Because for many Filipino families, a Christmas table feels incomplete without ham.

In many Filipino homes, ham has been part of their Noche Buena for generations. Sliced thick or thin, paired with bread or rice, and shared long after midnight as families linger and catch up. When we see ham, it’s a signal that the celebration has officially begun.

Even if we’re told that P500 should be enough for Noche Buena, many of us know this is one time of the year we don’t like to be tinitipid. Christmas is about gathering, sharing, and celebrating the year that was. And during the festive season, we believe that every household deserves a ham on the table—not necessarily the most expensive one, but something that feels special, and something meant to be shared.

From long-time favorites to more accessible options, here are some of the best places to find a Christmas ham that deserves a spot at the center of your table, fits your budget, and your way of celebrating.

The Plaza

The Plaza‘s Christmas ham is inspired by Swedish holiday ham, but adjusted for Filipino tastebuds. It’s lightly smoked with herbs and spices, then baked slowly until tender and finished with a light glaze. You can also add one of their sauces, like horseradish, sweet mustard, or wasabi mayo, if you want more kick. The sugar crust on the outside adds a nice bit of texture and makes it even more tempting to slice again.

China Mommy

If you already love China Mommy’s food, this one’s an easy yes. Linda Co’s boneless ham has become a holiday favorite for a reason, and thankfully, it’s back this Christmas. She’s long been known for Filipino-Chinese comfort food that tastes homemade in the best way, and her ham follows the same philosophy. Perfect if you want something special but still comforting on the Noche Buena table.

Gourdo’s

If you want a classic Christmas ham that’s easy to buy and easy to serve, Gourdo’s is a reliable choice. You can serve it as is, or dress it up with a simple glaze if you feel like adding a personal touch. Gourdo’s also offers free tastings in-store, which helps if you’re buying for a big gathering and want to be sure before committing. It’s available as a 1kg Christmas Ham for smaller tables, or 4kg Christmas Leg Ham if you’re feeding a full house.

Excelente Chinese Ham

Excelente has been a holiday staple since 1972, with its Quiapo store drawing long lines as Christmas gets closer. This Chinese-style ham is always a hit and their boneless cooked ham is a practical choice for much smaller celebrations. Excelente is a ham many Filipino families associate with Noche Buena.

Adelina’s

Adelina’s has been around for over 70 years and is a familiar one on many Noche Buena tables. What started as a small grocery specialty in Mandaluyong has become a Christmas favorite passed down through generations. The ham has a mild, smoky flavor that pairs well with their thick, syrupy sauce, which is sold separately. It’s also on the fattier side, so thicker slices can feel rich.

Santi’s Delicatessen

Santi’s may be known more for baking and deli staples, but their Christmas Honey Ham is worth a look. This is a good option if you’re looking for value without sacrificing quality. It’s more affordable than many holiday hams, which also makes it a practical choice for gifting or bringing home as pasalubong.

Kao Manila merges fusion gastronomy and clubbing in one place

Purefoods Fiesta Ham

It’s the most accessible option on this list and the easiest to find when time is not on your side. If you’re skipping long lines or last-minute store runs, this ham gets the job done, making it a safe choice for Noche Buena even if it’s simpler than specialty hams. It’s also budget-friendly and widely available in supermarkets, which makes it a practical pick for many households. When convenience matters most, this is the one most people reach for.

Wildflour

Wildflour is another good option if you want a Christmas ham that’s ready to serve. Their holiday ham comes with soft brioche buns and sauces, so there’s very little prep needed. You can choose from a few boxes depending on what you prefer. If you want something sweeter and more Filipino-style, the Hamonado Box is worth trying. It’s a convenient, all-in-one choice for easy holiday hosting.

Majestic

Majestic has been making hams since 1956, and it shows in how carefully theirs is prepared. Their bone-in ham follows a traditional process and is cured for months, smoked, then slowly cooked and glazed before it reaches your table. It’s a lot of work, but generations of loyal customers will tell you it’s worth it.

Where to find the best Christmas hams in Manila for your Noche Buena celebration