Whenever we drive from Nueva Ecija to Manila for work, we try to make the most of the trip—especially when it comes to food. If we have a couple of extra hours, we make it a point to explore eateries slightly off our usual route, guided by online reviews and a bit of curiosity. Pampanga, being a food haven, never disappoints. Over three weekends, we discovered some spots worth sharing.

1. Krishna’s Place Indian Restaurant – Indian Cravings Satisfied

Tucked along a curved street near the red-light district of Angeles City, Krishna’s Place may not look like much from the outside—a simple two-story building that’s easy to miss. But don’t let appearances fool you. This Indian restaurant serves satisfying dishes that are big on flavor without breaking the bank.

It was raining when we arrived, and the place was quiet post-lunch, so we had the ground floor to ourselves.

We started with our go-to Indian appetizer: Vegetable Samosa (₱90 for 2 pcs)—generously sized and packed with curried potatoes and greens. It came with two sauces: a spicy red one and a mild green sauce. But even without dips, the samosa was flavorful on its own.

Next up was Pani Puri (₱150 for 10 pcs)—crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes and tamarind sauce. The flavor felt a little mild compared to the samosa, but still enjoyable.

We also had Butter Chicken (₱350) and Beef Masala (₱390)—both rich in taste and distinct in flavor. The sauces were well-balanced and didn’t just rely on spice for flavor. For the price, the portions and quality were impressive.

Overall, Krishna’s Place is a must-try if you’re in the mood for Indian food at affordable prices.

2. Sisig ni Edwin sa Dau – Viral and Worth It

On our way back to Nueva Ecija, we made a quick stop at Sisig ni Edwin sa Dau, a roadside eatery that constantly pops up on social media. The place is located along the highway and doesn’t have dedicated parking, but since we came around 2–3 PM, we found a spot easily.

We ordered Pork Sisig (₱150) and Grilled Liempo (₱150). The sisig was a standout—crispy, flavorful, and served in a generous portion. Definitely lives up to the online hype. It was served on a sizzling plate so it’s hot upon serving.

The liempo was a bit salty, but it had more meat than fat, which we liked. Their sawsawan (calamansi, soy sauce, and chili) added a nice kick.

Simple, tasty, and budget-friendly—perfect for travelers looking for a quick, satisfying meal.

3. Dwaeji Galbi Restaurant – Korean Comfort Food for Sharing

Another place we tried was Dwaeji Galbi Restaurant, a Korean spot with plenty of parking (good for 8+ cars), making it easy for groups or families to stop by. The photo below did not capture the wide parking spaces.

We came here specifically for their Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) but ended up ordering a ₱1,000 set menu that included:

Jajangmyeon, Gunmandu (5 pcs fried dumplings) , Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) and Haemul Jjampong (spicy seafood noodle soup). The portions were huge—definitely good for 3–4 people.

The Jajangmyeon was delicious. The sauce was rich, slightly sweet, and had bits of corn. The noodles were chewy and springy—possibly homemade—and really made the dish stand out.

The Tangsuyuk was just okay—fried pork coated in flour, not very crispy, meat is a bit difficult to chew, and the sauce was average.

Same with the Gunmandu, which didn’t leave much of an impression. Fortunately their side dishes are good.

The Haemul Jjampong had a flavorful, spicy broth (more manageable for me than for my husband) and came with a decent mix of shrimp, mussels, small crabs and squid. Again, the noodles here were the highlight—firm, chewy, and comforting.

Note: The restaurant only has two comfort rooms – 1 for men and 1 for women, so it might get crowded during peak hours. But with large serving sizes and good food, it’s a solid choice for groups or anyone craving Korean noodles.

Final Thoughts

These weekend food stops made our regular drives more exciting and delicious. From Indian comfort food and viral sisig to Korean noodle favorites, Pampanga continues to surprise with its range of culinary gems.

These places may not be fancy, but they offer real, satisfying food at reasonable prices. If you’re passing through and have time for a quick detour, these spots are definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re craving bold spices, grilled Pinoy favorites, or Korean noodles—Pampanga has something tasty waiting for you.