This is one of the biggest challenges for me. In the US I liked to eat healthy, organic, grass fed, etc, you get the point. It's almost impossible to do here and I have had to adjust. If I buy meat I have to go to an S&R or Landers to get somewhat close to US quality meat. The local grocery stores/markets have all the raw meat in open display cases and I would rather travel a bit and pay more to get the quality I want.
I learned in the states that if you want good food, you go to places that stay busy because of the high turnover of the product, and it tends to stay fresh. I've walked into restaurants in the philippines on a Saturday night at the dinner hour, and the place was empty . Some people would say, "Oh good, no waiting for the food but I always turn and walk out . If you go into a Filipino restaurant and there aren't any Filipinos eating there, then the food has to be pretty bad.
I remember Rich used to say, "you do you, and I'll do me." I'm starting my Philippines adventure with my fiancée. I've been here about 7 weeks and eat Filipino foods, or maybe Jollibee or KFC for a treat. When I'm here full-time, I may seek out some American foods as comfort food, but I'll eat the Filipino diet. I prefer the province lifestyle, so maybe there are more vegetables and fish here.
@@mjomalleyfl You will love growing and picking your own veggies and fresh fruit. I've spent over 20 years enjoying the Philippines and keep from getting bored by keeping a house out in the mountains outside of Manito, a house in the heart of Butuan city and a house on Samal Island the Florida vacation spot of the Philippines. My wife and I live three weeks on Samal Island each month and a week rotating from Manito and Butuan city every other month. Nothing better then going out in our yard and picking fresh pineapple or strawberries, coconut or jack fruit for breakfast or lunch making omelettes from fresh eggs we raise pigs and chickens so meat is always fresh as well. Except hamburger and steaks we buy tbones from our supermarket.
Steve: Ex-Mcdonald's Licensee Supervisor here. In the US, I don't do "Grills" or "Special Orders" at any Fast Food Restaurant. I only order items as they normally come. That, to me is the best way not to get my Order messed up. Before I used App ordering, 1 in 4 of my orders would be taken incorrectly. Then 1 in 10 would be filled incorrectly. I expect Fast Food will be just as incompetent in the Philippines, in different ways.
Not a good place to eat? I have an anecdote from Cebu City. I had to get a stool sample at a large lab. But they had no facilities to where you could produce the sample. Instead I was told to go across the street and use the restroom in a large cafe with 5 stalls in the men's CR. But when I got there there was a line at each stall because there were so many men sent there from the lab who needed to produce a stool sample. I can't see how that can even be legal. The public health consequences of a constant stream of folks with parasites sharing a commode with the public eating at a cafe is off the wall stupid.
I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy...Dont too much care for philippine food but would rather live there because of all of your great videos about the Philippines...I am a very very picky eater most of the time.. I rather do my own cooking because I cook better than most restaurants. I know that when I cook It will be great...Overall Thanks Mike for the video...I guess I am not alone here..
Depends on if you cook or not. If you can cook at home and have access to a decent grocery store (Robinsons, Ayala, etc.) then you can certainly get by being picky. S&R and Landers also have better quality items you can prepare at home. Then also, in Cebu, there is a meat market directly accross from IT Park (cant recall the name) and it has imported USDA and Austrailian beef from Australia. So it is certainly possible unless you are in the provinces away from any reasonable sized city (provincial capital). In Tacloban there is a cooking supply store and they have been very helpful. When it comes to not just PH food but alot of Asian foods, they simply stir fry way too much. Too much oil and salt. But this is the same problem you have if you eat at American restaurants. Too much deep fried and salt. So eating out is teh real villian in the story. If your girlfriend or wife is a decent cook or if you are, then you can certainly make healthier versions of PH dishes at home than you will find in restaurants. And avoid street food and open air meat markets at all costs. (No inspections and mostly amature cooks with no refrigeration). One last advice, if you have family or friends back home or if you are snowbirding in PH, you can buy stuff in the US and send it to yourself in a balakbayan box. I send over pretzel salt, various nuts (especailly pistachios), certain spices, and boxes of certain snacks I love. When it comes to Silent Quitting……. Given how poorly employters treat people and how bad behaviour amongst customers just keep getting worse (karen syndrome), you really cant blame them. Get treated like crap and no raises even when you do a good job and that is what happens. Frankly, the shortage of employees caused by COVID really finally put pressure on even the crappy bosses to finally start treating people better but they quickly return to their bad habits once the workers are hired. So the workers leave for better pay and hopefully better conditions someplace else.
If you want eat healthy in Philippines you will have to budget for that. In fact food costs can be almost double what it costs in US. Especially for organic imports like carrots, celery, broccoli, etc. Buying quality meats will cost ya. Eating at places like Subway isn't as healthy as you think sadly. I used to work there. No vegetables are organic and we sprayed lots of perspectives to keep them fresh. Your best bet is to ALWAYS cook at home and eat out rarely.
I’m not that picky an eater. I’ll definitely pass on a few things like Tuyo (those little dried fish), bagoong (that fermented shrimp paste), dinuguan (pork blood stew), Balut. I definitely use my nose when it comes to deciding if I’m eating or shopping someplace. Luckily when we finally make the move to PH, we are going to be snowbirding it back and forth seasonally so any harder to get spices, etc, we can just bring back with us. Good video.
Good comments regarding restaurant cleanliness and general attitude of the staff. These are good measures for repeat visits, or even the first time and decide on another restaurant choice.
Im not a fan of the food in the Philippines to much salt sugar also lots of fat on the meat. I shop in the main supermarkets i don't trust a lot of the wet markets. I totally agree Steve when it comes to restaurants how the place looks says a lot about a place maybe not always but a lot of the time it does.
I normally go to S&R. When they don't have what I am looking for I go to the new G-mall grocery store in Cebu City, they have everything. :) I haven't tried Landers yet.
I found this to be true. I'm very cautious about food. I'm kinda picky, but I like some philippines food. When we go to cebu we only stay at one place. Waterfront hotel. The food is excellent. Staff is friendly and we feel safe.
