12 Best Fast Food Restaurants in the Philippines (by Neighborhood) | 4 Historical and Tourist Areas
- LIKAA
- Jul 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Whether you seek air-conditioned comfort after touring Fort Santiago or a quick, tasty refuel near Rizal Park, knowing the top fast food restaurants in the Philippines, then adding on the bonus of pairing them with food discounts nearby stirs up the perfect recipe for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
The Philippines offers a feast for the senses: stunning historical sites, bustling markets, and a world-famous culinary scene. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is rich in history and culture, with several districts that serve as major tourist attractions, but also boast an incredible array of fast food culture, perfectly positioned to fuel your dining adventures.
From global giants to beloved local champions, fast food chains in the Philippines are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life – and conveniently located near major sights.
We've mapped out the best fast food restaurants in Manila by neighborhood, focusing specifically on convenient, tasty options in and around the country's most iconic and visited neighborhoods.
In this article, we introduce Historical and Tourist Areas to grab an affordable bite between sights.
Neighborhood: Intramuros
Best Fast Food Restaurants in the Philippines: Intramuros
Walls' Famous Friedrich Spicy Chicken
If you want fast, tasty, and affordable Filipino-style fried chicken with a kick, Wall’s Famous Friedrich Spicy Chicken is a hidden gem in Intramuros. Nestled in the historic Walled City of Manila, Wall's Famous Friedrich Spicy Chicken has earned a loyal following for its delicious, wallet welcoming meals, making it a standout fast food spot.
Pair your spicy chicken with iced tea or sago’t gulaman to cool down the heat. Don’t miss it.
Dexter’s Pizza Intramuros
Dexter’s Pizza stands out as one of the best fast food spots in the Intramuros for flavor, affordability, and convenience. Their crispy, generously topped pizzas, like the crowd-favorite "All-In" overload, deliver big taste without breaking the bank (slices start at just ₱50).
Perfect for students, tourists, and office workers, Dexter’s Pizza offers quick service and a no-fuss vibe, ideal for a cheap, satisfying bite while exploring Intramuros. Unlike fast food chain pizzerias, it feels authentically local, with hearty portions and a Filipino flair.
Don’t skip their garlic knots.
Max's Intramuros
Max's Intramuros belongs to the Max's Group, Inc. food chain. This Philippine-based fast food chain restaurant is known for its fried chicken and other comfort Filipino dishes. Their legendary "Max's Fried Chicken," crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfected since 1945, is the star, best paired with savory sarsa (gravy) and warm rice.
While other fast-food joints crowd the area, Max's offers a sit-down, family-friendly vibe with classic dishes like kare-kare and sinigang at mid-range prices. If you visit Max’s Intramuros, try their banana ketchup, it’s a sweet, tangy twist.
Neighborhood: Binondo
Best Fast Food Restaurants in the Philippines: Binondo
Wai Ying Fast Food
Step into Binondo, what some consider to be the world’s oldest Chinatown and Manila’s ultimate culinary gem, where every alleyway tells a story through food. For centuries, this vibrant district has been the heart of Chinese-Filipino cuisine, serving up irresistible flavors that marry tradition with local depth, from steaming baskets of dim sum to sizzling wok-fried noodles and roast meats glistening with honeyed glaze.
How can you come to Chinatown and not eat Chinese food? Wai Ying Fast Food delivers authentic, knockout Chinese flavors at great value, making it a Binondo must.
Reviewers rave about the deeply flavourful soups (Beef Mami, Wonton) and generous, delicious dumplings. Standouts include the meaty, shrimp-filled Siomai and the massive, filling Thai Pao.
Don't miss the sweet Lava Pao for dessert. Despite crowds and a small space, service is fast and efficient, even with queues. Upstairs AC offers a welcome retreat. Simply put: huge portions, bold tastes, and essential fast comfort food.
Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food
Chuan Kee Fast Food is undisputedly the oldest Chinese fast food chain in Binondo. Since 1940, Chuan Kee has been a legendary Binondo spot for comfort food. Most will tell you it’s worth the queue, but if waiting isn’t your thing, you better snack somewhere else.
Foodies consistently rave about the juicy Xiao Long Bao and flavor-packed Beef Wanton Mami (especially the rich broth). Must-tries also include crispy Spring Rolls, succulent Chinoy Fried Chicken, Shrimp Hakaw, and Camaron Relleno. While the small space means long waits during peak times (try 2-4 PM), the huge, shareable portions deliver incredible value.
T.F.F - Tarsier Fried Food - Lucky Chinatown Mall
T.F.F - Tarsier Fried Food is Binondo’s crispy, quirky gem. As a franchised fast-food chain in the Philippines, it specializes in Filipino-style Chinese cuisine and offers stunning fried chicken dishes.
