The Most Delicious Fish in the Philippines, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the fish you think is the most delicious!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:22

With the abundance of fish varieties in the Philippine seas, locals and visitors alike often debate over which fish is the tastiest. This lively discussion is not just about personal preference; it often influences dining choices, market purchases, and even culinary tourism in the region. To help clarify which fish are considered the most delectable, a dynamic and interactive ranking system has been created. By casting votes, users contribute to a continually updated list that reflects the collective opinion of a diverse audience. This process not only fosters community engagement but also provides valuable insights for food enthusiasts, chefs, and casual diners.

What Is the Most Delicious Fish in the Philippines?

1

50
votes
Lapu-Lapu

Lapu-Lapu is also known as grouper, this fish has a firm texture and a sweet, mild flavor that makes it a popular choice for grilling, frying, or steaming.
Lapu-Lapu is a popular reef fish in the Philippines known for its delicious taste and firm, white flesh. It is a type of grouper that is widely enjoyed in various Filipino cuisines.

Scientific Name: Epinephelus spp.

Size: Can grow up to 1 meter in length

Weight: Can reach up to 10 kilograms

Habitat: Found in coral reefs and rocky areas

Color: Varies from reddish-brown to dark purple with white spots
2

44
votes
Bangus

Bangus is also known as milkfish, this fish is commonly used in Filipino cuisine and has a rich, buttery flavor. It can be grilled, fried, or cooked in soups and stews.
Bangus, also known as milkfish, is a popular and delicious fish in the Philippines. It is widely recognized for its tender and flavorful meat that appeals to seafood lovers. The Bangus is commonly grilled or fried to bring out its distinct taste and crispy texture. Its flesh is succulent and moist, with a mild sweetness that complements various Filipino dishes. The Bangus is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is often enjoyed with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.

Scientific Name: Chanos chanos

Average Size: 30-40 centimeters (12-16 inches) in length

Average Weight: 500-700 grams (1.1-1.5 pounds)

Habitat: Both freshwater and saltwater environments

Diet: Algae, small crustaceans, and other small fish
3

19
votes
Tuna

Tuna - this fish is prized for its meaty texture and rich, savory flavor. It is often used in sashimi, sushi, or grilled dishes.
Tuna is a highly prized and delicious fish found in the Philippines. It is known for its excellent taste, firm texture, and versatility in cooking. Tuna has become an essential part of Filipino cuisine due to its abundance in the surrounding waters. The creator of this delectable dish is Mother Nature herself, as Tuna is a natural species found in the waters around the Philippines.

Taste: Excellent

Texture: Firm

Cooking Versatility: High

Abundance: Plentiful

Habitat: Philippine waters
4

21
votes
Tilapia

Tilapia is this fish has a mild, sweet flavor and a flaky texture that makes it easy to cook and versatile in the kitchen. It is often used in soups, stews, and fried dishes.
Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is widely recognized as one of the most delicious and sought-after fish in the Philippines. It is popular among locals and tourists alike for its delicate and mild flavor. The fish has a firm, white flesh that is low in fat and has a slightly sweet taste.

Size: Tilapia can grow up to 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kg) in weight

Color: The skin of the tilapia can range from silver to gray or olive, with a lighter underbelly.

Habitat: Tilapia can be found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout the Philippines.

Breeding: Tilapia are prolific breeders, with females capable of laying thousands of eggs at a time.

Diet: Tilapia feed on aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates.
5

25
votes
Sardines

Sardines is this small fish is abundant in the Philippines and is often canned or pickled. It has a strong, oily flavor and is commonly eaten as a snack or added to pasta dishes.
Sardines are a popular type of fish in the Philippines known for their rich and savory flavor. They are small oily fish that are typically canned in oil, tomato sauce, or other flavorful sauces. Sardines are a versatile ingredient and can be enjoyed in various dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, and salads. They are also commonly used in Filipino cooking to add depth of flavor to dishes like sinigang (sour soup) and adobo (braised meat in soy sauce and vinegar). Sardines are an affordable and nutritious option, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium.

Size: Small

Flavor: Rich and savory

Canning Options: Oil, tomato sauce, various flavorful sauces

Versatility: Can be used in pasta, sandwiches, salads, and various Filipino dishes

Health Benefits: High in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium
6

10
votes
Salmon

Salmon is although not native to the Philippines, salmon is widely available and a popular choice for sushi and sashimi. It has a rich, fatty flavor and a tender texture.
Salmon is a picturesque city located in Idaho, USA. It is nestled in the heart of the Salmon Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and bordered by the Salmon River, which runs through the city. The natural beauty of Salmon attracts visitors from all over the world.