Lived in the Philippines last 17 years. Retired corporate international chef, open minded food wise from experience. But when comes to eating Philipino food, I am sorry will never adapt. 😂😂😂 If in general if they only knew what they missing culinary wise. They certainly could learn alot from Thailand culinary as similar products available Wow really.🎉
@@slevinmarkusreadings6162 I love how horrible every exspat thinks the food is here in the Philippines. I'm in agreement I have very few Filipino foods I really like to eat. But guess what as much as you hate the Filipino food I bet your wife and kids hate your American food just as much. I know mine do... 🤣 😂
When i was in libya i cook my own food most of the time.afraid to get sick.hmm..im so vain of what i eat.maarte as they say .but better safe than sorry.
Im actually looking forward to eating more natural native filipino food when I get there this year. I’ve been eating filipino food for more than 30 years. Of course I’ll still indulge in American foods at times. My plan is to eat more fresh veggies, fish, chicken, etc. and lose a few pounds lol 😊 eating local is also cost-effective for sure! Also, the foods are not treated with pesticides and chemicals like they are in the United States, granted was no FDA regulation as far as I know? I do have an iron stomach so I should be OK Anyway, to each his own.
The order cannot be messed up when I go to the kiosk and punch in the order myself. However, they can mess up preparing it. I am fortunate that they have never messed up preparing it (probably because I get standard items, no special requests).
I don't mind when a restaurant screws up the order. It's what happens next. If they do this consistently, it's time to take my business elsewhere. Even in the US a small 1 off restaurant has been known to always fall short. I don't think it is uncommon regardless of where in the world you go.
When they mess up the order ahead of you they give it to you, l went into burger doodle in America, l was looking at an employee that doesn't speak the English so good and im looking at him and he's looking at me, and I'm thinking do l want the mistake he made before l came in , l turned around around and left.
Most in US do not realize that US standards permit a certain amount of "filth" in processed foods. I like vegetables, fruits, chicken, pork, and fish, so do not anticipate a problem.
Fresh vegies ala western style, like cabbage, caulies, carrots, lettuce etc. are grown in the cooler mountain areas so local “fresh” markets are better than supermarkets. Nothing wrong nutritionally with frozen BUT have a feel first. If it’s like a single frozen block, it has thawed and frozen again! Buy a steamer to cook vegies or an air fryer. Beef is harder to find and you can forget lamb/mutton. Finally - health education is taught in schools but the kids come home to old style “boil it or deep fry it” mentality.
The biggest issue is the fact that restrictions are limited. Don't expect FDA inspections on a regular basis. If your not privy to the best market to frequent you may run into some issues? If you have a wife, companion or friend that knows the cuisine, there shouldnt be problems. At the same time I dont expect American fast foods or restaurants to produce the same quality that you can find in the US or other Western Nations. Personally I generally stay away from fast food. However I usually take the old addage of, when in Rome, do as the Romans. That goes for any other Asian countries for me. You need to be mindful of quality foods. In my opinion, if you dont like the local faves, and only certain things, you are limiting cultural experiences in favor of food half way around the world. Also I would never move to a another country without enjoying their cuisine.
Easier for me to just make some ramen or a sandwich then I know what I’m getting, I do that now in the US and will do that when I’m in the Philippines, but also food isn’t life for me as they say, I just eat to get full and don’t really care what it taste like ha ha
Hello Steve. Based on your experience eating out, I think I’ll cook myself at home. I still have a hard time understanding the severely low standards of cleanliness you describe there. Why doesn’t the Philippines have any food safe standards at all?
There's a problem being a clean freak. Sometimes you have to eat off the floor to keep your immunity up. Theres a reason the Filipino's don't get sick. I came across a video about pagpag, dumpster diving food cooked to kill bacteria, germs. I thought it was something sold the market.
I shy away from western style restaurants, I eat 95% Filipino food, only a few dishes I won't eat. Eating local foods, is part of this final adventure I am on. And realistically because of my cultural background many of the local dishes here, are similar to what I ate when I was younger.
A lot of double dead meat around….in the market all day in the sun..Then it’s taken out and displayed the next day in the sun …the only time l have ever been food poisoned is in the Phillipines
Got a stomach bug from eating lunch at a buffet style restaurant after visiting a local Church for tourists. Believe it was the vegetables that been out too long, maybe they were reheated from the day before, I don't know. Will never have any vegetables from a buffet again because of that. Had some breakfast buffets at busy hotels that were good. (lots of people and lots of foods being turned over). What kind of hat is that you are wearing? Looks like you are wearing two hats. Like Jollibee and would not be scared to eat in most of the Franchises that I like in the mall but would rather eat mostly at home. My Filipina wife makes some good soups and adobo and her afritata is good also. Did not like that Robinsons had their meat displays 'open air', would never want to buy their myself. Good video, Steve...Jim
Americans complain, (I think) because we want to give feedback for improvement. Every waitress asks if everything was ok. Suddenly we have Karens flipping out. That isn't the norm. We pride ourselves on efficiency. Like the Germans. We see it as feedback, not griping. Why the need for 5 different lines to get on the boat when 1 should handle everything. But we aren't used to employee theft as a major problem. In that case, having 4 people watching the 5th makes sense. Don't know if that is an issue there, but could help explain the system. A simple laptop could be used to track everything and everyone in theory, but just in theory.
So, what cities do you recommend in the PHs that has good food-restaurants? I'm curious so I know where to stay in PH when I visit. Thanks for the advice in advance!
Hey Steve, In the big scheme of things what you are complaining about is not in the top priority of things Filipinos worry about. My suggestion is for you to go to places, restaurants, shops, etc. that are high end. You will have to pay top dollar, but you can be picky as you can be there.
It doesn't take too many times of ending up on a toilet with diarrhea and vomiting to make you a bit more cautious. I refuse to eat at a calendariia or street food just because I don't have an iron stomach. Most Filipinos are known to have at least two parasites in their system, and this comes from poor food handling practices. The philippines is very humid, and food that sits out on the table for hours at a time or overnight is sketchy at best. Now they use a lot of salt and vinegar in their cooking which is a natural preservative but when I walk in and see a bunch of flies having an orgy on the lunch menu I tend to get turned off . With brown outs being common, the refrigeration is a bit random, and if they last more than 4 to 6 hours, then things can be spoiled . A good Filipina knows this and will shop for fresh every day and doesn't overcook any food except maybe rice .
Whilst Filipino food is horrible, Sisig & adobo when made by someone who has a basic grasp of flavor profile can make it pretty good. My girlfriend makes a few killer soups, adobos & other meals. Had great Sisig at Max's and at a very small local restaurant.
