A charming archipelago steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, the Philippines is a destination breathtaking scenery and beautiful beaches. But there is something else that completes the Filipino experience - the food! Intricate, savory, and simply unforgettable, Filipino cuisine is a symphony of indigenous, Asian, and Spanish influences that creates a distinct culinary character. Here, I share the top five Filipino food dishes that I recommend you try when visiting the Philippines or a Filipino restaurant.
1. Adobo: The National Dish
Adobo is often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. This robust and savory delight is made by stewing meat, usually chicken or pork, in a tangy concoction of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The result is a deeply flavorful dish, with the meat soaked in the perfectly balanced tangy and savory sauce. Every region (and household, for that matter) has its own version of Adobo, so it’s a dish you can experience again and again, each time with a unique twist.
2. Sinigang: A Sour Soup for the Soul
Sinigang is a hearty and tangy tamarind-based soup that's bound to comfort your palate and soul. It is traditionally cooked with pork, shrimp, or fish, along with an assortment of colorful vegetables such as water spinach, taro, radish, okra, and green chili. Sinigang's trademark is its sour broth, which comes from tamarind, calamansi, kamias, or sometimes, ripe guava. This refreshing, zingy soup is perfect for rainy days or when you're in the mood for a warm, comforting meal.
3. Lechon: A Feast for Special Occasions
Lechon is a dish that speaks to grandeur. This roasted suckling pig is often the centerpiece of big Filipino celebrations. The whole pig is spit-roasted over charcoal until the skin turns golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender and flavorful. Dipping it in lechon sauce, a concoction of liver spread, breadcrumbs, vinegar, sugar, and spices, amplifies the flavors. Enjoying Lechon is a communal experience - a tribute to Filipino hospitality and love for festive dining.
4. Kare-Kare: A Peanut Butter Stew
Kare-Kare is a rich and savory stew made with oxtail, tripe, and occasionally with offal, cooked until tender. Vegetables like banana blossoms, eggplants, bok choy, and string beans are added for a burst of color and freshness. The dish gets its characteristic nutty flavor and creamy texture from ground peanuts and toasted rice. A dollop of shrimp paste on the side perfectly complements the dish, adding a punch of umami flavor.
5. Halo-Halo: A Colorful Dessert Medley
No Filipino feast is complete without a serving of Halo-Halo, a vibrant, layered dessert that literally translates to "mix-mix". It is a delicious medley of sweetened fruits and beans, jellies, purple yam, leche flan (caramel custard), and shaved ice, all topped with evaporated milk. The final touch is a scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream. The key to enjoying Halo-Halo is to mix everything together, resulting in a sweet, creamy, and refreshing concoction that perfectly battles the tropical heat.
These five dishes only scratch the surface of the Philippines' rich culinary tapestry. Each dish tells a story of the archipelago’s history, influences, and the warm, festive nature of the Filipino people. So, whether you're hopping off a plane in Manila or stepping into a Filipino restaurant elsewhere in the world, make sure you have these dishes on your must-try list. Bon Appétit, or as the Filipinos would say, "Kainan na!" (Let's eat!)
For those interested in making these dishes, Amazon has a great selection of Filipino Cookbooks. One of our favorites is I Am a Filipino.
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