Regina Troy Barrios

Filipino Pride: NAIA Is Named Among the World’s 10 Best Airports For Layover Dining— Here’s What To Eat

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<p>It’s not every day that Manila’s main airport earns a spot on a global “best of” list. Yet<strong> Ninoy Aquino International Airport </strong>has just landed<a href="https://www.timeout.com/asia/news/asia-leads-globally-for-best-layover-experience-including-food-sleepability-and-lounge-affordability-030326" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> seventh in <em>Timeout Magazine’s</em> ranking of the world’s best airports for layover food</a>—a category that focuses squarely on the dining selections available to travelers during those long, hungry hours between flights. The placement puts NAIA ahead of many airports around the globe, a small but delicious victory for a gateway more often the subject of weary jokes than culinary praise.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727813456612.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The ranking rests on several measures that matter to travelers: how many dining options are available, how varied those options are, whether prices feel fair, and what reviewers actually say online. NAIA now sits alongside serious heavyweights: <strong>Singapore Changi Airport</strong> takes the top spot, followed by <strong>O’Hare International Airport </strong>and <strong>Haneda Airport</strong>. Interestingly, five of the ten airports on the list are in Asia, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for turning layovers into an opportunity to get a proper meal rather than just a weary wait.</p><p>At NAIA, that shift is easy to see. <strong>Terminal 3</strong> has become the epicenter of the airport’s culinary life, especially the<strong> Mezzanine Food Hall </strong>and<strong> Level 4</strong>. Travelers there can find siopao steaming gently in bamboo baskets, halo-halo with shaved ice and sweet beans, ramen bowls rich with umami aroma, and even Estrel’s airy caramel chiffon cakes. With so many choices, even a short layover can feel like a carefully plotted, delicious detour rather than a pause in your journey.</p><p>Below is Metro’s curated list of 15 standout dining spots from NAIA’s roughly 131 restaurants and cafés. The selection spans Filipino classics, international comforts, and a few sweet surprises, offering enough variety to make even the briefest layover feel like a small, delicious adventure.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727814650604.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aeropizzacentrale/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Aero Pizza Centrale</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall</h3><p>If you’re craving pizza before takeoff, Aero Pizza Centrale serves thin‑crust pies with melty cheese and great crust. Yes, even at an airport, there’s room for something delicious and soulful.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727816027613.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/armynavyburgerburrito/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Army Navy Burger &amp; Burrito</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall</h3><p>Grab burgers and burritos with bold, unapologetic flavor. Quick and filling, a great pick for when you need a hot meal even when you’re racing the clock to your gate.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/boscoffee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Bo’s Coffee</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall (Tambayan ATBP) / T1 </h3><p>A reliable go-to for locally roasted coffee and snacks. </p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chilisphilippines/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Chili’s</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>This hearty Tex-Mex joint is good for travelers who want something substantial to eat. The ribs and chicken crispers are great, and the portions generous.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/estrels1946" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Estrel&#x27;s Caramel Cakes</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall </h3><p>Estrel’s makes iconic caramel chiffon so light, moist and beautiful, topped with their signature  piped roses and lace‑like buttercream. You definitely have to stop by because these make the best pasalubong.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772782177039Ka Tunying.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mama_lous/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>Craving comfort food? Order pasta or pizza from this favorite spot. Their food is always made with care, flavorful and reliable.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marugameph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Marugame Udon</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>Stop by for freshly pulled udon with crisp tempura and customizable toppings. Dining here is affordable, authentic, and quietly satisfying. We call it a rare oasis of genuine noodles in a sea of generic airport options.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727823781595.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cafemarygrace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Mary Grace Cafe</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall </h3><p>Cozy and welcoming, head there for ensaymadas and cheese rolls to enjoy over hot chocolate.If you&#x27;re hungry, they have wonderfully-filling homestyle dishes that won&#x27;t disappoint.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nanyangph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Nanyang</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>Think dumplings, siopao, and fried rice. Always a reliable stop in a busy terminal.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/parisbaguette_ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Paris Baguette</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>Grab French-inspired pastries, sandwiches, or sit down for a light meal.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/popeyesph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Popeyes</strong></a> – T3, Mezzanine Food Hall </h3><p>Who doesn&#x27;t love Louisiana-style fried chicken that’s crisp and juicy, paired with buttery biscuits. Definitely a favorite stop, even on a hurried layover.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727827180406.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ramennagimanila/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Ramen Nagi</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall </h3><p>Stop in for Butao King ramen or any of their customizable bowls. We love their springy noodles and rich broth that delivers a little umami. Just what you need to ease the stress of travel.</p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sansrivalph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sans Rival</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall </h3><p>Pick up the perfect pasalubong: dessert made of layers of meringue and buttercream in a balance crisp, soft, and sweet textures. </p><div><br/></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shakeshackph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Shake Shack</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall </h3><p>Shack burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy shakes make this an irresistible stop. A dependable indulgence.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17727829171037.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo: Manila International Airport Authority</span></span></span></div><h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/viamareph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Via Mare</strong></a> – T3, Level 4 Food Hall (Tambayan ATBP) </h3><p>Known for Filipino classics, from bibingka to seafood dishes. We love the thoughtful execution and familiar flavors that make this one of NAIA&#x27;s best stops</p>

<p>NAIA has earned a spot in the world’s top 10 airports for layover food, and this guide highlights 15 standout restaurants and cafés across its terminals that every traveler should try.</p>

NAIA has earned a spot in the world’s top 10 airports for layover food, and this guide highlights 15 standout restaurants and cafés across its terminals that every traveler should try.

Filipino Pride: NAIA Is Named Among the World’s 10 Best Airports For Layover Dining— Here’s What To Eat

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Filipino Pride: NAIA Is Named Among the World’s 10 Best Airports For Layover Dining— Here’s What To Eat

Troy Barrios

Published March 04, 2026 03:50 PM PHT

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Updated March 06, 2026 03:49 PM PHT

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