@@gordonreinz9849 Filipino food is horrible to you. Like I told Steve, I eat a 50/50 lifestyle here so half the dishes I cook are American. Most of my wife and kids turn their nose up at. Horrible to us delicious to Filipinos. 😂 😂 😆 😆
I like Sisig but every Philippine restaurant makes it differently. I would imagine that once you find a restaurant that fits your palette you only eat there.
Ive learned to adjust i spend more money buying American goods to eat a 50 / 50 lifestyle. You made me laugh as much as you don't like Filipino food guess what my wife and kids don't like a lot of the American dishes i like to cook. The feelings mutual.😅 Good video Steve.
Picky eaters must come from small families. When the chow hit the table at my mom and dads you better get full at the table because there was no snacking between meals. there was one main item and a couple of sides.
Steve I agree with everything you said. The food here and the sanitary practices are horrible. I ate at a "foreigner" resto a few months ago and ended up in an ER. I wish there was an S&R or a Landers near me but the closest is 5 hours away. I buy imported frozen meat as much as I can and have care packages sent from the US with canned and dry goods. The two hardest things for me here is the food and the mad max drivers.
Talk about being honest!! This is not paradise over here ❤ well said Steve A agree with most everything you say!! Great videos Cheers from Alberta , Canada 🇨🇦 My wife has been here 40 years and she still prefers Philippino food Cook’s western but prefers philippino food
I'm in Marinduque and there are no Western Fast Food Chains, not even a Jollibee which I dislike but there are some great pizzerias here. I'm like you I'm not a fan of Filipino food but I didn't come here for the food. I came here for retirement and a relationship. They eat a lot of port and seafood here and not a lot of vegetables so I've had to work around that.
I seldom eat meat anymore; I remember when (even if I were blind, I would know that I was in the meat section of the grocery store; the smells of uncovered meats; flies and no apparent ice. I don’t know if the supermarkets are still like this or not?
All signs point to a lifestyle change. The complaints about restaurants and fast food are never ending, but we consumers still rely on strangers to prepare our meals very often - some multiple meals per week. These businesses are not going to change for the better. Its up to us to change for the better to make ourselves happy about the meals we consume. Going out to eat is a convenience not a necessity.
I'm pretty easy on eating Filipino food. I'll eat almost all of it, exceptions liver and fat. If I don't like it, I won't eat it. I can pick out what I don't like from what I order. I let my wife cook. Makes her happy. Great video for those who either have not been out of the country or on blinders. Let them come over here first for a fact finding tour. Places, food, people etc. Maybe 2 or more trips. Will save them headaches later on. Great video.
You look much better, what are you doing to your skin? I have traveled across the U.S. for 40 years, l have been poisoned by the best . My bugs will eat Philippines bugs for breakfast. Since I've retired ,l don't eat at grab joints,any grab joint.
I think being picky and cautious are two different things. Being picky means you may not like something from looks or taste. Being cautious is completely different. All should know of the bacteria here even if you have a strong immune system. Theres food called PagPag here that sells in a variety of places like street food and calenderias. The word PagPag means food that was taken from garbage being thrown out by restaurants and sifted through to get meats and vegetables, then either recooking it with types of sauces or mixed with other things to consume. Its what some extremely poor do to survive as their food needs. Not saying all of these places do this, just know it is practiced in some areas. The other caution is tap water. Most likely, even the strongest immune system could get bacteria from the tap. Even some restaurants that didnt get their standard ice delivery, could have tap-ice. Always have some Loperamide (aka Imodium) with you. Each person has their own taste buds and can find some Filipino food horrible. Personally, there isnt much i dislike as I'm not picky. However, Balut and the smell of durian and fried dried fish makes me want to vomit. Lol The only true way to know your foods is to cook it yourself.
A great way to build common sense in your life is to reflect on what you have done right and what you have done wrong. As you become more self-aware of your actions and who you are, you learn what to do, what not to do, and new ways to do things through reflection.
There is a great deal of apathy among the work force both here and the USA and according to the work force it is for the same reason, low pay. Not sure how we change this mindset where people come to work and think it's ok to trade poor performance for low pay
I think, with personal experience, you have to be picky about what you eat when travelling. I picked up a bug from a famous restaurant in Makati back in the late 80's, which still means my stomach cannot process fatty food.
Steve, I am highly disappointed, you are telling me that it won't be all rainbows, puppy dogs, and unicorns. Sorry, I could not resist. Everyone needs to remember that the first few weeks will be exciting, but the reality will set in and that is when you will know if the Philippines 🇵🇭 is for you.
One thing I always do is not add ice to my drinks because a lot of places use tap water and you never know. I remember a MacDonald’s at Clark and the bathrooms were out-of-order. The manager thought it was brilliant to put pota-potties next to both entrances. 🚽 Needless to say I did an about face.
@@MrSteven5975 lol I meant how you getting the stuff back home. Do you use coolers for the meats,ect. You have a vechicle. Sorry I should have been clearer, coffee hasn't clicked in yet 😀
My Filipina Fiancé has warned me not to buy chicken at the wet market. She wants me to buy only at the grocery store. I told her I will only buy live chickens and butcher them. That is fresh!!
@@MrMidlandMichigan I don't buy chickens from the wet market either but find when raising our own or buying from the supermarket we cook them well to kill off any possibility of salmonella poisoning.
Hey Steve, prince of picky eater here. If you haven't as yet, try chook2go. Also, Top of Cebu restaurant, some of the best cooking I've had in the Philippines.
Hello, I have only been here two months. 1. My wife is very picky and washes all items bought at grocery stores, including S & M/ S& R and landers. 2. Eating at a restaurants is like eating a “mystery Stew” for an example, you order a hamburger and has a different taste; than what you are expecting: I think that’s great. 3. So far I have learned; “what do you have available on the menu today (after sorry sir 3-4 times not available today) 4. So far it has been wonderfully journey. I have music in the morning that wakes me up our apartment ( heavy machinery next door building a high rise) and the floor above major renovations - jack hammer from 10am to 2pm. So we just leave for most of the day. Welcome to the Philippines, but so far wouldn’t change any of the experiences Cheers! Andrew
I have lived here for 10 yrs in Olongapo City, but live on Subic Bay the old US Navy Base. Your right about ordering food even McDonald’s drive through check your order. Be aware your trip to there bathroom or CR as they call it, no. Soap, paper towels or toilet paper. You will be surprised every day it’s like a box of cracker jacks, a nut or a surprise every time. And oh yes it’s not fun driving here there is hundreds of little motor scooters as I call them driving in between the cars, cutting the corners around and beside your car, don’t have an accident its your fault. I’m a retired police traffic officer, they drive me crazy. They stop for ever cross street even though the other drivers have a stop sign they consider it a courtesy but it really messes up th traffic flow.
