12 Legit Spots for the Best Ilocos Empanada in Metro Manila
If you want to know where to find the best Ilocos empanada in Metro Manila, head straight to Fariñas Ilocos Empanada, Empanada Nation, Casa Daza, or Manang Lulu’s in Sampaloc. These top-tier spots fry up the most authentic, crispy, and deeply satisfying versions of this famous northern snack.
You do not need a grueling 10-hour bus ride up north to satisfy your cravings anymore. Metro Manila has plenty of amazing places serving this piping-hot street food filled with savory longganisa, egg, and fresh veggies.
Let us break down the ultimate 16 spots you need to visit right now.
The Heavyweights: Iconic Chains Doing It Right
1. Fariñas Ilocos Empanada
Address: Multiple locations (Representative branch: Avenue Building, 35 West Avenue, Quezon City)
The Fariñas political family from Ilocos Norte owns this massive chain. They know exactly how to nail the bright orange, crispy Batac-style crust. Fariñas stands as a massive name in the local food scene. You can spot their kiosks and stores all over the city. You will find highly rated branches in BGC and Quezon Avenue, and you can even order their food directly through the Foodpanda delivery app.
Pro tip: Always order the “Ultimate Empanada.” It packs a whole egg, a hefty piece of garlicky Ilocos longganisa, and crunchy bagnet bits. Eat it right away while the shell remains shatteringly crisp. Do not let it sweat inside a plastic bag.
2. Empanada Nation
Address: 8006 Pioneer Center, Brixton Street corner United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
If you want a sit-down meal with friends, check out the official Empanada Nation restaurants. This place gives you the rare option to choose between the bright orange Batac style and the thinner Vigan style. They operate several branches across the metro. The branch at Pioneer Center in Kapitolyo, Pasig, offers great parking and a relaxed dining vibe.
Pro tip: Pair your empanada with their famous Imbaliktad or a side of crispy bagnet. Drown everything in their strong Iloco vinegar for the best experience. You can read exactly what the GMA Network lifestyle team says about their authentic regional flavors.
The Neighborhood Legends: Hidden Gems & Street Spots
3. Manang Lulu’s D’ Original Ilocos Empanada
Address: A.H. Lacson Avenue corner Laon Laan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Do you prefer a grungy, authentic street food vibe? Head to Sampaloc in Manila and look for Manang Lulu’s stall. Nanay Lulu hails straight from Ilocos Norte. She prepares every single piece lovingly by hand. Foodies and university students rave about the rich, filling texture of her creations.
Pro tip: Parking in Sampaloc operates like an extreme sport. Take a Grab or park at a nearby paid lot and walk over to the stall. Grab a bottle of ice-cold soda from a nearby sari-sari store to wash down the incredibly rich flavors.
4. Lola’s Ilocos Empanada
Address: 704 H. Ventura Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Another Sampaloc heavy hitter sits right on Ventura Street. You can check out the Lola’s Ilocos Empanada official menu to see how they take the classic recipe and add some really fun twists. They offer a famous version loaded with mozzarella cheese that stretches perfectly when you bite into it. They use high-quality ground pork, bean sprouts, and grated green papaya inside a thick, crunchy shell.
Pro tip: The cheese version feels very heavy. Share it with a friend if you want to save room to try their other menu items like the crowd-favorite “empanachos.” Order their house-blend iced tea to cut through the richness of the deep-fried crust.
5. Irene’s Vigan Empanada
Address: 20 A. Mabini Street, Kapasigan, Pasig City
Tourists walking down the famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan always stop at Irene’s. Luckily for us city dwellers, they brought their magic to Kapasigan, Pasig City. Irene’s serves the true Vigan variation. The crust looks golden-brown rather than neon orange. The cooks fill the inside with shredded cabbage instead of papaya.
Pro tip: Vigan empanadas have a thinner, much more delicate shell than the Batac versions. Eat it fresh off the fryer so the bottom does not get soggy.
6. El Angelicious Ilocos Empanada
Address: Fusion Alley, P. Campa Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Sampaloc truly reigns as the street food capital for students. El Angelicious operates right in the middle of Fusion Alley. Elvie owns this beloved spot and brings her proud Ilocano roots directly to the cooking oil. They serve perfectly fried empanadas that hit the spot after a long day of university classes. They also run a popular stall at the Bridgetowne Mercato in Pasig for the weekend night market crowd.
