The 11 Essential Filipino dishes you need to try

FIlipino food has been on the rise and we've got the inside scoop on which ones you need to try—if you don't love it already

Filipino food, while slightly underrated, is a delicious adventure for your taste buds. Filled with complex influences from multiple cultures (both East and West), Filipino cuisine is one that must not be missed, boasting flavours bitter, pungent, sour, salty, and everything in between. While each of the seven thousand islands has its own unique take on the most popular Filipino foods, we’ve decided to stick to the classics in this delicious listicle that’ll have you salivating for more.

1. Sinigang

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of sinigang? This tangy, sour soup is often associated with sampaloc (or tamarind) though other souring agents (such as guava, kamias, or unripe mango) have also been incorporated into the recipe. It is often cooked with pork, beef, shrimp or fish.

2. Adobo

Would it be fair to call adobo the national dish of the Philippines? Many seem to think so. Because adobo comes with so many different variations, it’s sometimes difficult to define exactly what it is. In its most basic form, adobo is made from a handful of ingredients: peppercorn, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and meat (usually pork or chicken). But despite the uniformity in its most base form, all recipes usually come out tasting unique to the individual’s method or ingredient—perhaps that’s what makes adobo such an exciting classic!

3. Sisig

Those who have yet to try sisig may be doubtful of it at first. After all, its eclectic ingredients—pig’s head, liver, and peppers (plus the much-debated egg and mayonnaise)—may not be for everyone. But all those who’ve had the opportunity to indulge in a nice sizzling plate know that it is the ultimate Filipino food.

Dubbed by the late Anthony Bourdain as the dish “positioned to win the hearts and minds of the world as a whole”, sisig has established a loyal fanbase in both Filipinos and adventurous eaters worldwide.

4. Bulalo

Another comfort food—especially on a cold, windy day—bulalo is a light-coloured soup made with beef shanks and marrow, plus leafy vegetables. It’s often seasoned simply with salt and pepper, though others may prefer to add vinegar or garlic. It’s a hearty, light broth which is often perfect for the tropical temperatures of the country.

5. Chicken inasal

Who doesn’t love some inasal by the beach? Sounds like an absolute dream of a tropical vacation. Often served with atchara (pickled papaya) and chicken oil, chicken inasal is deliciously grilled after being marinated in ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes lemongrass.

6. Laing

Originating from Bicol, laing is a unique dish that incorporates gata (coconut milk) with pork belly, taro leaves, and chilli. While some may be unaccustomed to its bold flavours, it's a popular dish not just in Bicol but around these 7,000 islands.

7. Dinuguan

Sensitive stomachs may be apprehensive when it comes to dinuguan, but make no mistake, this classic dish is a beloved Filipino staple. Known as the local version of blood stew, dinuguan is often simply pork slices, sautéed in onion and garlic, and cooked with blood and a dash of vinegar. Sometimes, innards such as intestines are added along to the mix as well, and then served with puto or rice cakes.

See also: What is the Ilocos empanada?

8. Pinakbet

One for the vegetarians, pinakbet is a healthy stew that’s rich in both colour and flavour. Originating from Ilocos, the dish is a medley of local vegetables that include okra, tomatoes, eggplant, ampalaya, sitaw, and kamote. Oftentimes, it is flavoured with bagoong and can be mixed in with pork or fish.

9. Lechon

A mainstay during all kinds of celebrations, lechon is a whole-roasted pig famous for its crisp skin and tender meat. While it is popular in many other former Spanish colonies (such as Mexico), we’d argue that some of the best tasting come from right here!

10. Kare-kare

Kare-kare has always been a bit of a zany dish, especially to people outside the Philippines. Its thick peanut sauce makes a bold first impression on eaters, and its accompanying ingredients—traditionally ox tail and ox tripe—add a unique depth to each bite. Mix in a medley of eggplant, bokchoy, and banana blossoms and you've got yourself a delicious, if underrated meal.

11. Crispy pata

Crispy pata, also known as crispy pork leg, is a popular dish that's also difficult to make. It involves boiling and deep frying to ensure that the meat comes out tenderised to perfection. Oftentimes, however, the results are more than worth it! Served best with atchara and a soy sauce or vinegar dip.

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Topics

Filipino Food Filipino Dishes Adobo Sinigang