What to Eat
Filipino cuisine is a fusion of diverse flavors influenced by Chinese, Spanish, and Malay cultures. Whether you're a fan of savory dishes, sweet treats, or street food, the Philippines has a lot to offer to satisfy your taste buds.
🥘 1. Adobo
What is it?
A flavorful stew made with chicken, pork, or beef marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
Why You Should Try It:
Adobo is arguably the Philippines’ national dish. It’s hearty, savory, and perfect for any occasion.
Where to Try It:
Found in almost every Filipino restaurant or home, it’s a staple comfort food.
🍗 2. Lechon
What is it?
Whole pig, seasoned with local herbs and spices, then slow-roasted over an open flame until the skin is crispy and golden.
Why You Should Try It:
A festive dish usually served at celebrations and special occasions, lechon is rich, tender, and full of flavor. The crispy skin is to die for!
Where to Try It:
Cebu is the most famous place for lechon. Head to CNT Lechon or Zubuchon for a feast.
🍜 3. Sinigang
What is it?
A tangy, savory soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and various vegetables, typically served with pork, shrimp, or fish.
Why You Should Try It:
Sinigang is the ultimate Filipino comfort food. The sourness of the broth is a perfect balance to the richness of the meat.
Where to Try It:
Popular in any Filipino restaurant or canteens. Try it at Sinigang sa Misono in Manila for an authentic experience.
🥩 4. Kare-Kare
What is it?
A rich and creamy peanut stew, traditionally made with oxtail, tripes, and vegetables like eggplant and banana blossom.
Why You Should Try It:
Kare-Kare is a unique Filipino dish with a subtle nutty flavor, often served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side for an added kick.
Where to Try It:
Pamana in Taguig serves an excellent version of this classic dish.
🥯 5. Pancit (Filipino Noodles)
What is it?
A general term for Filipino noodles, often stir-fried and served with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Different regions have their own versions of pancit.
Why You Should Try It:
Pancit is often served during birthdays and celebrations because it symbolizes long life and good luck. It's delicious and filling!
Where to Try It:
Pancit Malabon (thick noodles with seafood) and Pancit Canton (stir-fried noodles) are found at many Filipino eateries across the country.
🧆 6. Lumpia
What is it?
Filipino spring rolls, either fried (lumpiang shanghai) or fresh (lumpiang sariwa), typically filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
Why You Should Try It:
Lumpia is a fun, crispy snack perfect as a starter or side dish. The fresh version, with its garlic-peanut sauce, is especially refreshing.
Where to Try It:
You’ll find lumpia in many restaurants and street vendors. Try Lumpiang Shanghai at Lugang Café in Taguig for a tasty treat.
🍛 7. Bicol Express
What is it?
A spicy and creamy dish made from pork, shrimp, or fish cooked in coconut milk, chili peppers, and shrimp paste.
Why You Should Try It:
For spice lovers, Bicol Express is a must-try. It’s creamy with a good kick from the chili and savory flavor from the shrimp paste.
Where to Try It:
Head to Bicol for an authentic experience, or try it at local Filipino eateries in Manila.
🍞 8. Halo-Halo
What is it?
A popular Filipino dessert made from shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and topped with leche flan, purple yam (ube), and ice cream.
Why You Should Try It:
Halo-Halo is the perfect refreshing treat to cool off from the tropical heat. It’s a colorful, flavorful mix that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Where to Try It:
Try it at Razon’s Halo-Halo in Quezon City or Gerard’s Halo-Halo in Manila for a classic version.
🍪 9. Bibingka
What is it?
A Filipino rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, traditionally baked in clay pots, and topped with salted eggs and cheese.
Why You Should Try It:
Bibingka is often eaten during Christmas season but can be enjoyed all year round. It’s slightly sweet, savory, and warm—a comfort food during the cooler months.
Where to Try It:
Visit Via Mare in Manila for a delicious bibingka experience.
🍠 10. Turon
What is it?
A sweet snack made by wrapping banana (usually saba variety) and jackfruit in spring roll wrappers, then frying it until crispy and caramelized.
Why You Should Try It:
Turon is the perfect street food treat—crispy on the outside, warm and sweet on the inside. It’s a delightful pick-me-up.
Where to Try It:
Available at street vendors all over the Philippines, especially in market areas and public transport terminals.
🥯 11. Puto (Rice Cake)
What is it?
Puto is a Filipino steamed rice cake often served as a side dish with savory meals or enjoyed as a snack.
Why You Should Try It:
It’s light, fluffy, and slightly sweet—perfect with a cup of coffee or paired with dinuguan (blood stew).
Where to Try It:
Find puto in Filipino bakeries and food markets, especially in Quezon Province.
🍚 12. Balut
What is it?
A fertilized duck egg, typically boiled, and eaten with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and sometimes vinegar.
Why You Should Try It:
Balut is a classic Filipino delicacy. If you’re feeling adventurous, this street food is a must-try!
Where to Try It:
You’ll find balut in street vendors all around the Philippines, especially at night markets.
💡 WRUGoing Tips
Portion Sizes: Filipino meals are often served family-style, so don’t hesitate to share!
Try Street Food: Some of the best and most affordable Filipino food comes from local street vendors—be sure to try a few snacks as you explore.
