MARCH 15, 2026 — When was the last time you bragged about airport food? For decades, NAIA was the butt of jokes — long lines, cramped lounges, and food options that felt more like survival than satisfaction. But here we are in 2026, and suddenly our main gateway is being recognized globally for something Filipinos actually care about: food.

The United Kingdom-based Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) ranked NAIA seventh best airport in the world for layover dining. Seventh! Out of the 50 busiest airports worldwide. Now that’s not just a pat on the back — it’s a signal that the Philippines is finally flexing its culinary muscle beyond the usual tourist brochures.

Credit goes to New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), which took over operations in late 2024 and wasted no time turning terminals into food destinations. The crown jewel? The Tambayan All-Filipino Food Hall at Terminal 3. Imagine 6,200 square meters of pure Pinoy food culture, 17 local brands, and seating for 2,000 hungry travelers. It’s like Divisoria meets Bonifacio Global City, but with boarding gates nearby.

APH noted NAIA now boasts around 131 restaurants and cafes. That’s a far cry from the sad sandwich counters we used to endure. 

And it’s not just about variety. NAIA also landed on APH’s list of airports with the most affordable lounges. Affordable and delicious? That’s a rare combo in aviation.

This recognition matters because it reframes the Philippines as a culinary stopover, not just a beach destination. With Michelin finally planting its flag here last year, and Filipino restaurants popping up on Asia’s best-of lists, NAIA’s food halls are part of a bigger narrative: we’re no longer just exporting labor and talent — we’re exporting taste.

So the next time someone says “airport food is terrible,” we can proudly point to NAIA and say, “Not anymore!”

Now if NAIA can pull off a glow-up just by serving better food, then why can’t our other public spaces do the same? Imagine bus terminals, train stations, even government offices turning into places we’d actually enjoy hanging around in. 

Kung kaya sa airport, kaya rin sa iba. Let’s make it happen!

(Image: NAIA | Facebook)