Skip to main content

Top 10 Must-Try Filipino Foods: A Delicious Journey Through the Flavors of the Philippines

1. Sinigang na Bangus

You've gotta get a taste of this dish called Sinigang na Bangus - it's an absolute game-changer (but shh, don't let the other dishes hear that). This soupy goodness is jam-packed with some seriously delicious ingredients like milkfish, tangy tamarind, succulent tomatoes, savory onions, and a bunch of other veggies that'll knock your socks off. When it's cold outside, this dish will warm you right up and keep you feeling cozy. And let me tell you, the flavor is out of this world! I'm not even joking when I say I could wolf down three bowls of rice just to go with it - that's how good it is. The secret to its mouth-watering taste is definitely the tamarind, which gives it a tangy kick that'll make your taste buds dance. You've gotta try it, trust me - you won't regret it!

2. Sinugbang Baboy

Oh man, Smokey, this dish is giving me all the feels! It's like I'm right back at the beach with my family - I'm loving it! Sinugbang Baboy is seriously the bomb, it's hands down one of my fave dishes ever. It's basically grilled pork that's been marinated in a bunch of deliciousness like soy sauce, vinegar, and calamansi juice - talk about flavor overload! This baby is a staple street food in the Philippines, and honestly, it's perfect for any occasion. The pork comes out juicy and tender, and the marinade gives it a seriously yummy sweet and sour taste. Oh, and you wanna know what the cherry on top is? Soy sauce with a ton of chili! Yup, if you're feeling adventurous, load up on that spice! And don't forget to squeeze in some calamansi for that extra zing.

3. Lechon Manok

Listen up, folks - I've got the dish that'll save your butt during those last-minute occasions! Whether you're celebrating a small special event on a Sunday or just need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Lechon Manok is the way to go. This Filipino-style roasted chicken is marinated in a magical concoction of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and spices, and then cooked over charcoal to crispy, flavorful perfection. Seriously, the skin on this bad boy is next level! It's the kind of dish that's perfect for any occasion - from cozy family dinners to those big fancy shindigs. Trust me, you won't regret making Lechon Manok your go-to dish! Just make sure to avoid this dish if you have a chicken allergy, unless you want to spend the night regretting your life choices!

4. Kinilaw na Malasugi

Hold up, before you start worrying about getting those pesky tape worms from sushi, let me introduce you to a game-changer: Kinilaw na Malasugi. This bad boy is a type of ceviche that'll knock your socks off - and I promise you won't be leaving with any unwanted visitors in your tummy! It's made with fresh swordfish that's been marinated in a mouth-watering combo of vinegar, ginger, onions, and chili peppers. The acidity from the vinegar basically cooks the fish, while the flavors of the marinade give it a seriously yummy twist. This dish is seriously so refreshing and delish - it's the kind of thing that just completes a good weekend dinner, you know? Back when I was at home, my mom would whip this up alongside some sinugbang baboy, and let me tell you, it was a feast for the senses! Mom, if you're reading this, I miss you!

5. Tinolang Manok

If you're feeling under the weather with a nasty fever, I've got just the thing to sweat those toxins outta ya! And if you've been dealing with stomach problems and your doc's got you on a strict no-sour, no-oily, no-salty, no-sweet diet, then get ready for my top recommendation - Tinolang Manok! This classic Filipino chicken soup is packed with healthy ingredients like ginger, garlic, onion, and chili leaves. It's served piping hot, which makes it perfect for warming up on those chilly days. The chicken is cooked until it's tender and bursting with flavor, while the ginger and chili leaves give it that extra oomph that'll have you slurping it down like there's no tomorrow. Heck, this soup is so good, you might just start pretending to be sick just so you can have an excuse to chow down on it!

Chicken soup with a clear broth, filled with tender chicken pieces, sliced ginger, garlic, onions, and chili leaves.

6. Skinless Longganisa

Oh man, if there's one thing that's universally loved, it's Skinless Longganisa! I mean, who can resist that smoky, slightly burnt flavor? My family sure can't - we could easily polish off 10 of these bad boys in one sitting! For those who haven't tried it, Skinless Longganisa is a Filipino-style sausage made with ground pork, garlic, and spices. It's a breakfast staple that's best enjoyed with a hearty serving of rice and a sunny-side-up egg. The sausage itself is juicy and bursting with flavor, while the garlic gives it that extra kick that makes it so addictively delicious. In fact, I love it so much that I'm already planning on reserving some for my family's pasalubong on December!

7. Adobo

Let's talk about chicken again, folks! It's my favorite meat, well, tied with pork and fish. But this one, oh man, I could eat the whole thing and not leave a single bite for anyone else. Adobo is a beloved Filipino dish made with your choice of chicken, pork, or beef, and cooked in a delectable blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. The savory and tangy flavors of this dish will have you craving for more, and it pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of rice. You simply can't leave the Philippines without trying some authentic adobo!

8. Lumpia

I swear, during celebrations someone always hides the Lumpia Shanghais because it's the first thing to go! The crispy wrapper is just too good. Lumpia is a Filipino-style spring roll that's filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, and sometimes cheese. It's typically served as an appetizer or snack and the filling is absolutely delicious. It's practically a requirement for Filipinos to have Lumpia during birthdays! I'm not sure if there's a written rule that lumpia should be present during celebrations, but who needs a law when everyone loves lumpia?

9. Lechon

Lechon is the national food of the Philippines and one of the most popular and beloved dishes here. When people talk about Filipino food, it's usually the first thing that comes to mind. This dish features a whole roasted pig that's stuffed with fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and spices. Slow-roasted over charcoal, the skin becomes crispy while the meat remains juicy and tender. Lechon is typically served during special occasions and festivals, and everyone eagerly anticipates the opportunity to savor the delicious, crackling skin. The flavor is so irresistible that you might end up overeating, so if you have high blood pressure, be sure to bring your medication. I can't wait to have it again at grandma's birthday celebration! If I were to be elected as a president, I would ensure that every Filipino gets their own portion of lechon!

10. Tahong

Oh, the taste of the sea! Can you hear the waves and feel it in your heart? It's like a siren's call, making you wonder, "What does the sea taste like?" Well, my friend, it tastes like tahong! These mussels are a seafood favorite in the Philippines, but let's be real, they can be a bit of a challenge to eat. So many shells, so little meat - it's like a treasure hunt! But once you get a taste, it's worth the effort. Steamed or boiled, tahong are often served with a spicy vinegar dip, and they're not just tasty, they're also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin B12. And the best part? They're low in fat and calories, so you can indulge without the guilt. Just remember, when you're buying tahong, go big or go home. Trust me, we learned the hard way after buying the little ones and ending up with no meat to speak of. But hey, at least we had some soup to warm our souls!

Comments