Chao Long Noodle Shops — Rizal Avenue

year-round

After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the Philippine government housed Vietnamese refugees in Puerto Princesa; those families opened small eateries to survive, and the dish they left behind — chao long — became a city staple over 40 years. It is a localized pho: rice noodle soup in a dark, slightly sweet broth (Filipino-adapted with banana ketchup and tomato paste) topped with sliced beef, bean sprouts, basil, and calamansi. Bona's Chaolong, Pham Chaolong at 159 Rizal Avenue, and Lou Chao Long Hauz near the old airport are all direct descendants. Local's tip: this is living refugee-origin food history — ask the older stall owners about Ms. Lanh, who started the first one from the refugee camp; the story is usually more interesting than the menu.

Source: www.gmanetwork.com