travel guide

Filipino Food You Must Try

Embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich history and diverse geography of the Philippines. Experience the bold and dynamic flavors of Filipino cuisine, which blend indigenous tastes with Latin and American influences.
Each popular dish is a reflection of the country's unique colonial past and cultural spirit, ensuring that every bite is a truly authentic experience. With such a wide array of mouth-watering flavors to choose from, get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other!

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Adobo

Adobo is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines, traditionally prepared with chicken or pork simmered in a savoury sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and black pepper.

The slow-cooking process allows the meat to absorb the rich flavours of the sauce.

Served with steamed rice, Filipino adobo is a staple of home cooking and can be found throughout the country.

Lechon

Lechon is a traditional Filipino dish consisting of a whole pig roasted slowly over charcoal until the skin becomes golden and crispy while the meat remains tender and juicy.

Often served at birthdays, weddings, festivals and other special occasions, lechon is a centrepiece of Filipino celebrations.

It is commonly accompanied by a liver-based sauce, although regional variations exist.

Inihaw na Liempo

Inihaw na liempo is a popular Filipino grilled pork belly dish, typically marinated in a mixture of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce and seasonings before being cooked over charcoal.

Some recipes also use lemon-lime soft drinks to add sweetness to the marinade. The result is tender, flavourful meat with a smoky aroma and a lightly charred exterior. It is often served with rice and a dipping sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce and chilli.

Lumpia

Lumpia are Filipino spring rolls inspired by Chinese culinary traditions and adapted to local tastes.

They are commonly filled with minced pork or other meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin pastry and fried until golden and crispy.

Fresh versions are also popular and are usually served with a savoury sauce. Lumpia is a favourite appetiser at Filipino gatherings and can also be enjoyed as a merienda, or afternoon snack.

Pancit

Pancit refers to a variety of Filipino noodle dishes influenced by Chinese cuisine and adapted over generations.

Two of the most popular versions are Pancit Bihon, made with thin rice noodles, and Pancit Canton, prepared with thicker wheat noodles.

Both are typically cooked with vegetables, meat or seafood and seasoned with a savoury sauce. Pancit is commonly served at celebrations and family gatherings, where noodles traditionally symbolise long life and good fortune.

Sisig

Sisig is a well-known Filipino dish originating from Pampanga, traditionally prepared with chopped pork, onions, chilli and calamansi, a local citrus fruit.

The ingredients are often served sizzling on a hot plate, creating a distinctive combination of savoury, tangy and spicy flavours.

Modern variations may include different cuts of meat and additional ingredients. Sisig is popular as an appetiser or main dish and is frequently enjoyed with rice.

Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a traditional Filipino stew known for its thick, rich peanut sauce.

It is commonly prepared with beef, oxtail or other cuts of meat, together with vegetables such as aubergine, long beans and banana blossom.

The dish is traditionally served with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste that adds a salty contrast to the mild, nutty sauce. Kare-Kare is a favourite at family gatherings and special occasions.

Crispy Pata

Crispy Pata is a popular Filipino pork dish made from a whole pork leg that is boiled until tender and then deep-fried until the skin becomes exceptionally crispy.

The contrast between the crunchy exterior and succulent meat makes it a favourite to share at family meals and celebrations. It is usually served with steamed rice and a dipping sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and other seasonings.

Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo is a comforting Filipino rice porridge prepared by slowly simmering rice with chicken, garlic, onions and ginger until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.

Although its name comes from Spanish, the dish reflects Chinese culinary influences and has become a staple of Filipino home cooking.

Often garnished with spring onions, toasted garlic and calamansi, Arroz Caldo is enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack or as a warming meal at any time of day.

Pork Menudo

Pork Menudo is a traditional Filipino stew made with diced pork, liver, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Some regional and family recipes also include bell peppers, raisins or hotdogs.

Commonly served with steamed rice, this hearty dish is a familiar feature of Filipino family meals, fiestas and special occasions.

Sinigang Soup

Sinigang is a traditional Filipino sour soup known for its refreshing, tangy broth, often flavoured with tamarind.

It can be prepared with pork, fish, prawns or beef, together with vegetables such as radish, aubergine, tomatoes and water spinach. The balance of sour flavours and savoury ingredients makes Sinigang a distinctive part of Filipino cuisine.

Served hot with steamed rice, it is enjoyed throughout the country, with variations depending on local ingredients and family traditions.

Halo-Halo

Halo-Halo is one of the Philippines’ best-known desserts, combining crushed or shaved ice with evaporated milk, sweetened beans, jellies, fruit and other ingredients. Many versions are topped with leche flan, ube halaya or a scoop of ice cream.

The name means “mix-mix” in Filipino, referring to the way the ingredients are stirred together before eating.

Particularly popular during the hot summer months, Halo-Halo offers a colourful combination of contrasting textures, sweetness and refreshing flavours.

Leche Flan

Leche Flan is a rich Filipino caramel custard made with egg yolks, condensed milk and evaporated milk, topped with a layer of caramelised sugar.

Similar to crème caramel, it is traditionally steamed or baked in a water bath until smooth and creamy.

Leche Flan is a popular dessert at birthdays, fiestas, Christmas celebrations and family gatherings. Its silky texture and sweet caramel topping make it one of the most recognisable desserts in the Philippines.