Yeah, food is hit and miss there. I’m also very sensitive about cleanliness and I don’t drink local water and ice as I just go straight to bottled water or canned drinks.
Maybe when you are a cheap Charlie and go to cheap restaurants you get cheap service. I've been to many above 'cheap' restaurants and service and cleanliness is fine. You said it, 'you get what you paid for'.
Depends on if you cook or not. If you can cook at home and have access to a decent grocery store (Robinsons, Ayala, etc.) then you can certainly get by being picky. S&R and Landers also have better quality items you can prepare at home. Then also, in Cebu, there is a meat market directly accross from IT Park (cant recall the name) and it has imported USDA and Austrailian beef from Australia. So it is certainly possible unless you are in the provinces away from any reasonable sized city (provincial capital). In Tacloban there is a cooking supply store and they have been very helpful. When it comes to not just PH food but alot of Asian foods, they simply stir fry way too much. Too much oil and salt. But this is the same problem you have if you eat at American restaurants. Too much deep fried and salt. So eating out is teh real villian in the story. If your girlfriend or wife is a decent cook or if you are, then you can certainly make healthier versions of PH dishes at home than you will find in restaurants. And avoid street food and open air meat markets at all costs. (No inspections and mostly amature cooks with no refrigeration). One last advice, if you have family or friends back home or if you are snowbirding in PH, you can buy stuff in the US and send it to yourself in a balakbayan box. I send over pretzel salt, various nuts (especailly pistachios), certain spices, and boxes of certain snacks I love. When it comes to Silent Quitting……. Given how poorly employters treat people and how bad behaviour amongst customers just keep getting worse (karen syndrome), you really cant blame them. Get treated like crap and no raises even when you do a good job and that is what happens. Frankly, the shortage of employees caused by COVID really finally put pressure on even the crappy bosses to finally start treating people better but they quickly return to their bad habits once the workers are hired. So the workers leave for better pay and hopefully better conditions someplace else. In many ways silent quitting is called you get what you pay for.
Haha, yep, the ordering thing. I gave up. When I'm with my gal or her daughter and we go to, say, Jolibee, I'll just say, "Get me something." Both know how much food I eat and what I like and that's that. When I order myself, I have about a 50% success rate.
I have been here 2 1/2 years and do just about all my meat shopping at S&R. Most of the time it’s cheaper than the local wet market and I won’t eat the nest from there
I am surprised they are keeping on the worker, as most places fire a worker before the one year time because after one year they get more rights like severance and the 13th check. They have no trouble replacing someone with a new employee they have to train as well and who also will screw up your order.
Alot of the time it just a language barrier, don't follow exactly what asking or suggestions. Yes patients is key. I don't speak Tagalog a hundred percent either.🎉
Minimalism is a vast problem in the American workforce. And not just in entry level jobs. It is present in every level of IT as well. Particularly among certain segments of the population. And they can't get fired because they will sue for discrimination due to belonging to a protected class, whatever that protected class may be. Part of the problem is corporations don't pay the workers enough. The other part of the problem is ppl think they are entitled due to stuff that happened 150 years ago. The US is too fractured among ethnic and tribal lines. Reminds me of the final days of the Austria-Hungarian empire or the final days of Yugoslavia.
Another very nice (Being a Picky Eater in the Philippines can be Difficult? But Can be Done !!!) sharing, I really enjoyed watching it! Full support & Best of luck/Ned 👍👏👍
I never touch street food of any type. It is difficult especially as I don’t eat meat, fish or dairy but luckily there’s lots of decent vegetables to buy. There are some restos that do a decent meatfree meal but not many.
Once you get Food Poisoning, you will become a picky eater, trust me
Oh yeah
This is one of the biggest challenges for me. In the US I liked to eat healthy, organic, grass fed, etc, you get the point. It's almost impossible to do here and I have had to adjust. If I buy meat I have to go to an S&R or Landers to get somewhat close to US quality meat. The local grocery stores/markets have all the raw meat in open display cases and I would rather travel a bit and pay more to get the quality I want.
Nein shipmate die sind oder aus auf das licht wasser will Wie gehts hast
@@comodice905 Thank you my friend, you are too kind 😜
I learned in the states that if you want good food, you go to places that stay busy because of the high turnover of the product, and it tends to stay fresh. I've walked into restaurants in the philippines on a Saturday night at the dinner hour, and the place was empty . Some people would say, "Oh good, no waiting for the food but I always turn and walk out . If you go into a Filipino restaurant and there aren't any Filipinos eating there, then the food has to be pretty bad.
I remember Rich used to say, "you do you, and I'll do me."
I'm starting my Philippines adventure with my fiancée. I've been here about 7 weeks and eat Filipino foods, or maybe Jollibee or KFC for a treat. When I'm here full-time, I may seek out some American foods as comfort food, but I'll eat the Filipino diet. I prefer the province lifestyle, so maybe there are more vegetables and fish here.
@@mjomalleyfl You will love growing and picking your own veggies and fresh fruit.
I've spent over 20 years enjoying the Philippines and keep from getting bored by keeping a house out in the mountains outside of Manito, a house in the heart of Butuan city and a house on Samal Island the Florida vacation spot of the Philippines.
My wife and I live three weeks on Samal Island each month and a week rotating from Manito and Butuan city every other month.
Nothing better then going out in our yard and picking fresh pineapple or strawberries, coconut or jack fruit for breakfast or lunch making omelettes from fresh eggs we raise pigs and chickens so meat is always fresh as well.
Except hamburger and steaks we buy tbones from our supermarket.
