The Philippines, having more than 7,000 islands in an archipelago, offers an equally varied gastronomic profile. We will discuss the top 10 Filipino foods that one must try whenever visiting this tropical haven.
1. Philippine adobo
Adobo, frequently regarded as the national dish of the Philippines, is a rich and savory stew crafted from meat, typically chicken or pork, combined with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and an array of spices. Its delicious finale comes out in perfect harmony between sweet and sour and salty. Its remarkable versatility enables it to be prepared in numerous ways, with certain regions incorporating coconut milk or annatto to add a distinctive twist.
This dish is a testament to the Filipino ability to adapt and innovate with available ingredients.
2. Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables. For proteins, it very often uses pork, beef, and shrimp. The unique sour taste of sinigang provides a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat. Every spoonful is a vibrant explosion of flavor that makes this dish loved throughout the archipelago.
3. Lechon
Lechon: This whole roasted pig is absolutely the centerpiece of any Filipino celebration. The crunchy skin and tender meat, served with the zesty liver sauce, turn this whole dish into a must-have experience. It often is the centerpiece in every celebration, from the most vibrant fiestas to the joyous weddings, a symbol of abundance and communal happiness. The weeks of preparation, hours of roasting blend into this work of culinary art, beholding eyes and palates alike.
4. Pancit
These noodles, often served at birthdays for long life, come in many varieties. Pancit Canton, similar to chow mein, and Pancit Palabok, topped with a shrimp sauce, are among the most popular.
5. Halo-halo
This colorful dessert, whose name means “mix-mix,” is a combination of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients like sweet beans, jello, and fruits, topped with leche flan and ube ice cream.
6. Balut
This street food is not for the faint of heart. It’s a fertilized duck egg, with a nearly-developed embryo inside, boiled and eaten in the shell. Balut is often seen as a test of bravery for tourists, but for Filipinos, it’s a nutritious snack enjoyed with a pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar. It embodies the adventurous spirit and resourcefulness of Filipino cuisine.
7. Kare-kare
Kare-Kare is a rich stew made from oxtail and vegetables in peanut sauce. The creamy and nutty stew dances harmoniously with the pungent fermented shrimp paste called bagoong. It’s a comforting yet exotic dish that brings families together for special occasions.
8. Sisig
Sisig is a sizzling plate made up of different parts of the pig’s head and liver, often topped with a raw egg. As a favorite pulutan, it’s sour and salty. Sisig demonstrates Filipino resourcefulness by using almost every part of the animal. Served on a hot plate, the sizzling sound, enticing aroma, and bold flavors create a complete sensory experience.
9. Lumpia
Lumpia, or spring rolls, is a succulent Filipino snack that comes either fresh or fried and would be generously packed with various vegetables, meat, and even sweets. The dish excelled as an appetizer, satisfying snack, or as a hearty course. Crispy outside and tantalizing inside, lumpia has captured the heart of most people, usually with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
10. Bibingka
This sweet rice cake, traditionally cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves, is a popular treat during the Christmas season. Bibingka’s soft and fluffy texture, combined with the subtle sweetness and aroma of banana leaves, makes it a comforting and nostalgic dessert. It’s often enjoyed with a sprinkle of grated coconut and a slice of salted egg, adding a unique twist to its flavor profile.
It ranges from the savory adobo to the sweet halo-halo; Filipino food presents a sumptuous banquet for the senses. Each dish is a story of colorful history, varied culture, and the welcoming heart of its people. So come to the Philippines and indulge in the following top 10 Filipino foods. Kain na!
Traveling to some other part if Asia checkout our other posts on Asian Cuisine
