Of course, here in the states, I rarely eat in restaurants. The food is just better cooked at home. Then, you know what you are getting. That is just me I guess. My wife has spoiled me! Hey, everyone else, ENJOY! There is a lot of good food to be had in Davao.
Great article! Thanks for sharing.
As a microbiologist, I can tell you that freezing water doesn't kill FBP's (Food Borne Pathogens). it merely suspends their growth. If I were you, I'd avoid ice unless I had a resonable assurance that the water source was uncontaminated.
HI Bob,
Both trips were to visit my fiancée in Tagum city. The first trip I drank the water while waiting for breakfast at Eagle's View Hotel ( I would not recommend their restaurant) . I am pretty sure it was the water that made me sick and in reflection the water in the taps at the hotel was brown at times. On my second trip I stayed at Lakan Pakal's and their food was excellent. Good water (hot and clear) and friendly staff (but bring the mosquito repellent). I drank coconut wine, Red horse, San Miguel, I ate Balut, BBQ from a street vender and never had any problems. Oh and I ate lots and lots of rice. I also drank Sweet tea at Jollibee after they assured me it was made with purified water. I also enjoyed a pizza at yellow cab in Davao thanks to your recommendation. Overall I have had a great time both times and I will return for a 3rd trip in 1 month.
Hi venus – I am sorry to hear that your husband experienced such a problem during your visit. I hope that he will be OK on future visits.
Hi stevo – Wow, that's too bad! I am sure that the sicknesses have spoiled your trips, and I am sorry for that.
Hi David S. – thanks for clearing that up for me. I never was completely certain on it. I do know that I have never gotten stomach problems from using the ice, though.
Hi Richard D – Ha ha… when the water is actually brown, that's a good sing that it might not be drinkable! 😆
Sometime it so difficult to get redress from what you have suffer from food posioning at a particular food store. Not that you want to ask for anything but just to inform others to be cautious. You can't. Unless there is an outbreak then the authority will take action then everyone will be made aware. As an individual, you just tell yourself to avoid going to certain outlet because you dont want it to happened to you again. And one more thing. If you want to know how clean an eatery is, you pay a visit to their toilet. If it is clean, it is lightly that they are hygiene conscience.
Hi fun – I agree, but just one thing I'd like to point out. If it is a westerner who gets sick, and it is because of the water, the restaurant can't really be blamed for that, as they are there to serve the public, and the local public has no problems with the water.
Good article Bob. In January this year in the Philippines I got a case of intestinal amoebiasis from either tap water or ice-cubes in my coke or Red Horse. Restaurants boil water for preparing food, but for ice-cubes some small places don't boil the water before freezing it. Some people must be hospitalized for this, but I'm fairly healthy and was still able to get around (as long as there was a CR nearby!) I was cured with a one-day dose of 4 x 500mg of Flagentyl. But I'm a little paranoid now, because it wasn't a pleasant experience. So I now avoid ice-cubes in the Philippines unless I'm in a major hotel that caters to tourists. But in nightclubs I would tend to be careful!
Hi brian – Yeah, like you, I doubt that restaurants would boil water for ice. Some upscale restaurants may use mineral water for ice, but not many, I think.
Sorry to hear of your past problems.
thanks bob, actually we drunk bottled water in the house maybe he cought it in some restuarant bcoz some of them make an ice in the taps water.every year went back home to philippines but this year (last MAY) was the nightmare year to us.
Hi venus – Hopefully your next trip will be less troublesome!
Hey, it's you with Matt M of WP!!! Now I'm envious all over again… 😆
Hi mia – Yes, Matt is in the photo. Also Ted Padova, a world famous writer. 😆
Hey Bob you should give Larry my email address. I'd be happy to partake of some balut with him next time he's in town 😆
Stick with Balut and San Miguel… 😆 it's a great combination!
I had a slight case of food poisoning from a Japanese restaurant in Manila (2005). I tend to only drink bottled water in the Philippines. Although, I have drank water from a spring in Bohol. I grew up on well water in the states. So I guess my body is more use to it then most. The last apartment we lived in was a 2 minute drive from the pier the fresh isda came into so we always had the freshest seafood's you could get. Nothing is better then the fresh fruits and vegetables readily available in the Philippines.
Thanks for bringing this topic up Bob, and for the many replies of various experiences. I will expand my variety of food there on my next visit, a little bit. The one fruit I did try was pineapple at a well known and accredited Hotel in Cagayan De Oro. I never can remember tasting pineapple that good and I kept going back for more. As another reply mentioned, I also was told at Jollibee, Tabanga, Iligan that they had their own in house purification system and the manager offered to show me their latest analysis report if I desired to read it. I did try the purified water at Jollibee with no problem and some coca cola from thier tap with no problem although I did not push my luck and have any ice cubes. Even though I limited my selection and variety of food on my first visit, it did not detract from a most enjoyable time. I also had a couple of Pizzas at Greenwich Pizza in CDO at Limekatal Mall ( it was lunch time and Jollibee was too crowded for me to enjoy LOL ). San Migues Beer with a Red Horse chaser , both out of the bottle were enjoyable as well. About the only time I drink is while on vacation.
Thanks again for doing a blog on this topic Bob, The price of eating out there, compared to here makes it all that more inviting !
Hi Mike K. – there is nothing like freshly caught seafood and freshly picked fruit!
Hi Bob New York – Indeed, it is very inexpensive to eat out here! By the way, not sure if you are aware, but Greenwich is owned by Jollibee!
My wife and I visited the Philippines last March and April. We used a little common sense. You can tell if a place is clean or not. I have found alot of places to be cleaner in the Philippines than some places in the U.S. Of course we drank bottled water and ate food which was well cooked. I even drank the buko juice as I could not resist. Masarap I love the buko. Enjoy yourselves and enjoy the food in the Philippines we did!
Hi Bob,
Just want to share something funny about Larry's question above re: balut.
John sent a photo of balut to his sister in the U.S. Jane replied and said, "never in my lifetime will I eat a fetus". he he..
I am a Filipino but I don't think I'll eat balut ever. 🙂
And before I forget, I'd like to tell you that reading your blog is like a weekend treat for me. I only have time to read all the issues every sunday due to my busy schedule. But it's alway fun!
Thanks to you and all your writers.
God bless!
Lea C. Walker
Hi Robert – Yes, I agree that a lot of places here are visibly cleaner compared to places in other parts of the world. I agree, enjoy the food here!
Hi Lea C. Walker – Like you, I don't think I'll be trying balut! 😆
I'm happy to know that you enjoy our site! Good luck to you and John.
I've made five trips to the Philippines and never had a food borne illness while there, and i ate and drank whatever i wanted. I never tried the balot though. I'll wait until they make it out of tokwa (tofu) hahaha.
Hi pogidaga – 😯 I'm not sure which would repulse me more…. balut or tofu balut! Ha ha…
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I eat balut at least a couple times a year. It's also suppose to be very good for pregnant women… With my wife having our 3 children in the last 3 years I have definitely eaten my share.
Hi Mike K. – 😯 I think you might be on to something! Maybe there is something in that balut that is causing the pregnancies. Another good reason to avoid the stuff! 😆