7 Hidden Healthy Filipino Food Gems in Quezon City
- LIKAA
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Metro Manila, a melting pot of cultures, inspires its residents to constantly explore food choices that balance health, affordability, and flavor. Among its many cities, Quezon City stands out as a prime destination for discovering not only healthy Filipino food but also a diverse array of other cuisines. Hidden in this friendly neighborhood are plenty of authentic local food gems worth your consideration.
Fast-paced lifestyles are on the rise in Manila, especially among Quezon City’s industrious university student population. People often grab quick and cheap meals, making clean and nourishing food the least of their priorities. That’s why adding affordable and healthy food spots to your dining agenda are so important. They let busy workers and students eat well without overspending. Healthy doesn’t need to mean bland or boring. From Filipino comfort dishes to lighter international meals, these choices satisfy cravings while helping people eat well amid the city’s daily grind.
Cheap But Healthy Filipino Food For Your Next Meal
Likaa has thoughtfully curated a list of 7 restaurants in Quezon City that serve authentic, cheap but healthy Filipino foods, and budget-friendly meals. Each featured restaurant showcases cooking methods designed to keep dishes light yet flavorful, whether through grilling, steaming, boiling, simmering, or serving them fresh.
Beyond technique, these establishments emphasize the use of vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs, demonstrating that Filipino cuisine can be both nourishing and satisfying. If you don’t think it’s possible to enjoy a balanced meal without compromising health, then this foodie guide is for you.
Urban Chick
195 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Urban Chick offers a casual yet comforting dining experience, the kind that instantly feels like home, perfect for families and barkadas unwinding after a long day at work or school. This restaurant began as a humble family venture and has grown into a well-loved neighborhood gem.
Inside, the maroon-themed interiors create a warm, welcoming vibe, while the iconic UP Ikot jeep and Oblation mural add a nostalgic touch. Together, they capture the charm of a modern carinderia while paying homage to the proud alma mater of the owners’ children.
Their menu offers a variety of choices for both individuals and groups. The highlights are the barbecue meals, served as a set with rice and a vegetable side dish, a perfectly balanced meal for any time of the day. They also offer silog meals - classic Filipino breakfast plates featuring fried rice, egg, and a protein option such as tapa, daing na bangus, and more.
Try the bilao-style dishes that can serve 10 to 25 people, with options ranging from 17 pasta varieties to barbecue sets and pancit. Also available are 16 classic Filipino viands such as kare-kare and bulalo, available in trays good for up to 15 people. Price ranges from ₱119.00 to ₱ 229.00 for individual meals, while bilao and trays range from ₱720.00 to ₱ 3,500.00.
Gubat
43 Mayaman, Diliman, Quezon City; J3WC+R6Q, C.P. Garcia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City
Hidden in the heart of Quezon City, step into Gubat’s lush, forest-inspired interiors, where wooden accents and greenery create a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Experience the full essence of healthy Filipino food with their kamayan-style feast, where every dish is meant to be savored with your hands. Served on banana leaves, diners connect with the food and each other most authentically.
Their menu is straightforward and consists of the all-time favorite Filipino dishes such as their famous Lechon Kawali and Halabos Na Hipon. They also offer merienda and refreshing drinks like Fresh Calamansi and Turmeric Iced Tea. Complete your healthy meal with rice, salted egg, tomato, and pako (a type of edible fern in the Philippines, commonly called fiddlehead fern). Price ranges from ₱140.00 to ₱260.00.
Family Panaderia
33 Malingap, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101
According to the 2023 Department of Agriculture report, Filipinos eat about 373 grams of rice a day, or around 136 kilograms a year. Since white rice is high in simple carbs that raise blood sugar, it’s also wise to cut back or try healthier alternatives.
If you’re on a rice break but still craving something savory, Family Panaderia at Malingap St., just outside the Z Compound Food Park, offers an al fresco spot perfect for an afternoon food trip.
Family Panaderia presents a wide selection of homemade sandwiches and pastries that cater to both hearty and wholesome cravings. Among their standout offerings is the well-loved Philly Cheesesteak Sub, a must-try for first-time visitors. Beyond the savory protein choices, their sandwiches are generously layered with whole, healthy ingredients like crisp lettuce, red and green peppers, ripe tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, all brought together with their special dressing and served on freshly baked, homemade French bread.
