13 Best Filipino Dishes You Must Try — From Iconic Classics to Hidden Gems
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Filipino food is all about bold flavors, comforting meals, and recipes passed down through generations.
Each dish tells a story, from family gatherings to local celebrations, showing just how food connects people. In the Philippines, every bite feels like home with its mix of sweet, salty, and tangy notes that always hit the spot.
Here’s a list of 13 Filipino dishes you need to try, featuring beloved favorites and underrated gems that truly capture the country’s food culture.
13 Best Filipino Dishes
1. Lechon (Filipino-Style Roasted Pork Belly)
Lechon is the star dish at any Filipino gathering, you’ll always find it at the center of the table. A whole pig is stuffed with lemongrass, seasoned with herbs, and roasted for hours until the skin turns golden and crispy.
Cebu lechon has that bold, garlicky flavor, while Luzon lechon is known for being saltier and extra crunchy. It’s usually paired with a rich liver sauce or tangy vinegar dip.
More than just food, lechon represents Filipino joy and togetherness, making every celebration feel special.
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2. Adobo (Filipino Chicken or Pork Stew)
Adobo is that classic Filipino dish you’ll find in almost every home, simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s cooked by simmering chicken or pork in vinegar, soy sauce, suagr, garlic, pepper, and bay leaves until the meat turns tender and rich in flavor.
Some families make it saucy, while others prefer it dry and slightly caramelized. The best part? Pouring the sauce over a heap of steamed rice, that combo never misses.
Adobo really shows how Filipinos turn basic ingredients into something unforgettable.
3. Sisig (Crispy Pork with Eggs)
Sisig is one of those Filipino dishes that’s impossible to resist, crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor. It’s made from chopped pork face and ears, mixed with calamansi, chili, and onions, then served sizzling hot with an egg on top that cooks right on the plate.
Some versions add mayo or a bit of liver for extra richness, but the goal is always the same: that perfect mix of crunch and zest.
Originally created from leftover lechon parts, sisig has become a top pick at bars and restaurants, especially when paired with an ice-cold beer.
4. Sinuglaw (Grilled Pork and Marinated Fish)
Sinuglaw is a Mindanao favorite that mixes two Filipino classics , “sinugba” or grilled pork belly and “kinilaw” or marinated raw fish. The combo gives you that smoky flavor from the pork and a tangy, fresh kick from the fish.
It’s usually tossed with vinegar, chili, ginger, cucumber, and lemon for that crisp, refreshing twist. Some locals even add a bit of tabon-tabon fruit for extra zing.
Sinuglaw is the kind of dish that surprises you, bold, balanced, and perfect for sharing over drinks.
5. Pancit (Filipino Rice Noodles)
Pancit is a Filipino staple that stands for long life and good luck, which is why it’s always on the table during birthdays and celebrations.
There are tons of versions, but Pancit Canton and Pancit Palabok are the most loved. Canton is stir-fried with meat and veggies for a hearty meal, while Palabok uses rice noodles topped with shrimp sauce, boiled egg, and crispy bits for extra texture.
Each region adds its own twist, but the idea’s the same, pancit is all about sharing good food and good vibes.
6. Batchoy (Filipino Noodle Soup)
Batchoy is a comforting noodle soup that hails from Iloilo, known for its rich, meaty flavor and heartwarming vibe. It’s made with egg noodles, pork, liver, and a sprinkle of crushed chicharron in a flavorful broth that’s both salty and slightly sweet.
Some versions even add bone marrow for extra richness. Locals often enjoy it with puto (rice cake) on the side, making it a full, satisfying meal.
Batchoy isn’t just soup, it’s a taste of Filipino warmth and home-style cooking in every bowl.
7. Lumpia (Crispy Spring Roll)
Lumpia, or Lumpiang Shanghai, is the Filipino take on classic spring rolls, crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. Each roll is filled with minced meat, veggies, and a mix of spices, then fried until perfectly crunchy outside and juicy inside.
It’s usually served with sweet chili or vinegar sauce for dipping. You’ll find Lumpia at almost every Filipino party because it’s easy to eat, fun to share, and always a crowd favorite for both kids and adults.
8. Crispy Pata (Deep-Fried Pork Leg)
Crispy Pata is the kind of Filipino dish that makes any meal feel like a feast. It’s made by boiling a whole pork leg until tender, then deep-frying it until the skin turns super crispy and golden.
The meat stays juicy inside, giving you that perfect mix of crunch and softness in every bite. It’s usually paired with a soy-vinegar dip mixed with onions and chili for extra flavor.
Sure, it’s a bit indulgent, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations.
9. Kare-Kare (Peanut Stew)
Kare-Kare is a Filipino classic that’s all about comfort and flavor. It’s a thick, creamy stew made with oxtail or beef simmered in a rich peanut sauce, then loaded with veggies like eggplant, string beans, and banana blossoms.
The secret to its full flavor is bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side, that salty kick perfectly balances the mild, nutty sauce.
Often served during celebrations or Sunday lunches, Kare-Kare is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home.