Their golden, extra-crunchy chicken, marinated in a secret spice blend, pairs perfectly with savory lugaw (rice porridge) or garlic rice, all at manageable prices (meals under ₱150). Unlike generic chains, T.F.F packs bold, umami-rich flavors in every bite, drawing loyal crowds for its speed, value, and addictive crunch.
For a fast, flavorful bite in Chinatown, dip your chicken into their spicy vinegar for an extra kick.
Neighborhood: Quiapo
Best Fast Food Restaurants in the Philippines: Quiapo
24 Chicken Mendiola
24 Chicken is a fast food chain in the Philippines serving “boneless happiness” since 2017. If you’re craving Korean-style fried chicken, 24 Chicken Mendiola should be your go to. Famous for its ultra-crispy, double-fried wings with flavors like soy garlic and spicy yangnyeom, it delivers bold tastes at prices nearby university students can feed their brains on (meals start under ₱200).
Open late, it beats other generic chains. Their insanely crispy double-fried Korean chicken skin is so thin and crackly it shatters like glass, yet stays glued to juicy meat even when drenched in sauce. While others serve soggy wings, 24 Chicken nails the texture contrast that makes Korean fried chicken legendary. BTW, try their cheesy corn side dish for the full Korean experience.
Jolli Dada’s Eatery The Original Palabok Pancit & Halo Halo
Forget frills, focus on flavor: Jolli Dada’s serves arguably the BEST authentic Palabok in Quiapo, making it a non-negotiable stop.
Locals rave about their Original Palabok – praised for its savory, rich sauce perfectly clinging to noodles, loaded with generous toppings (crunchy chicharon, smoked tinapa flakes, eggs) and balanced by fresh calamansi. It delivers true homemade comfort without being overwhelming.
While the simple karinderya setting is basic (and could be tidier), speed and value are king: massive PHP 80 servings are ready in under a minute, perfect for quick fuel. Add friendly staff and free iced water and you get ultimate, satisfying Filipino fast food.
Popeyes Recto
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® fast chain brand has more than 45 years of history and culinary tradition. The restuarant distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items.
Popeyes Recto is the go-to spot for bold, Cajun-style fried chicken with a spicy kick, best paired with their warm, buttery biscuits and crispy Cajun fries. Perfect for students and bargain hunters near UST, it’s a late-night fix (open 24 hours) that hits the spot after classes or shopping.
Neighborhood: Rizal Park
Best Fast Food Restaurants in the Philippines: Rizal Park
Jollibee Rizal Park
Rizal Park isn’t just a checklist stop, it’s where Manila’s history, quirks, and daily life collide. Why not combine your Rizal Park exploration with an iconic Filipino meal at Jollibee, which most locals don’t need to be told is the largest fast food chain brand in the Philippines, operating a network of more than 1,600 stores in 17 countries.
Jollibee Rizal Park is located steps from the park, making it a solid option for lightning-fast, refueling after sightseeing. After the National Museum complex (and its free entry perks) keep the low cost entertainment going with a crispy Chickenjoy, sweet-savory Jolly Spaghetti, or a refreshing Peach Mango Pie. Experience tastes deeply woven into local culture.
McDonald's Un Del Pilar
Ok, yes it’s McDonald’s, so we’re not gonna say too much about it, but McDonald's Un Del Pilar is a reliable pit stop if the urge strikes you during your travels. Part of the fun of traveling is stepping into a McDonald's just to see how they've adapted the menu to local flavors; like a fast food crash course in culture, where even the fries come with surprises.
At this particular branch, bands from nearby Pandacan music bars often debrief here over McFlurry + fries combos post midnight. The energy peaks during late night study sessions (open 24/7) thanks to its proximity to PUP, TUP & other Manila universities. Dawn shifts mean drivers crowd the place for a longganisa McDo breakfast meal + free WiFi.
Restaurant Discounts in the Philippines and Beyond
Finding restaurant discounts near you is so easy with Likaa. The food discount app reaches much further than simply fast food chains in the Philippines, and you don't need to secure any food coupons in advance. Likaa’s unique map feature shows you food deals nearby, or in any neighborhood you choose. Plus, if you have questions, you can join live group chats if you want to know more about a specific restaurant. Friendly Likaa foodies use these restaurant-hosted clubs for discussions about their dining experiences and to share personal reviews.
About Likaa:
Likaa makes it easy for restaurants and F&B insiders to host chat rooms, share discounts, and get honest feedback from the guests they value and want to welcome back.