Steve: Ex-Mcdonald's Licensee Supervisor here. In the US, I don't do "Grills" or "Special Orders" at any Fast Food Restaurant. I only order items as they normally come. That, to me is the best way not to get my Order messed up. Before I used App ordering, 1 in 4 of my orders would be taken incorrectly. Then 1 in 10 would be filled incorrectly. I expect Fast Food will be just as incompetent in the Philippines, in different ways.
If a restaurant is empty at lunchtime, that's a red flag for me.
Not a good place to eat? I have an anecdote from Cebu City. I had to get a stool sample at a large lab. But they had no facilities to where you could produce the sample. Instead I was told to go across the street and use the restroom in a large cafe with 5 stalls in the men's CR. But when I got there there was a line at each stall because there were so many men sent there from the lab who needed to produce a stool sample. I can't see how that can even be legal. The public health consequences of a constant stream of folks with parasites sharing a commode with the public eating at a cafe is off the wall stupid.
I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy...Dont too much care for philippine food but would rather live there because of all of your great videos about the Philippines...I am a very very picky eater most of the time.. I rather do my own cooking because I cook better than most restaurants. I know that when I cook It will be great...Overall Thanks Mike for the video...I guess I am not alone here..
Depends on if you cook or not. If you can cook at home and have access to a decent grocery store (Robinsons, Ayala, etc.) then you can certainly get by being picky. S&R and Landers also have better quality items you can prepare at home. Then also, in Cebu, there is a meat market directly accross from IT Park (cant recall the name) and it has imported USDA and Austrailian beef from Australia. So it is certainly possible unless you are in the provinces away from any reasonable sized city (provincial capital). In Tacloban there is a cooking supply store and they have been very helpful.
When it comes to not just PH food but alot of Asian foods, they simply stir fry way too much. Too much oil and salt. But this is the same problem you have if you eat at American restaurants. Too much deep fried and salt. So eating out is teh real villian in the story. If your girlfriend or wife is a decent cook or if you are, then you can certainly make healthier versions of PH dishes at home than you will find in restaurants. And avoid street food and open air meat markets at all costs. (No inspections and mostly amature cooks with no refrigeration).
One last advice, if you have family or friends back home or if you are snowbirding in PH, you can buy stuff in the US and send it to yourself in a balakbayan box. I send over pretzel salt, various nuts (especailly pistachios), certain spices, and boxes of certain snacks I love.
When it comes to Silent Quitting……. Given how poorly employters treat people and how bad behaviour amongst customers just keep getting worse (karen syndrome), you really cant blame them. Get treated like crap and no raises even when you do a good job and that is what happens. Frankly, the shortage of employees caused by COVID really finally put pressure on even the crappy bosses to finally start treating people better but they quickly return to their bad habits once the workers are hired. So the workers leave for better pay and hopefully better conditions someplace else.
If you want eat healthy in Philippines you will have to budget for that. In fact food costs can be almost double what it costs in US. Especially for organic imports like carrots, celery, broccoli, etc. Buying quality meats will cost ya. Eating at places like Subway isn't as healthy as you think sadly. I used to work there. No vegetables are organic and we sprayed lots of perspectives to keep them fresh. Your best bet is to ALWAYS cook at home and eat out rarely.
Well said. I enjoyed speaking with you earlier. Sounds like where you live is just what I’m needing to relax.
Call me this coming Tuesday or Wednesday I should have more info on the rental
I’m not that picky an eater. I’ll definitely pass on a few things like Tuyo (those little dried fish), bagoong (that fermented shrimp paste), dinuguan (pork blood stew), Balut. I definitely use my nose when it comes to deciding if I’m eating or shopping someplace. Luckily when we finally make the move to PH, we are going to be snowbirding it back and forth seasonally so any harder to get spices, etc, we can just bring back with us.
Good video.
Good video; it's 100% true that no place in the world is perfect.
There's an inefficiency that no one seems to care about.
The fun part is fun, but the living part is just as difficult as it can be anywhere else.
Good comments regarding restaurant cleanliness and general attitude of the staff. These are good measures for repeat visits, or even the first time and decide on another restaurant choice.
Im not a fan of the food in the Philippines to much salt sugar also lots of fat on the meat.
I shop in the main supermarkets i don't trust a lot of the wet markets.
I totally agree Steve when it comes to restaurants how the place looks says a lot about a place maybe not always but a lot of the time it does.
I normally go to S&R. When they don't have what I am looking for I go to the new G-mall grocery store in Cebu City, they have everything. :)
I haven't tried Landers yet.
I found this to be true. I'm very cautious about food. I'm kinda picky, but I like some philippines food. When we go to cebu we only stay at one place. Waterfront hotel. The food is excellent. Staff is friendly and we feel safe.
Lived in the Philippines last 17 years. Retired corporate international chef, open minded food wise from experience. But when comes to eating Philipino food, I am sorry will never adapt. 😂😂😂 If in general if they only knew what they missing culinary wise. They certainly could learn alot from Thailand culinary as similar products available Wow really.🎉
Its the spanish and then American influence during their time that made the food boring. Thailand was never under any European power.
Savory i a good restaurant and been around since 1950❤
It is hard to find Jalapeno slices here, but i just saw some in Malino hypermarket product of Spain❤
@@slevinmarkusreadings6162 I love how horrible every exspat thinks the food is here in the Philippines.
I'm in agreement I have very few Filipino foods I really like to eat.
But guess what as much as you hate the Filipino food I bet your wife and kids hate your American food just as much.
I know mine do... 🤣 😂
When i was in libya i cook my own food most of the time.afraid to get sick.hmm..im so vain of what i eat.maarte as they say .but better safe than sorry.
Im actually looking forward to eating more natural native filipino food when I get there this year. I’ve been eating filipino food for more than 30 years. Of course I’ll still indulge in American foods at times. My plan is to eat more fresh veggies, fish, chicken, etc. and lose a few pounds lol 😊 eating local is also cost-effective for sure! Also, the foods are not treated with pesticides and chemicals like they are in the United States, granted was no FDA regulation as far as I know? I do have an iron stomach so I should be OK Anyway, to each his own.
Im picky, cuz I mainly eat fruits and fix my own food at home!! Occasionally use Grab!!Real talk&Nuff Said!! ❤🎉😮😊
The order cannot be messed up when I go to the kiosk and punch in the order myself. However, they can mess up preparing it. I am fortunate that they have never messed up preparing it (probably because I get standard items, no special requests).
Right on Steve !!!
