How Much Does Lobster Cost Per Kilo in the Philippines?

Lobster is considered a luxury food item in the Philippines. With its sweet succulent meat and delicate texture it’s no wonder Filipinos crave this crustacean delicacy. But being an imported seafood, lobster prices in the Philippines don’t come cheap. So how much does lobster cost per kilo in the country? Let’s find out.

Average Price of Lobster per Kilo

The average price of lobster in the Philippines ranges from ₱200 to ₱300 per kilo This is according to the latest market data from September 2024

Specifically, the price range for lobster per kilo is:

• ₱217.63 per kg or $4.5 to $4.86 per kg
• ₱100 to ₱150 per lb or $2.04 to $2.2 per lb

So if you buy a 1 kg frozen lobster in the Philippines, expect to pay around ₱250 to ₱300. Of course, prices still depend on factors like the lobster source, size, and season. We’ll discuss more details later.

Retail vs Wholesale Lobster Prices

There’s a difference between purchasing lobster at retail prices versus wholesale prices.

Retail Prices

If you buy lobster in small quantities from your local wet market, expect to pay retail prices. The retail price range is:

• ₱200 to ₱400 per kg
• ₱100 to ₱150 per lb

Retail prices are higher because you’re buying lobster repacked and resold in smaller quantities. The lobster usually passes through different sellers before reaching your neighborhood market.

Wholesale Prices

For bulk purchases, lobster is cheaper at wholesale prices. Restaurants and other food businesses can buy lobsters wholesale at:

• ₱140 to ₱280 per kg
• ₱65 to ₱130 per lb

Wholesalers import the frozen lobsters in big volumes then distribute to retailers. Cutting out the middlemen nets buyers significant savings per kilo.

Factors Affecting Lobster Prices in the Philippines

Several factors account for the varying prices of lobsters in the Philippine market:

1. Species

There are many lobster species, each commanding different price points based on rarity and meat yield. The most common imported to the Philippines are:

• Spiny lobsters – A budget-friendly option at ₱180 to ₱250 per kg. Common species are Painted spiny lobster and Slipper lobster.

• American/Maine lobster – Considered the “true” lobster species. Prices range ₱250 to ₱400 per kg. This is the stereotypical reddish brown lobster with large front claws.

• Rock lobster – Fetch higher prices from ₱300 to ₱450 per kg due to big size and meatiness. The two popular species are Western rock lobster and Eastern rock lobster.

2. Size

Bigger, heavier lobsters have higher market values. An average 1 kg lobster would cost around ₱250 per kg. But giant lobsters scaling 2 kg each can be priced at ₱500 per kg or more.

3. Supply and Season

Lobster prices fluctuate depending on supply and season. Expect very high prices from April to June when lobster fishing is prohibited. Prices become cheaper towards November to February peak fishing months.

Bad weather and fewer catches also diminish market supply, driving lobster prices up.

4. Location

In landlocked provinces, expect higher retail prices for lobsters because of added transportation costs. Metro Manila wet markets offer cheaper prices due to proximity to importers.

5. Source

Lobster imported from Canada and Australia are more expensive at ₱350 per kg and above. Asian sources like Indonesia and India offer cheaper lobsters priced ₱220 per kg below.

Where to Buy Lobster in the Philippines

Here are the best places to buy affordable lobsters in the Philippines:

1. Online Seafood Shops

For convenient home delivery, order lobsters online from seafood shops and marketplaces like:

• Bow Tie Duck – Get 450g to 500g lobsters vacuum-packed in pairs, starting ₱1,200 per pack

• Manila Ocean – Live or frozen American and spiny lobsters priced around ₱250 per kg

• Madame Seafood – Good for bulk orders of frozen lobster tails, whole lobsters, and lobster meat

• Qifish – Sells Boston lobster tails at ₱1,590 per pack

• Carousell – Platform connecting buyers to lobster sellers and fishermen

2. Dampa Wet Markets

Head to Dampa seafood markets in Metro Manila to handpick fresh seafood:

• Dampa Seafood Market – In Pasay City, pick live lobsters to be cooked at the numerous restaurants onsite

• Seaside Dampa – Also in Pasay, known for extensive seafood selection

• Macapagal Dampa – Situated along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard

3. Local Public Markets

Always ask your suki fish/seafood vendor in your public market for the latest lobster price and availability.

Popular options are:

• Commonwealth Market – Quezon City
• Balintawak Market – Quezon City
• Nepa Q Mart – Quezon City
• Mega Q Mart – Quezon City
• Manggahan Market – Pasig City
• Baguio Public Market – Baguio City

4. Supermarkets

Groceries and supermarket chains will stock frozen lobsters every now and then. But prices are understandably higher than wet markets.

• SM Supermarket – Check frozen seafood section
• Hypermarket
• WalterMart
• Robinsons Supermarket
• Puregold
• SaveMore
• Metro Gaisano

5. Seafood Restaurants

Finally, indulge in lobster dishes at classy seafood restaurants. Five-star hotel buffets also serve poached lobsters during seasonal promotions. Expect inflated prices owing to dine-in fees and preparation/cooking costs:

• Red Lobster – Live Maine lobster for ₱1,950

• YOLO – Lobster Thermidor for ₱2,800

• Las Flores – Crispy Lobster with Noodles at ₱880 per 100 grams

• Spiral (Sofitel Hotel) – Part of their lunch/dinner buffet spread

Tips for Cooking Frozen Lobster

Here are some tips to prepare frozen lobster perfectly:

• Thaw frozen lobster overnight in the fridge or use a cold water bath for quicker thawing. Never thaw at room temperature.

• Check for damage once thawed. Look for cracked shells, mushy meat, and foul odor indicating spoilage.

• Clean thoroughly by scrubbing the shells under running water. Use a stiff brush to remove grime and debris.

• For boiling, plunge the live lobster quickly into a large pot of boiling salted water then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.

• For grilling, slice the underside to butterfly the lobster before throwing it on the hot grill. Baste with lemon butter while cooking.

• Don’t overcook. Lobster meat becomes rubbery and dry if cooked too long.

• Use the cooked lobster immediately or chill leftovers to preserve flavor and texture.

Lobster is a pricey indulgence in the Philippines, retailing from ₱200 to ₱400 per kilo. Wholesale prices for bulk orders are cheaper at ₱140 to ₱280 per kg. Several factors like species, size, supply, and location impact availability and pricing. For easy access, buy frozen lobsters online or check your local wet markets. With proper thawing and cooking, you can enjoy restaurant-style lobster even at home.