Pro tip: This spot gets extremely busy during the university lunch rush. Drop by around 3:00 PM for a quick afternoon snack to avoid the massive lines of hungry college students.
Mall Favorites & Elevated Dining
7. Casa Daza
Address: 2nd Floor SM Grand Central, Grace Park East, Caloocan (Multiple Mall Branches)
Celebrity chef Sandy Daza completely elevated the mall snack game with Casa Daza. Th Philippine Daily Inquirer lifestyle section frequently praises his culinary expertise. Casa Daza empanadas feature a slightly thicker, incredibly crunchy crust that holds up well. They even offer a rare vegetarian curry version alongside their classic meaty options.
Pro tip: These cost a little more than average street food, but the solid, dense crust justifies the price. You can take a box home without them turning into a soggy mess during the commute.
8. Mama Empanada
Address: Ground Floor, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
If you find yourself shopping in Rockwell and need a quick fix, Mama Empanada delivers. They have used the same cherished family recipes since 1979. While they serve smaller, bite-sized variations, the flavors punch way above their weight class. They offer premium fillings like Italian Sausage and spicy Sriracha chicken inside a beautifully flaky shell.
Pro tip: The sizes run small. You will definitely want to order at least two or three to feel satisfied. Pair the Italian Sausage flavor with a hot cup of coffee.
9. Victorino’s Restaurant
Address: 11th Jamboree corner Scout Rallos Street, Quezon City
Victorino’s offers a premium, sit-down dining experience focused heavily on authentic Ilocano heritage dishes. High-profile food critics and politicians frequent this beautiful restaurant. You can order a stunning, perfectly executed Ilocos empanada as an appetizer before diving into a massive plate of their famous bagnet.
Pro tip: Make a reservation if you plan to visit on a Sunday. Families pack this restaurant to the brim for post-church lunches. Do not forget to check out their dessert display by Chef Heny Sison.
10. La Virginia Ristorante
Address: Scout Area, Quezon City
This spot operates as a total insider secret. La Virginia technically serves Spanish cuisine on their main menu. However, local foodies on Reddit swear by their “hidden menu” Ilocos empanada. You have to ask the waiter specifically for it. They prepare it fresh in the kitchen, resulting in a gourmet take on the humble street food.
Pro tip: Since it does not exist on the printed menu, politely ask your server if the kitchen can prepare the Ilocos empanada for you upon seating.
South Metro & Taguig Standouts
11. Gyian’s Ilocos Empanada
Address: Putatan, Muntinlupa City
South kids do not have to travel all the way to Manila for their fix. Gyian’s saves the day for anyone living in Muntinlupa or Alabang. A proud native from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte owns this local favorite. Every bite delivers a massive punch of authentic homegrown flavor that easily rivals the famous Northern stalls.
Pro tip: Grab an extra bottle of their homemade spiced vinegar. The intense garlic and chili flavors cut perfectly through the rich, oily crust.
12. Libi’s Ilocos Empanada Atbp.
Address: Signal Village, Taguig City
Tucked deep inside the busy streets of Taguig, Libi’s serves up old-school crispy goodness. They stuff their empanadas to the absolute brim with marinated longganisa. The “Atbp” in their name means they also sell other hardcore Ilocano delicacies. You can order a hot bowl of pinapaitang baka to go with your deep-fried snack.
Pro tip: If you live in BGC or Taguig, skip the traffic completely. Libi’s reliably delivers hot and fresh meals through local delivery apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Batac empanadas feature a bright orange, slightly thicker crust made with achuete. Cooks usually stuff them with grated green papaya and mung beans. Vigan empanadas have a paler, thinner crust and rely on shredded cabbage for the vegetable filling.
You can expect to pay around 75 to 85 pesos for a basic eggless version at a street stall. Prices go up to about 150 pesos for an ultimate meat-heavy overload featuring double eggs and bagnet chunks. Premium mall versions might cost slightly more.
You absolutely must use dark Iloco vinegar infused with crushed garlic, red onions, and spicy chilies. Sweet chili sauce or banana ketchup will completely ruin the authentic savory experience.
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