I don't mind when a restaurant screws up the order. It's what happens next. If they do this consistently, it's time to take my business elsewhere. Even in the US a small 1 off restaurant has been known to always fall short. I don't think it is uncommon regardless of where in the world you go.
When they mess up the order ahead of you they give it to you, l went into burger doodle in America, l was looking at an employee that doesn't speak the English so good and im looking at him and he's looking at me, and I'm thinking do l want the mistake he made before l came in , l turned around around and left.
She goes on break and needs to be retrained again😂😂
I always get a stomach virus if I eat out in the phils. I’ve taken antibiotics, probiotics etc nothing has kept me from getting sick while eating out.
Most in US do not realize that US standards permit a certain amount of "filth" in processed foods. I like vegetables, fruits, chicken, pork, and fish, so do not anticipate a problem.
Fresh vegies ala western style, like cabbage, caulies, carrots, lettuce etc. are grown in the cooler mountain areas so local “fresh” markets are better than supermarkets. Nothing wrong nutritionally with frozen BUT have a feel first. If it’s like a single frozen block, it has thawed and frozen again! Buy a steamer to cook vegies or an air fryer. Beef is harder to find and you can forget lamb/mutton. Finally - health education is taught in schools but the kids come home to old style “boil it or deep fry it” mentality.
The biggest issue is the fact that restrictions are limited. Don't expect FDA inspections on a regular basis. If your not privy to the best market to frequent you may run into some issues? If you have a wife, companion or friend that knows the cuisine, there shouldnt be problems. At the same time I dont expect American fast foods or restaurants to produce the same quality that you can find in the US or other Western Nations. Personally I generally stay away from fast food. However I usually take the old addage of, when in Rome, do as the Romans. That goes for any other Asian countries for me. You need to be mindful of quality foods. In my opinion, if you dont like the local faves, and only certain things, you are limiting cultural experiences in favor of food half way around the world. Also I would never move to a another country without enjoying their cuisine.
I eaten everything so far here in Gulignhan City ❤
Easier for me to just make some ramen or a sandwich then I know what I’m getting, I do that now in the US and will do that when I’m in the Philippines, but also food isn’t life for me as they say, I just eat to get full and don’t really care what it taste like ha ha
Hello Steve. Based on your experience eating out, I think I’ll cook myself at home. I still have a hard time understanding the severely low standards of cleanliness you describe there. Why doesn’t the Philippines have any food safe standards at all?
There's a problem being a clean freak. Sometimes you have to eat off the floor to keep your immunity up.
Theres a reason the Filipino's don't get sick.
I came across a video about pagpag, dumpster diving food cooked to kill bacteria, germs. I thought it was something sold the market.
Bloke steak n eggs. Biscuits n gravie....yank lobster shrimp gomies
I shy away from western style restaurants, I eat 95% Filipino food, only a few dishes I won't eat. Eating local foods, is part of this final adventure I am on. And realistically because of my cultural background many of the local dishes here, are similar to what I ate when I was younger.
A lot of double dead meat around….in the market all day in the sun..Then it’s taken out and displayed the next day in the sun …the only time l have ever been food poisoned is in the Phillipines
I eat a lot of chicken here. Bought an air fryer and I buy the whole magnolia chickens for like 220 pesos - great deal.
Got a stomach bug from eating lunch at a buffet style restaurant after visiting a local Church for tourists. Believe it was the vegetables that been out too long, maybe they were reheated from the day before, I don't know. Will never have any vegetables from a buffet again because of that. Had some breakfast buffets at busy hotels that were good. (lots of people and lots of foods being turned over).
What kind of hat is that you are wearing? Looks like you are wearing two hats.
Like Jollibee and would not be scared to eat in most of the Franchises that I like in the mall but would rather eat mostly at home. My Filipina wife makes some good soups and adobo and her afritata is good also.
Did not like that Robinsons had their meat displays 'open air', would never want to buy their myself.
Good video, Steve...Jim
The hats a cabbie hat on Lazada
Americans complain, (I think) because we want to give feedback for improvement. Every waitress asks if everything was ok. Suddenly we have Karens flipping out. That isn't the norm. We pride ourselves on efficiency. Like the Germans. We see it as feedback, not griping. Why the need for 5 different lines to get on the boat when 1 should handle everything. But we aren't used to employee theft as a major problem. In that case, having 4 people watching the 5th makes sense. Don't know if that is an issue there, but could help explain the system. A simple laptop could be used to track everything and everyone in theory, but just in theory.
I'm Simular, I'm a very picky eater, I also don't care for PANG PANG Ect.
So, what cities do you recommend in the PHs that has good food-restaurants? I'm curious so I know where to stay in PH when I visit. Thanks for the advice in advance!
Davao, Cebu, Trece Martires, or in and around them. There are many others too
I can hear Gordon in the Philippines🤣😆Hello Steve🫠Much Love Philippines🫠🩷
just like thailand its a great place to learn to be patience.
Thailand is very convenient not even a comparison
Everything here in Phil is so salty... It's bad for you but at least it keeps things from going bad too fast.
Hey Steve, In the big scheme of things what you are complaining about is not in the top priority of things Filipinos worry about. My suggestion is for you to go to places, restaurants, shops, etc. that are high end. You will have to pay top dollar, but you can be picky as you can be there.
It doesn't take too many times of ending up on a toilet with diarrhea and vomiting to make you a bit more cautious. I refuse to eat at a calendariia or street food just because I don't have an iron stomach. Most Filipinos are known to have at least two parasites in their system, and this comes from poor food handling practices. The philippines is very humid, and food that sits out on the table for hours at a time or overnight is sketchy at best. Now they use a lot of salt and vinegar in their cooking which is a natural preservative but when I walk in and see a bunch of flies having an orgy on the lunch menu I tend to get turned off . With brown outs being common, the refrigeration is a bit random, and if they last more than 4 to 6 hours, then things can be spoiled . A good Filipina knows this and will shop for fresh every day and doesn't overcook any food except maybe rice .
Whilst Filipino food is horrible, Sisig & adobo when made by someone who has a basic grasp of flavor profile can make it pretty good. My girlfriend makes a few killer soups, adobos & other meals.
Had great Sisig at Max's and at a very small local restaurant.
@@gordonreinz9849 Filipino food is horrible to you.
