Few cuisines are as delicious and diverse as Filipino food. And, the best part is that the Philippine archipelago is so vast that you can often find different variations of the same dish at various restaurants all over the country. However, there are a few staples that you can get pretty much anywhere you go. These traditional Filipino dishes range from tender, roast meats to ceviche-style raw fish dishes.
The cuisine in the Philippines has been influenced by Malay, Chinese, Arab and Spanish traders throughout the years, with a salty, sour taste to many foods that makes it utterly unique to other regions in Southeast Asia.
Traditional Filipino Dishes
1. Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is a type of Filipino chicken stew. Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and spices, pan-fry, and stew until tender. This is classic comfort food that’s quick to prepare.
Recipe is by Panlasang Pinoy.
2. Pancit
Pancit is a Filipino dish that usually consists of noodles cooked with soy sauce along with some variation of meats and chopped vegetables.
Recipe is by Pickled Plum.
3. Kinilaw
Similar to ceviche, yet very different! One of the main differences is the use of vinegar in Kinilaw, while ceviche uses a citrus base. Other ingredients like ginger and calamansi are also used in the first, while the latter usually have cilantro and lime.
Recipe is by Foxy Folksy.
4. Oxtail Kare-Kare
This is a delicious, hearty Filipino stew. The oxtail is very tender, while the peanut sauce is rich, thick, and tasty. It also comes with steamed veggies on top and some yummy shrimp paste.
Recipe is by Speedy Recipe.
5. Pork Belly Lechon Roll
Dig into this pork belly lechon roll that’s slow roasted in the oven with super crispy skin and super moist meat. No need to order a whole pig, this Filipino-style porchetta is easy to make and sure to be the star of any party!
Recipe is by Kawaling Pinoy.
6. Lumpia
Pork, shrimp, and vegetables are folded into a paper thin lumpia wrapper and then fried to crisp golden perfection in this traditional recipe for Filipino Lumpia. Crispy and super tasty!
Recipe is by Barefeet in the Kitchen.
7. Leche Flan
Leche flan is an easy-to-make Filipino custard dessert that’s pretty much a creme caramel. It’s extremely popular in the Philippines, especially for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter and birthday parties.
Recipe is by Salu Salo.
