Top 20 Famous Foods in the Philippines

Adobo

Adobo is a traditional Filipino dish that is made with marinated meat and vegetables simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. This dish has become the Philippines’ national dish due to its widespread popularity across the country. Adobo can be prepared with almost any type of protein such as chicken, pork, beef, or seafood and it can also be cooked with a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. The acidic ingredients found in adobo help to tenderize the meat while giving it an earthy flavor. Adobo is typically served as part of a meal accompanied by steamed white rice or stewed vegetables like okra or eggplant. Other accompaniments may include banana ketchup and pickles. This delicious dish can be served with a variety of side dishes such as lumpia (spring rolls) or pancit (rice noodles). Adobo is truly an iconic dish that captures the essence of Philippine cuisine! 

Lechon

Lechon is another popular Filipino dish that is often served at special occasions such as weddings and fiestas. Lechon refers to a whole roasted pig, which is marinated in salt, garlic, onion, and other seasonings before being spit-roasted over an open flame. This traditional cooking method ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy inside while producing a crispy skin on the outside. The lechon’s flavorful juices are usually collected during the roasting process and used to baste the pig as it cooks. Lechon can be served in various forms including with rice, vegetables, or even stuffed with fruits for dessert. No matter how you decide to serve it, this delicious dish will always make for a memorable meal! 

Sinigang

Sinigang is a sour and savory soup that is popular in the Philippines. This dish is made by simmering meat or seafood with vegetables in a broth of tamarind, lime, ginger, or other sour fruits. Sinigang can be served as part of a larger meal or enjoyed on its own with steamed white rice. The tartness of the soup helps to balance out the flavors of the other dishes while providing an extra burst of flavor. Sinigang also contains many healthy ingredients like garlic, onion, tomatoes, and greens which makes it a nutritious option for those looking to add some variety to their diet. Additionally, this Filipino classic is beloved by both locals and visitors alike! 

Lumpia

Lumpia is another Filipino staple that you must try! This dish consists of thin egg rolls filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, beef, shrimp, vegetables, and noodles. Lumpia is usually served as an appetizer or side dish but can also be enjoyed on its own for a quick snack. The wrappers are fried until golden brown and crispy while the filling remains moist and flavorful. These delicious snacks can be eaten alone or dipped in special sauces like sweet and sour or peanut sauce. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, lumpia will always make for a tasty treat! 

Sisig

Sisig is a Filipino dish that is made by sizzling pork, chicken, or seafood with garlic, onion, pepper, and other seasonings. This dish originated in Pampanga and has since become popular across the Philippines due to its flavor-packed combination of ingredients. Sisig can be served as a main course or shared with friends as an appetizer. The crispy texture of the meat combined with the spices creates an unforgettable taste experience. Additionally, sisig can also be topped with an egg for an added burst of flavor. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, this delicious dish will always make for a delightful meal! 

Dinuguan

Dinuguan is a popular Filipino dish that is made with pork or beef offal cooked in a savory sauce of vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers. This stew-like dish has a distinct flavor due to the use of its main ingredient which gives it an earthy taste. Dinuguan can be served as part of a larger meal accompanied by steamed white rice or boiled root crops like cassava and sweet potatoes. This delicacy makes for a hearty and flavorful meal that will always satisfy your cravings! 

Halo-halo

Halo-halo is a dessert made up of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various sweet toppings such as jellies, coconut strips, sago pearls, and more. This delicious treat originated in the Philippines and has since become popular across the globe due to its unique flavors and textures. The key to making a great halo-halo is to blend all of the ingredients until everything is well incorporated. Once you have your desired consistency, simply spoon it into a bowl or cup and top it with your favorite sweets! Halo-halo is an unforgettable way to end any meal. 

Pancit

Pancit is a type of noodle dish that is popular in the Philippines. It can be made with various types of noodles such as bihon, canton, or sotanghon and usually contains vegetables, meat, and seafood. Pancit is typically served during celebrations like birthdays and holidays due to its lucky symbolism; however, it can also be enjoyed anytime! This tasty dish makes for a filling meal that will always leave you feeling satisfied. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, pancit will always make for an enjoyable experience. 

