Top 15 Filipino Dishes Every Foodie Loves

Every meal in this country is a feast of flavors and history, making the Philippines another culinary destination that you don’t want to miss.

Filipino cuisine is a flavorful mix, from savory classics to sweet perennial especialmente different with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality.

These dishes represent a culinary journey around the archipelago, with each region taking pride in its own signature specialities.

So whether you’re planning a visit or simply want a taste of the Philippines at home, here are 15 dishes every foodie needs to try.

1. Adobo

Adobo, often referred to as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, is a savory stew of meat (typically chicken or pork) marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and spices.

This dish is so memorable because of that sour, salty, umami flavor combination.

Serve with steamed rice for the ultimate Filipino comfort food plate.

2. Sinigang

This tamarind-based soup is bright and sour, a clean dish that balances tanginess with the classically savory richness of meat or seafood.

Sinigang is often cooked with vegetables like okra, radish and eggplant, a bowl of warmth and love, particularly during rainy days.

3. Lechon

You can’t have a Filipino celebration without lechon, a whole roast pig with crispy skin and tender meat.

Often served with a sweet-and-tangy liver sauce, it’s the star of fiestas and special occasions.

4. Kare-Kare

This reconstituted peanut stew, a hearty dish of oxtail, tripe and vegetables, including eggplant and string beans.

Kare-kare’s nutty, salty flavor is traditionally accented by bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).

5. Pancit

A noodle dish that takes many forms, pancit symbolizes long life and is essential at Filipino birthday parties.

From pancit canton to bihon, every variation is imbued with flavor, often with vegetables, meat and a squeeze of calamansi to taste.

6. Sisig

Originating in Pampanga, the “culinary capital” of the Philippines, sisig is a dish served hot and made of chopped face, liver and spices from a pig.

Sisig is a savory, crunchy delight with a hint of citrus served on a hot plate topped with a cracked egg.

7. Halo-Halo

This Filipino classic is an icy medley of crushed ice, sweet fruits, jellies, beans, leche flan and ube (purple yam).

Halo-halo is best for beating the tropical heat, soft in the middle and topped with evaporated milk.

8. Laing

Specialty of the Bicol region, laing is made from dried taro leaves that are cooked in creamy coconut milk with shrimp paste and chili.

This is a unique and divine dish with earthy and spicy flavours.

9. Lumpia

These crispy rolls filled with meat, vegetables or both are Filipinos’ version of spring rolls — its called lumpia on the islands.

They are typically served as appetizers or snacks, paired with a sweet-and-tangy dipping sauce.

10. Bibingka

A Christmas staple, bibingka is a favorite rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk and sugar, and baked in banana leaves.

It is commonly served with salted eggs, grated coconut and butter, for a sweet and savory snack.

11. Bangus (Milkfish)

As the Philippines’ national fish, bangus can be eaten grilled, fried, or as sinigang na bangus.

Its mild taste complements tangy sauces or even a simple garlic dip.

12. Chicken Inasal

The marinated grilled chicken doused with calamansi, lemongrass, garlic and annatto hails from Bacolod.

Served with garlic rice and a dipping sauce made of vinegar and soy sauce, it’s smoky and zesty comfort food.

13. Taho

A favorite snack on the street, taho is a warm mixture of silken tofu, sweet arnibal (caramelized sugar syrup) and chewy sago pearls.

It’s such a simple, but comforting, dish, ideal for mornings.

14. Bicol Express

This spicy stew from Bicol consists of pork simmered in coconut milk with chilies and shrimp paste.

It’s a spicy, creamy dish ideal for chile-heads.

15. Ensaymada

Sweeter and fluffier than traditional bread, ensaymada is topped with butter, sugar and grated cheese and a favorite breakfast or merienda (snack time) food.

It’s an indulgent, decadent treat that’s the ideal accompaniment to a steaming mug of coffee.

Final Thoughts

Filipino food is a hidden gem in the world of cuisine.

They’re a representation of the country’s colorful culture, welcoming hospitality, and passion for food.

No matter where they are, whether you are dining in a local carinderia or a posh Filipino restaurant, these 15 Filipino dishes are sure to leave you wanting more.