When it comes to food discoveries, the Philippines culinary delicacies is a true gem

Drawing from its rich history, the country presents a distinctive blend of flavors, creating a diverse, delicious cuisine that never fails to impress and I am proud to say that because I am from the Philippines

Filipino food is sure to delight any food lover's palate. In this article, I will introduce, summarize and will take you an a tour of the top Filipino foods that you have to try when visiting the Philippines someday.

Adobo

Widely regarded as the national dish of the Philippines, Adobo is a classic stew crafted with meat or chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish allows the flavors to harmonize, resulting in a truly mouthwatering experience.

Sinigang

Sinigang is a sour soup made with tamarind and a protein of your choice, such as pork, fish, beef, or shrimp. The soup is packed with vegetables and has a unique, tangy flavor that will leave you craving more.

Sisig

Sizzling with flavor, Sisig is a pork delicacy prepared with pig ears, cheeks, and snout. The meat is expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection, then presented on a sizzling plate alongside calamansi (a Filipino citrus fruit), onions, and chili peppers.

Lechon

Lechon is a festive centerpiece—a whole roasted pig, often reserved for special occasions. The perfection lies in its crispy skin and tender meat, meticulously seasoned and accompanied by a side of liver sauce.

Pancit

Pancit stands as a quintessential Filipino noodle dish, crafted with either rice or wheat noodles, and enriched with a blend of vegetables and protein. Often savored as a main course, this dish holds a central and cherished position in Filipino cuisine.

Lumpia

Much like spring rolls, Lumpia is a beloved Filipino appetizer featuring a thin wrapper filled with a delectable mix of meat, vegetables, or seafood. Whether enjoyed fresh or fried, the choice is yours, catering to your personal preference.

Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is one of my favs, it is a Filipino-style stew renowned for its rich combination of oxtail, vegetables, peanut sauce, and a touch of patis (fish sauce). Typically accompanied by shrimp paste for an extra burst of pungent and savory notes, Kare-kare holds a special place among Filipino culinary delights and in my heart.

This dish is particularly favored during the summer months when temperatures soar. It offers a versatile canvas for a medley of vegetables, including eggplant, string beans, and carrots, making each preparation a flavorful and hearty experience. Trust me when you eat Kare-Kare it's going to change your life.

Tocino

Tocino is a delectable sweet and savory cured pork delicacy, a popular choice for breakfast. The meat undergoes marination in a blend of sugar, soy sauce, and spices, imparting a rich flavor, before being expertly fried to a delightful crispiness.

Halo-Halo and Sweets

Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruit, and milk. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and enjoy a sweet treat.


In Filipino cuisine, the concept of courses doesn't strictly apply, and sweets aren't relegated to the category of desserts. They're enjoyed at any time of day — whether for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a larger spread. As noted by Newman in "7,000 Islands," desserts in Filipino meals don't conclude the dining experience; rather, they complement the existing flavors on the table.

Sweets in Filipino cuisine can be broadly categorized into three groups: native sweets, Spanish sweets, and American sweets.

While the names of the latter two may hint at their origins, these treats have seamlessly integrated into Filipino culinary culture over time. Native sweets predominantly include "kakanin," a collection entirely comprised of rice cakes.

Biko, a sticky and chewy rice cake topped with either crispy coconut curds or creamy coconut caramel (latik), and bibingka, a fluffy, lightly sweetened rice cake adorned with cheese and sliced salted duck egg, are among the favorites.

Leche flan, a dense custard enriched with egg yolks, made its way to Filipino tables with the Spaniards. Filipino adaptations of American fruit salad, like buko pandan, offer a refreshing medley of pandan jelly, shredded young coconut meat (buko), table cream, and sweetened condensed milk. Last but not least is the iconic halo-halo, an extravagant shaved ice dessert crowned with leche flan and ube ice cream.


References:

Filipino Cuisine Guides. (2021, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.seriouseats.com/filipino-cuisine-guides-5117144

Freepik | Create great designs, faster. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/

Filipino Foods. (n.d.). Retrieved December 31, 2023, from https://dub.sh/ewYFJxb

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