10. Bulalo (Beef Marrow Soup)
Bulalo is the go-to Filipino comfort soup, especially on a cold or rainy day. It’s made by slow-cooking beef shanks and bone marrow until the broth turns rich and full of flavor, then adding corn, cabbage, and potatoes for that hearty finish.
The highlight is digging into the soft, buttery marrow, that’s where all the goodness is. You’ll find Bulalo almost anywhere in the Philippines because locals just can’t get enough of this warm, flavorful soup.
11. Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)
Chicken Inasal is a Filipino favorite known for its smoky, tangy flavor and bright golden color. The chicken is marinated in calamansi, lemongrass, garlic, and vinegar, then grilled over hot charcoal for that perfect char.
It’s typically served with garlic rice and a small bowl of annatto oil on the side, which you can drizzle over the chicken or rice for extra flavor.
Paired with a simple vinegar-chili dip, this dish perfectly captures the bold, comforting taste of Filipino home-style grilling. Chicken Inasal is the kind of dish you’ll find at local eateries all over the country, a true taste of everyday Filipino life.
12. Bicol Express (Pork Stew with Coconut Milk and Chilies)
Bicol Express is a fiery Filipino dish from the Bicol region, known for its love of chili and coconut milk. It’s made with tender pork simmered in coconut milk, shrimp paste, and a generous amount of chili peppers for that signature kick.
The combo of creamy and spicy makes it bold yet comforting, the kind of dish that keeps you going back for more even when it’s making you sweat. Best enjoyed with lots of rice, Bicol Express is Filipino spice at its best.
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13. Silog (Filipino Breakfast Combo Dish)
Silog is the ultimate Filipino breakfast, simple, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s made up of garlic fried rice (sinangag), a fried egg (itlog), and your choice of meat like tapa (beef), longganisa (sausage), or tocino (sweet pork).
Popular versions include Tapsilog, Longsilog, and Tocilog, each with its own tasty twist. Eaten at home or in a local eatery, Silog meals are a morning favorite that give you the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Filipino Food in the Philippines
🍽️ Try New Dishes: Don’t be afraid to taste something new. Filipino food has many different flavors, and you might find a new favorite. Ask locals for their top dish recommendations to get an authentic experience.
🍛 Always Have Rice: Rice is a big part of every Filipino meal. It helps balance the flavors of dishes like adobo or kare-kare. Always have a nice serving of rice with your meal.
🥤 Stay Cool: Some Filipino dishes like Bicol Express or sisig can be spicy. Pair them with a cold drink like coconut water or lemon juice to cool down and enjoy your meal even more.
🍴 Taste Local Specialties: Each part of the Philippines has its own unique food. In Cebu, try their famous roasted pig, and in Ilocos, taste the special empanadas. Each region adds its own twist to traditional dishes.
📸 Take Pictures Respectfully: It’s fun to take pictures of your meals but always ask first if you want to take photos of people or their food. Be respectful of local customs.
A Flavorful Journey Through Filipino Cuisine
Filipino food is a true reflection of the country’s rich culture and diverse traditions. From the crispy lechon to the comforting bulalo, each dish tells a story of family, celebration, and local flavors.
If you are a first time traveler or a seasoned foodie, exploring these dishes will give you a deeper appreciation for the Philippines’ vibrant culinary scene.
The next time you find yourself in the Philippines, be sure to savor these 13 must try dishes. They are an experience you will not forget.
🧭 Travel Resources for the Philippines
Planning a trip around the Philippines? Here are trusted websites and tools to book flights, ferries, hotels, tours, and everything else you’ll need for smooth island-hopping.
✈️ Flights Between Islands
Find the best domestic and international flight deals with 12Go or Skyscanner, and check budget airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines for cheap inter-island connections.
⛴️ Ferries and Island Transfers
Book ferries between popular islands like Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Palawan on 12Go, which lists updated schedules, routes, and ticket prices for operators like OceanJet, Montenegro Lines, and 2GO Travel.
🏨 Where to Book Your Stay
Choose from beachfront resorts, city hotels, or private stays with Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo for family-friendly rentals.
🚗 Getting Around
Compare car rentals on Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars, book private transfers via Klook, or use Grab in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao for hassle-free rides.
🌴 Book Tours and Activities
Explore top attractions, island-hopping tours, and cultural experiences with Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, which all offer easy online booking and reviews.
📶 Stay Connected
Stay online with an Airalo eSIM, rent pocket WiFi from Klook for groups, or buy a local Globe or Smart SIM card upon arrival at the airport.
💸 Cash, ATMs, and Payments
Always carry pesos for small towns and markets, as card payments aren’t widely accepted in remote areas and ATMs can be limited on smaller islands.
🧳 Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from flight delays, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations with flexible plans from SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads.
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About the Author
Hey, I’m Anjie! I love to travel, try local food, and sometimes get a little lost just to see what I’ll discover. I’m obsessed with nature and the sound of waves. That’s why I live where I can take a quick drive to watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean view.
I never start an adventure without iced coffee. I share hidden places in the Philippines because I want others to feel the same peace and joy I do when I find something beautiful and unexpected.
