Filipino cuisine is a vibrant and soulful celebration of culture, history, and family. Rooted in centuries of diverse influences, the flavors of the Philippines reflect its indigenous heritage and the imprints left by Spanish, Chinese, American, and Japanese cuisines. Every dish tells a story—of survival, celebration, and the deep connection Filipinos have with their food.
As the global food scene evolves, Filipino cuisine has started gaining the attention it has long deserved. With more people seeking out authentic, hearty meals and bold new flavors, traditional Filipino dishes are becoming staples in food festivals, restaurants, and home kitchens across the world.
Influences That Shaped Filipino Cuisine
Colonialism, migration, and trade routes have all played a role in shaping the culinary landscape of the Philippines.
Colonial and Global Roots
The Philippines’ food culture was deeply shaped by Spanish colonization, bringing stews, tomato sauces, and rich meats into the local palate. Chinese influences introduced noodles, dumplings, and stir-frying techniques. American occupation later popularized fried foods and condiments, like banana ketchup. Even Japanese techniques and ingredients have filtered into Filipino cooking.
Indigenous Techniques and Tropical Ingredients
Before colonization, native Filipinos cooked with ingredients like coconut milk, root crops, and seafood. They employed techniques such as slow-roasting, open-fire cooking, fermentation, and braising. Today’s dishes reflect a complex harmony between old and new.
Iconic Filipino Dishes You Must Try
1. Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
Crispy, golden-brown spring rolls filled with seasoned pork or vegetables, lumpia is a party favorite and a street food classic. Lumpiang Shanghai is the meat-filled version, while Lumpiang Gulay features hearty vegetables. These rolls are often dipped in sweet chili sauce and served at birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. Their crunchy bite makes them addictive.
2. Chicken Adobo
Considered the national dish of the Philippines, chicken adobo is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor. Chicken is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns, then simmered until tender. The result is a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet braised dish with complex umami. Adobo can also be made with pork or even squid.
3. Lechon (Roast Pig)
Lechon is the centerpiece of any Filipino fiesta. Traditionally, a whole pig is spit-roasted over charcoal, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, aromatic meat. Lechon belly, a more accessible version, is stuffed with lemongrass and herbs. Dipped in liver sauce or vinegar, this dish is rich, flavorful, and deeply festive.
4. Pancit (Filipino Noodles)
Noodles are a must at Filipino celebrations—symbolizing long life and prosperity. Pancit Bihon uses thin rice noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables, while Pancit Canton uses thicker egg noodles and a soy-based sauce. These dishes are customizable, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
5. Bistek Tagalog (Filipino Beef Steak)
This dish features thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce and calamansi juice (a Filipino citrus), then seared and topped with caramelized onions. The tangy and salty flavors balance perfectly, and the steak remains tender and juicy. Often served over rice, bistek is a comforting household favorite.
6. Sinigang (Sour Tamarind Soup)
Sinigang is a soul-warming, tangy soup made with tamarind as the souring agent. It’s often prepared with pork, shrimp, or fish, along with vegetables like eggplant, radish, and string beans. The sourness of sinigang makes it especially comforting on rainy days and is balanced with subtle savory broth and fresh herbs.
7. Bulalo (Bone Marrow Beef Soup)
Bulalo is a rich, slow-simmered soup made from beef shanks and bone marrow. The marrow melts into the broth, creating a deep, meaty flavor. Cabbage, corn, and potatoes are added to make it a complete meal. It’s particularly loved in cooler regions like Tagaytay and Baguio.
8. Kaldereta (Filipino Beef Stew)
Kaldereta is a tomato-based stew that typically uses beef or goat meat. It features carrots, potatoes, olives, and sometimes liver spread for added richness. The dish has Spanish roots, but Filipino families have made it their own by layering spices and adding cheeses. It’s hearty, savory, and perfect with steamed rice.
9. Kare-Kare (Oxtail Peanut Stew)
Kare-kare is an oxtail stew thickened with a creamy peanut sauce and often served with banana hearts, eggplant, and string beans. What makes it special is the accompanying bagoong—fermented shrimp paste—that gives the dish an intense umami kick. It’s earthy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
10. Sisig (Sizzling Pork Dish)
Sisig is made from chopped pig face parts, seasoned with vinegar, calamansi, and chili, and served sizzling hot on a cast-iron plate. It often comes topped with egg or mayo. The combination of crispy, fatty, sour, and spicy flavors is irresistible. Pork belly versions are available for those less adventurous.
Must-Try Filipino Desserts
11. Turon (Banana Spring Roll)
Turon is a sweet treat made by wrapping bananas (and often jackfruit) in spring roll wrappers and frying them until golden brown. Coated in caramelized sugar, turon is crisp outside and gooey inside. It’s sold as a snack on the street and is beloved by kids and adults alike.
12. Cassava Cake
This chewy, coconut-laced cake is made from grated cassava root, coconut milk, condensed milk, and eggs. Naturally gluten-free, it’s often baked with a custard topping. Cassava cake is sweet but not overpowering, and its texture makes it delightfully unique among desserts.
13. Filipino Fruit Salad
Creamy, colorful, and chilled, Filipino fruit salad blends canned fruits, fresh tropical fruits, coconut, and sweet cream made with condensed milk and cream cheese. It’s usually served during holidays and family gatherings. Some versions include cheese, corn, or palm seeds, creating a mix of textures and flavors that’s unexpectedly delicious.
Unique Filipino Condiments & Beverages
14. Calamansi Juice
Made from the native citrus fruit calamansi, this drink is tart like lime but with a hint of orange. Mixed with sugar and water, calamansi juice is a refreshing companion to rich and savory Filipino meals. It’s also used in marinades and dipping sauces.
15. Banana Ketchup
This sweet and tangy sauce is made from mashed bananas, vinegar, and spices. It’s used in Filipino-style spaghetti, barbecue marinades, and as a dip for fried foods. With a bright red color and a flavor twist, it surprises many first-timers and delights locals.
Why Filipino Cuisine Deserves Global Recognition
Filipino cuisine is underrepresented in global food culture—but that’s rapidly changing. It brings together bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and meaningful stories. Each dish reflects the Filipino spirit: joyful, resilient, and generous.
With more Filipino chefs gaining recognition and restaurants popping up worldwide, Filipino food is stepping into the spotlight. Its affordability, versatility, and depth of flavor make it a strong contender on any global menu.
How to Try Filipino Food Today
You don’t need to fly to Manila to experience these dishes. Look for local Filipino eateries or food trucks in your city. In places like Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto, you’ll find thriving Filipino food scenes.
If you prefer to cook at home, many ingredients are available online or in Asian supermarkets. Start with simple dishes like adobo or lumpia and gradually explore more complex stews like kare-kare and kaldereta.
Conclusion
Filipino cuisine is a living, evolving testament to the Philippines’ rich history and cultural diversity. Whether you’re new to these dishes or grew up with them on your family table, their flavors invite you to connect more deeply—with your taste buds, your heritage, and your community.
Don’t wait—explore the soulful world of Filipino food today. Whether it’s a crispy lumpia, a tangy sinigang, or a creamy cassava cake, every dish tells a story worth savoring.
