Lola Helen’s Pancit in Marikina is one of the restaurants selected by the Michelin Guide this year. Amidst the expensive restaurants, this simple yet delicious panciteria stands out due to its homemade cooking and quality of food.
According to the Michelin Guide, restaurants with “Selected” status use quality ingredients and have delicious cuisine. At Lola Helen’s, every meal is worth the money—from their famous Bihon Con Litson which costs ₱240, to other dishes on the menu that are affordable from ₱110 to ₱595.
Owner Pacita De Guzman shared that the panciteria started 20 years ago. “Many people have tried our pancit. It’s the taste that really makes people come back,” she said. The family also couldn’t believe it when they found out they were included in the Michelin Guide—an honor they are very proud of.
The Bihon Con Litson is flavorful, with a mix of salt, sweetness, and a little sourness from the calamansi. The lechon is crispy and full of umami even without the added soy sauce. One order can feed three people, so it's worth the price.
If you're looking for pancit that tastes like home and isn't heavy on your pocket, Lola Helen's is worth a visit. It's a restaurant that Marikina residents and the entire Philippines are proud of—proof that even simple pancit can rise to Michelin level.
