Discover Philippines Food Guide
Must-try Foods

One of the most popular and traditional Filipino dishes is Adobo. It is a non-veg dish that can be found in three variations, like chicken, pork and beef. The dish offers a heart-warming experience with a blast of vinegary and salty flavours.

One of the most popular Filipino desserts is Halo-Halo, which is both visually appealing and delicious. The layers of shaved ice and condensed milk, with various fruits and other ingredients that complete the dish. It is believed to be linked to the Japanese kakigori, a shaved-ice dessert, which was sold by the Japanese residing in the Philippines during the pre-war years.

Another popular appetiser or snack on the Filipino menu is lumpia, also known as Filipino egg rolls. This fried dish features a mixture of vegetables and pork or shrimp, and sometimes glass noodles. It can be enjoyed both fresh as well as fried to crisp.

Pancit is a traditional Filipino cuisine, which is basically a stir-fried noodle dish that is inspired by Chinese cuisine. There are many types of pancit served around the country, each with its unique taste and flavours. It is a fast food served in both street and fine-dining restaurants and at different celebrations, symbolising long life and good luck.

Another cuisine to be listed in the Philippines food guide is kare kare, which is renowned for its rich and peanut-based sauce and has a base of oxtail, pork, beef and many other vegetables. This dish is usually served with bagoong, which adds saltiness and a depth of flavour to the dish.

Inihaw na Pangi is a popular Filipino food recipe that is made with grilled tuna jaw, which is marinated in soy sauce and other spices, and then cooked over charcoal to add a smoky flavour to it and also make it tender. It is usually served on banana leaves with rice.

Piyanggang Manok is another Philippine traditional food that is a Tausug grilled chicken dish, which is marinated in spices and cooked in rich black sauce made from coconut. The unique and flavourful dish is known for its deep flavour that provides a blend of earthy and nutty flavours.

Sisig is a delicious Philippine dish that is from the Pampanga region, which is made from finely chopped pig's ear and face, and seasoned with onions, chilli, calamansi, mayonnaise or egg. The dish is served on a hot plate and is enjoyed as a meal with rice or as a snack with beer.

Laing is a Filipino favourite recipe that is made with dried taro leaves, which are simmered in coconut milk with spices and often with shrimp paste or meat. The dish has gained popularity because of its rich coconut flavour and thick creamy texture.

Check out the Filipino version of rice porridge, Arroz Caldo, which is served with chicken slices and is best served with boiled eggs, roasted garlic and scallions. The locals prefer this dish with fish sauce or calamansi. One can find the name of the dish influenced by Spain; however, it has its roots in the Chinese congee.

Try out the classic Filipino custard, Leche Flan, which is made with vanilla extract, sugar, milk and egg yolks. The custard is steamed until silky and is topped with caramel syrup. You can easily spot this dish at fiestas, parties or other special occasions in the Philippines.

Savour the local version of Filipino barbecue, Chicken Inasal, which has its origin in Bacolod City of the Visayas Islands in the Philippines. The chicken pieces are marinated in local herbs, spices and annatto oil, which is then grilled over charcoal to juicy perfection. The dish is usually served with rice, chicken oil and vinegar-soy dipping sauce.

Pinakbet is a traditional Philippines dish that is made with a variety of vegetables and sauteed with shrimp paste to add a depth of flavour to the dish. The dish originated in the Ilocos region and is usually served as a side dish with fried or grilled meat or seafood, along with rice.