Turon

Turon is a Philippines dessert made with slices of ripe banana and jackfruit wrapped in lumpia wrappers and deep-fried until golden brown. Turon is then served with a drizzle of sweet syrup which adds an extra burst of flavor. This simple yet delicious concoction is perfect for those looking for something sweet and indulgent with minimal effort. The crunchy texture of the wrapper combined with the sweetness of the fruits makes for an unforgettable taste experience! Turon will always make for an enjoyable treat that you can enjoy alone or share with family and friends. 

Kamayan

Kamayan is a traditional Filipino way of eating with your hands. This style of dining is shared among family and friends and is usually done on a large banana leaf-covered table. The spread includes an abundance of dishes such as rice, vegetables, meat, fish, and fruits which are all enjoyed with the fingers. Kamayan provides a unique culinary experience that allows you to taste each flavor without the need for utensils. It is both fun and delicious; making it an unforgettable way to enjoy a meal! 

Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a Philippines stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables. The dish is cooked in a peanut-based sauce which gives it its signature flavor. Kare-Kare can be served as part of a main course or enjoyed as an appetizer. This hearty and flavorful dish will always make for an enjoyable meal that will tantalize your taste buds!

Kinilaw

Kinilaw is a Philippines delicacy that consists of raw fish marinated in vinegar and mixed with spices, onions, and other ingredients. This dish is believed to be one of the oldest cuisines in the Philippines and makes for a tasty snack or meal. The combination of tartiness from the vinegar, spiciness from the peppers, and sweetness from the mangoes create an unforgettable flavor that will always make your mouth water! Kinilaw is an indulgent treat that you can enjoy anytime! 

Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a popular Philippines dish made with grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and other spices. This zesty and flavorful dish is usually served with steamed rice and accompaniments like toasted garlic chips or atchara (pickled papaya). Chicken Inasal makes for a delicious meal that will always satisfy your cravings! Enjoy it as part of a full spread or simply savor it on its own – either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Philippines favorite!

Laing

Laing is a Philippines dish made with taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spices. This savory dish has a unique texture that pairs perfectly with its earthy flavors. Laing can be enjoyed as part of a main course or as an appetizer. With every bite, you’ll get to experience the delicious combination of flavors from the coconut milk, spices, and taro leaves! Laing will always make for an unforgettable taste experience! 

Crispy Pata

Crispy Pata is a Philippines favorite made with deep-fried pork leg. This dish is usually served with a dipping sauce and can be enjoyed as part of a main course or simply on its own. Crispy Pata makes for a filling snack that will always leave you feeling satisfied! Enjoy it anytime for an indulgent treat that will tantalize your taste buds!

Dinengdeng

Dinengdeng is a Philippines vegetable dish made with fermented fish and vegetables. This savory dish has a unique flavor that is enhanced by the fermentation process. Dinengdeng can be enjoyed as part of a full spread or simply savor on its own – either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Philippines favorite!

Kaldereta

Kaldereta is a Philippines stew made with beef, pork, or chicken cooked in tomato sauce. This flavorful dish is usually served with either steamed rice or boiled potatoes and makes for an enjoyable meal that will always tantalize your taste buds! Kaldereta can be enjoyed as part of a main course or simply savor on its own – either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Philippines favorite! 

Bistek Tagalog

Also known as “Filipino-style steak”, this dish consists of thin slices of beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, onions, garlic and bay leaves. It is then pan-fried until the outside is crisp and the inside is juicy.

Suman

Suman is a Philippines delicacy made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar wrapped in banana leaves. This sweet treat can be enjoyed as part of a meal or simply savor on its own – either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Philippines favorite! Suman makes for an indulgent snack that will always make your mouth water! Enjoy it anytime for a unique taste experience that will satisfy your cravings!

Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a Philippines dish made with chili, onion, garlic, and coconut milk. This spicy dish has an intense flavor that comes from the chili peppers used in its preparation. Bicol Express can be enjoyed as part of a meal or simply savor on its own – either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Philippines favorite! Enjoy it anytime for a unique taste experience that will satisfy your cravings! 

Conclusion

No matter what Philippines dishes you decide to enjoy, they will always make for an enjoyable and flavorful experience! From Suman to Kinilaw and everything in between, Philippine cuisine offers something new and delicious for everyone to try. So don't hesitate - to go out there and explore all the flavors of the Philippines!