Like I told Steve, I eat a 50/50 lifestyle here so half the dishes I cook are American.
Most of my wife and kids turn their nose up at.
Horrible to us delicious to Filipinos.
😂 😂 😆 😆
I like Sisig but every Philippine restaurant makes it differently. I would imagine that once you find a restaurant that fits your palette you only eat there.
How to use GCash if you don’t have an ACR card? Maya, BDO pay?
Get a SRRV Visa !!!
grass fed beef free range chicken. wild turkey. Argentine wild caught shrimp just like on sub shipmate
Ive learned to adjust i spend more money buying American goods to eat a 50 / 50 lifestyle. You made me laugh as much as you don't like Filipino food guess what my wife and kids don't like a lot of the American dishes i like to cook.
The feelings mutual.😅
Good video Steve.
Some of Europe...... Food A
USA..........................Food B
Some of Asia...........A&B
Philippines...............Food D-
Just my opinion
My grandfather grew up during the great depression. He always told me, "picky eaters go hungry".
And people who are not picky about what they put in their bodies end up with more health issues as well!
And he lived to 96 go figure,keep eating picky
Picky eaters must come from small families. When the chow hit the table at my mom and dads you better get full at the table because there was no snacking between meals. there was one main item and a couple of sides.
Steve I agree with everything you said. The food here and the sanitary practices are horrible. I ate at a "foreigner" resto a few months ago and ended up in an ER.
I wish there was an S&R or a Landers near me but the closest is 5 hours away. I buy imported frozen meat as much as I can and have care packages sent from the US with canned and dry goods.
The two hardest things for me here is the food and the mad max drivers.
Add to that little kids on motorcycles/motorbikes with no helmets. Drives me nuts.
Kenny Rodgers Heathy food nothing but deep fried chicken🤣🤣🤣
Rotisserie chicken
It’s roasted
Steve can we talk
Steven5975@yahoo.com and ask for my number.
Talk about being honest!! This is not paradise over here
❤ well said Steve
A agree with most everything you say!!
Great videos
Cheers from Alberta , Canada 🇨🇦
My wife has been here
40 years and she still prefers Philippino food
Cook’s western but prefers philippino food
I'm in Marinduque and there are no Western Fast Food Chains, not even a Jollibee which I dislike but there are some great pizzerias here. I'm like you I'm not a fan of Filipino food but I didn't come here for the food. I came here for retirement and a relationship. They eat a lot of port and seafood here and not a lot of vegetables so I've had to work around that.
I seldom eat meat anymore; I remember when (even if I were blind, I would know that I was in the meat section of the grocery store; the smells of uncovered meats; flies and no apparent ice. I don’t know if the supermarkets are still like this or not?
All signs point to a lifestyle change. The complaints about restaurants and fast food are never ending, but we consumers still rely on strangers to prepare our meals very often - some multiple meals per week. These businesses are not going to change for the better. Its up to us to change for the better to make ourselves happy about the meals we consume. Going out to eat is a convenience not a necessity.
I'm pretty easy on eating Filipino food. I'll eat almost all of it, exceptions liver and fat. If I don't like it, I won't eat it. I can pick out what I don't like from what I order. I let my wife cook. Makes her happy. Great video for those who either have not been out of the country or on blinders. Let them come over here first for a fact finding tour. Places, food, people etc. Maybe 2 or more trips. Will save them headaches later on. Great video.
You need the patience of a saint in the Phils.....whereas in Thailand you only need the patience of a buddhist.....
I'm sure you like lumpia Shanghai and pork and chicken adobo but most philipino food you don't like
You look much better, what are you doing to your skin? I have traveled across the U.S. for 40 years, l have been poisoned by the best . My bugs will eat Philippines bugs for breakfast. Since I've retired ,l don't eat at grab joints,any grab joint.
I think being picky and cautious are two different things. Being picky means you may not like something from looks or taste. Being cautious is completely different. All should know of the bacteria here even if you have a strong immune system.
Theres food called PagPag here that sells in a variety of places like street food and calenderias. The word PagPag means food that was taken from garbage being thrown out by restaurants and sifted through to get meats and vegetables, then either recooking it with types of sauces or mixed with other things to consume. Its what some extremely poor do to survive as their food needs. Not saying all of these places do this, just know it is practiced in some areas. The other caution is tap water. Most likely, even the strongest immune system could get bacteria from the tap. Even some restaurants that didnt get their standard ice delivery, could have tap-ice. Always have some Loperamide (aka Imodium) with you.
Each person has their own taste buds and can find some Filipino food horrible. Personally, there isnt much i dislike as I'm not picky. However, Balut and the smell of durian and fried dried fish makes me want to vomit. Lol The only true way to know your foods is to cook it yourself.
This happens a lot here in the UNITED STATES at all the fast food joints, mainly because of 99% DEI Hires
When I was in Manila, I was expecting to get sick..(an ice cube or water in a restaurant) but lucky didn't. I have seen rats the size of cats.
A great way to build common sense in your life is to reflect on what you have done right and what you have done wrong. As you become more self-aware of your actions and who you are, you learn what to do, what not to do, and new ways to do things through reflection.
There is a great deal of apathy among the work force both here and the USA and according to the work force it is for the same reason, low pay. Not sure how we change this mindset where people come to work and think it's ok to trade poor performance for low pay
Food is horrible in the Philippines, I’m a foodie much better countries to go
It’s called Quiet Quitting
We go to s&r every month, it's only 5 minutes away and do our other shopping at tri noma
I think, with personal experience, you have to be picky about what you eat when travelling. I picked up a bug from a famous restaurant in Makati back in the late 80's, which still means my stomach cannot process fatty food.
Steve are the Steaks much more expensive than in the US at S&R? I would imagine they are imported.
They are really not that bad for what you get.
texas road house is very disappointing here in the phil food is always cold ive been to three different locations all the same
I, once, ordered a hamburger, and there was a rock in it!
Most likely it was dropped on the floor and then cooked. Sorry
Steve, I am highly disappointed, you are telling me that it won't be all rainbows, puppy dogs, and unicorns. Sorry, I could not resist. Everyone needs to remember that the first few weeks will be exciting, but the reality will set in and that is when you will know if the Philippines 🇵🇭 is for you.