Population: Approximately 3,112 inhabitants

Elevation: Around 3,940 feet (1200 meters)

Scenic Surroundings: Surrounded by the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

Outdoor Recreation: Abundant opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and biking

Historic Main Street: Charming downtown area lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants
7

9
votes
Mahi-mahi

Mahi-mahi is also known as dorado, this fish has a firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It is often grilled or baked and served with a tangy salsa or sauce.
Mahi-mahi, also known as Dorado or Dolphin fish, is a species of fish found in the Philippines. It has a firm and lean flesh with a mildly sweet flavor and a delicate, flaky texture. The skin of the Mahi-mahi is vibrant and colorful, ranging from olive-green on the back to golden-yellow on the sides. It is a popular choice among seafood lovers due to its versatility in cooking and its ability to hold up well in different recipes.

Species: Mahi-mahi

Common Names: Dorado, Dolphin fish

Flavor: Mildly sweet

Texture: Delicate and flaky

Flesh: Firm and lean
8

12
votes
Swordfish

Swordfish is this fish has a firm, meaty texture and a rich, buttery flavor. It is often grilled or pan-seared and served with a lemon-butter sauce.
The Swordfish is a popular and delicious fish found in the Philippines. It is known for its firm, meaty texture and rich, savory flavor. This species belongs to the billfish family and is characterized by its long, pointed bill-like snout, hence the name "Swordfish". It is highly sought after by both local and international fishermen and is a preferred choice for grilling, baking, or as sashimi.

Scientific Name: Xiphias gladius

Average Size: Up to 3 meters in length and weighing between 200-600 lbs

Habitat: Open ocean, usually found in temperate and tropical waters

Distribution: Common in the Philippine waters and can be found worldwide in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans

Appearance: Streamlined body, metallic blue or black on the upper side and silver-white on the underside with a long, flat bill
9

7
votes
Clams

Clams is although not a fish, clams are a popular seafood in the Philippines and are often used in soups, stews, and pasta dishes. They have a slightly sweet, briny flavor and a chewy texture.
Clams are a type of shellfish found in the Philippines that are highly regarded for their delicious taste and unique texture. They are commonly used in various Filipino dishes and are a popular choice among seafood lovers.

Size: Varies, ranging from small to large

Color: Most commonly white or off-white, but can also have shades of brown or gray

Flavor: Sweet and briny, with a subtle oceanic taste

Texture: Soft and slightly chewy

Preparation: Often steamed, boiled, or used in soups and stews
10

8
votes
Shrimp

Shrimp is another popular seafood in the Philippines, shrimp have a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture. They can be grilled, fried, or added to soups and stews.
Shrimp is a popular seafood in the Philippines known for its delicate and succulent meat. It is a crustacean that belongs to the family of prawns and is widely enjoyed for its sweet and briny flavor.

Scientific Name: Penaeus monodon

Average Size: 5-7 centimeters

Color: Varies between species but commonly ranges from grayish-brown to greenish-blue

Habitat: Shrimps are found in both freshwater and marine environments, including coastal areas and rivers.

Diet: Shrimps are omnivorous, feeding on algae, plants, small organisms, and detritus.

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Ranking factors for delicious fish

Taste

The flavor profile of the fish, including its natural sweetness, mildness or boldness, and its ability to absorb and complement different seasonings and cooking methods.
Texture

The firmness, flakiness, and tenderness of the fish's flesh when cooked is an essential factor in determining its overall appeal.
Freshness

Fresh fish typically has a more vibrant taste and better texture, which can significantly affect its deliciousness.
Nutritional value

The health benefits of the fish, such as its Omega-3 fatty acid content, protein value, and vitamin and mineral levels, can contribute to its overall appeal.
Availability

Since different fish species may only be available seasonally or in specific regions, their accessibility and ease of sourcing can influence their ranking.
Versatility

The fish's suitability for various cooking methods (e.g., grilling, frying, baking, etc.) and their compatibility with different flavors and ingredients can enhance their appeal.
Popularity

Local preferences and tastes may contribute to the popularity and ranking of a particular fish species in the Philippines.
Environmental sustainability

The fish's sustainability can impact its deliciousness ranking since ethically and environmentally responsible sourcing is becoming more important to many consumers.
Cultural significance

Some fish species may hold cultural or historical significance in the Philippines, which can influence their ranking and overall appeal.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most delicious fish in the Philippines. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3905 views
206 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fish once every 24 hours. The rank of each fish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most delicious fish in the philippines

The Philippines is a country that boasts a rich variety of seafood, and fish is a staple food in many Filipino households. With a coastline stretching over 36,000 kilometers, the country is home to a vast array of fish species, both freshwater and saltwater. Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations, and fish dishes are no exception. From grilled to fried, steamed to stewed, the ways in which fish is prepared in the Philippines are as diverse as the fish themselves. So, what is the most delicious fish in the Philippines? Let's take a closer look.