They also have shrimp, tuna melt, veggies and mushrooms, and fish fillet sandwiches available. And the best part is you can mix and match with your friend or partner, so why settle for one flavor when you can share two? Just ask to have your orders halved and swap away. Price range is from ₱ 180.00 to ₱ 260.00.
Best of Luck
Cubao Expo, 3 General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila
Hidden inside the artsy compound of Cubao Expo is Best of Luck, a spot that feels like both a secret find and a familiar favorite. It’s the kind of place where comfort food meets playful creativity - think Filipino and Chinese-inspired dishes that hit the spot, paired with drinks that make you want to linger a little longer.
The interiors are as eclectic as the Expo itself, with warm lights, quirky decor, and a vibe that feels laid-back but full of character. Whether you’re hopping between vintage shops, hanging out with friends, or on a low-key date night, Best of Luck has that perfect mix of good food, good drinks, and good energy.
Best of Luck is well-loved for its signature dim sum and Chili Peanut Noodles, but the menu doesn’t stop there. They also serve hearty à la carte dishes like sweet and sour pork and spicy eggplant with minced pork. The noodles and dim sum provide a satisfying mix of protein and carbohydrates. Their menu price ranges from ₱168.00 to ₱308.00.
Shao Kao Grillery
7 Masinsinan St., Diliman, Quezon City
Shao Kao Grillery is another hidden gem in Quezon City, offering healthy Filipino food for lunch that doesn't skimp on flavor. If you’re craving something savory and filling but prefer less oil than fried dishes, this Chinese street barbecue spot is the perfect choice.
Their menu highlights grilled meats such as liempo, lamb leg chop, and boneless bangus. They also serve grilled vegetables such as broccoli, eggplant, and cabbage, bringing balance and vitality to every meal. The best part? Grilled meats go for just ₱100.00–₱295.00, while the veggie skewers start at only ₱25.00. Healthy, filling, and super affordable, now that’s a win-win for your tummy and your wallet.
Imanji Herbivores’ Plate
36 Maginhawa st., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City
This plant-based food and beverage house is a fantastic find for vegetarians and vegans. Imanji describes itself as offering “sentient, nutritious, and healthy food for all,” and it lives up to that promise with a warm, carinderia vibe. Their ever-evolving menu, regularly updated on Facebook, features a wide range of creative and wholesome plant-based dishes worth exploring. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to take a break from the usual meat-heavy meals or fast-food runs.
While their offerings change from time to time, Imanji also keeps a reliable menu featuring crispy tofu skin, fried shanghai, and hearty vegan burgers. Their daily ulam lineup is just as exciting, with plant-based takes on Filipino classics like tinola, vegan corned beef, ginataang kalabasa, and kare-kare. To round out the experience, they serve vegan coffee, fresh juices, and smoothies - all at prices ranging from just ₱100.00 to ₱250.00.
Buen Comer Poquellas
30 Mahabagin, Diliman, Quezon City
Buen Comer is a cozy Mexican spot tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Mahabagin, Quezon City. Its open-air garage-style dining setup creates a laid-back, familiar atmosphere—casual, welcoming, and perfect for enjoying good food with friends.
On the menu are quesadillas, rice toppings, and the undeniable star of the show: mouthwatering, fully loaded burritos. A standout fan favorite is the Kare-Kare Burrito, a creative twist that wraps the classic Filipino dish in a warm tortilla. Another must-try is the Sisig Quesadilla, a clever fusion that brings the bold flavors of a Filipino classic into a Mexican favorite. Their burritos are generously sized, perfect for sharing with a friend or splitting in half so you can mix and match flavors in one meal. Price ranges from ₱208.00 to ₱ 548.00.
Eat Well, Spend Smart
Adulting is tough and a lifelong commitment, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our quality of life, especially the quality of the food we eat. Take your time to find the options that fit both your budget and health goals. Use this list as your cheat sheet while exploring Quezon City’s exciting healthy Filipino food scene. From comfort food classics to fresh, healthy bites, there’s always something worth trying. After all, every good choice you make today will feel even better tomorrow.