One thing I always do is not add ice to my drinks because a lot of places use tap water and you never know. I remember a MacDonald’s at Clark and the bathrooms were out-of-order. The manager thought it was brilliant to put pota-potties next to both entrances. 🚽 Needless to say I did an about face.
How far is s&r from you, and how do you get it back home. Thnx
S and R is about 45 minutes and I haven’t gone home yet in almost 7 years
@@MrSteven5975 lol I meant how you getting the stuff back home. Do you use coolers for the meats,ect. You have a vechicle. Sorry I should have been clearer, coffee hasn't clicked in yet 😀
My Filipina Fiancé has warned me not to buy chicken at the wet market. She wants me to buy only at the grocery store. I told her I will only buy live chickens and butcher them. That is fresh!!
@@MrMidlandMichigan I don't buy chickens from the wet market either but find when raising our own or buying from the supermarket we cook them well to kill off any possibility of salmonella poisoning.
Hey Steve, prince of picky eater here. If you haven't as yet, try chook2go. Also, Top of Cebu restaurant, some of the best cooking I've had in the Philippines.
Hello,
I have only been here two months.
1. My wife is very picky and washes all items bought at grocery stores, including S & M/ S& R and landers.
2. Eating at a restaurants is like eating a “mystery Stew” for an example, you order a hamburger and has a different taste; than what you are expecting: I think that’s great.
3. So far I have learned; “what do you have available on the menu today (after sorry sir 3-4 times not available today)
4. So far it has been wonderfully journey.
I have music in the morning that wakes me up our apartment ( heavy machinery next door building a high rise) and the floor above major renovations - jack hammer from 10am to 2pm. So we just leave for most of the day. Welcome to the Philippines, but so far wouldn’t change any of the experiences
Cheers! Andrew
I have lived here for 10 yrs in Olongapo City, but live on Subic Bay the old US Navy Base. Your right about ordering food even McDonald’s drive through check your order. Be aware your trip to there bathroom or CR as they call it, no. Soap, paper towels or toilet paper. You will be surprised every day it’s like a box of cracker jacks, a nut or a surprise every time. And oh yes it’s not fun driving here there is hundreds of little motor scooters as I call them driving in between the cars, cutting the corners around and beside your car, don’t have an accident its your fault. I’m a retired police traffic officer, they drive me crazy. They stop for ever cross street even though the other drivers have a stop sign they consider it a courtesy but it really messes up th traffic flow.
Yeah, food is hit and miss there. I’m also very sensitive about cleanliness and I don’t drink local water and ice as I just go straight to bottled water or canned drinks.
I like you man. If I ever retire in the Philippines I'm going to meet up and we'll play some music. I play guitar. You're doing it right my friend.
Maybe when you are a cheap Charlie and go to cheap restaurants you get cheap service. I've been to many above 'cheap' restaurants and service and cleanliness is fine. You said it, 'you get what you paid for'.
Depends on if you cook or not. If you can cook at home and have access to a decent grocery store (Robinsons, Ayala, etc.) then you can certainly get by being picky. S&R and Landers also have better quality items you can prepare at home. Then also, in Cebu, there is a meat market directly accross from IT Park (cant recall the name) and it has imported USDA and Austrailian beef from Australia. So it is certainly possible unless you are in the provinces away from any reasonable sized city (provincial capital). In Tacloban there is a cooking supply store and they have been very helpful.
When it comes to not just PH food but alot of Asian foods, they simply stir fry way too much. Too much oil and salt. But this is the same problem you have if you eat at American restaurants. Too much deep fried and salt. So eating out is teh real villian in the story. If your girlfriend or wife is a decent cook or if you are, then you can certainly make healthier versions of PH dishes at home than you will find in restaurants. And avoid street food and open air meat markets at all costs. (No inspections and mostly amature cooks with no refrigeration).
One last advice, if you have family or friends back home or if you are snowbirding in PH, you can buy stuff in the US and send it to yourself in a balakbayan box. I send over pretzel salt, various nuts (especailly pistachios), certain spices, and boxes of certain snacks I love.
When it comes to Silent Quitting……. Given how poorly employters treat people and how bad behaviour amongst customers just keep getting worse (karen syndrome), you really cant blame them. Get treated like crap and no raises even when you do a good job and that is what happens. Frankly, the shortage of employees caused by COVID really finally put pressure on even the crappy bosses to finally start treating people better but they quickly return to their bad habits once the workers are hired. So the workers leave for better pay and hopefully better conditions someplace else. In many ways silent quitting is called you get what you pay for.
Haha, yep, the ordering thing. I gave up. When I'm with my gal or her daughter and we go to, say, Jolibee, I'll just say, "Get me something." Both know how much food I eat and what I like and that's that. When I order myself, I have about a 50% success rate.
I have been here 2 1/2 years and do just about all my meat shopping at S&R. Most of the time it’s cheaper than the local wet market and I won’t eat the nest from there
I am surprised they are keeping on the worker, as most places fire a worker before the one year time because after one year they get more rights like severance and the 13th check. They have no trouble replacing someone with a new employee they have to train as well and who also will screw up your order.
Alot of the time it just a language barrier, don't follow exactly what asking or suggestions. Yes patients is key. I don't speak Tagalog a hundred percent either.🎉
Good talk. Most people seem to hate working since Covid. Sad to see
I’m the same about eating.
Funny, 😄 I live in Tanza but haven’t yet gone to the Oasis. I need to check it out.
Minimalism is a vast problem in the American workforce. And not just in entry level jobs. It is present in every level of IT as well. Particularly among certain segments of the population.
And they can't get fired because they will sue for discrimination due to belonging to a protected class, whatever that protected class may be.
Part of the problem is corporations don't pay the workers enough. The other part of the problem is ppl think they are entitled due to stuff that happened 150 years ago.
The US is too fractured among ethnic and tribal lines. Reminds me of the final days of the Austria-Hungarian empire or the final days of Yugoslavia.
Another very nice (Being a Picky Eater in the Philippines can be Difficult? But Can be Done !!!) sharing, I really enjoyed watching it! Full support & Best of luck/Ned 👍👏👍
Thanks for visiting
@@MrSteven5975 🤝
I never touch street food of any type. It is difficult especially as I don’t eat meat, fish or dairy but luckily there’s lots of decent vegetables to buy. There are some restos that do a decent meatfree meal but not many.
Where do you eat and what area?