Top 10 Foods in the Philippines

The Philippines offers a vibrant food scene that reflects its diverse history and traditions. These top 10 dishes, including iconic favorites like Adobo and Halo-Halo, highlight the country’s unique flavors and culinary creativity. Get ready to experience the essence of Filipino foods through its most beloved meals!

1. Adobo

• Features: The national dish of the Philippines, chicken or pork stewed with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices, with a sweet, sour and salty taste.
• Reason for recommendation: Simple yet delicious, it is a frequent guest on Filipino family tables.
• Where to eat: Manam Restaurant in Manila.

2. Roast Suckling Pig (Lechon)

• Features: The whole pig is marinated and grilled. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy.
• Reason for recommendation: A must-have dish for Filipino festivals and important occasions.
• Where to eat: Rico's Lechon in Cebu.

3. Sour soup (Sinigang)

• Features: Sour soup made with tamarind (or other sour fruits), added with pork, shrimp or fish, and served with vegetables.
• Reason for recommendation: Sour and appetizing, it is Filipinos’ favorite home-cooked soup.
• Where to eat: Sentro 1771 in Manila.

4. Filipino Spring Rolls (Lumpia)

• Features: Similar to spring rolls, there are two types: fried and non-fried. The fillings are mostly vegetables, meat or seafood.
• Reason for recommendation: It has a crispy texture and is a representative of Filipino street food.
• Where to eat: Café Ilang-Ilang in Manila.

5. Grilled Chicken (Inasal)

• Features: Grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass, vinegar and spices for a unique aroma.
• Reason for recommendation: Specialties from Cebu and Iloilo regions with unique flavors.
• Where to eat: Mang Inasal chain store in Manila.

6. Halo-Halo

• Features: Traditional Filipino dessert, mixed with crushed ice, coconut, red beans, jelly, purple sweet potato ice cream, etc.
• Reason for recommendation: Refreshing and relieving the heat, it is the perfect choice for the hot weather in the Philippines.
• Where to eat: Razon's of Guagua in Manila.

7. Kare-Kare

• Features: Oxtail or tripe stewed in peanut sauce, served with vegetables and shrimp paste (Bagoong).
• Reason for recommendation: It has a rich taste and is a classic dish at Filipino banquets.
• Where to eat: Crisostomo in Manila.

8. Filipino fried noodles (Pancit)

• Features: Filipino version of fried noodles, usually rice noodles or egg noodles, with vegetables, meat and seafood added.
• Reason for recommendation: Simple and delicious, it is a must-have food for Filipinos to celebrate their birthdays.
• Where to eat: Pancit Malabon Express in Manila.

9. Chicharon

• Features: Crispy fried pork skin, often served as a snack or side dish.
• Reason for recommendation: Crispy and crispy, it is one of the favorite snacks of Filipinos.
• Where to eat: Titay's in Cebu.

10. Bicol Express

• Features: Pork or seafood stewed in coconut milk, chili peppers and spices for a rich and spicy flavor.
• Reason for recommendation: Specialties from the Bicol region of the Philippines, suitable for diners who like heavy flavors.
• Where to eat: Café Juanita in Manila.

Tips and recommendations

1. Choose a popular restaurant or stall. Places frequented by locals are usually more hygienic and have fresher food.
2. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid drinking tap water or drinks with ice.
3. Choose street food that is freshly prepared and sold, such as grilled chicken or spring rolls, and avoid food that has been exposed for a long time.
4. Ask in advance about the spiciness level. If you are not used to spicy food, you can order lighter dishes, such as sour soup or roasted suckling pig.
5. It is a local custom to eat with your hands. If you are not used to it, you can ask for utensils and there is no need to force yourself.
6. Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies, especially if you are allergic to peanuts or seafood, and bring anti-allergy medicine with you.
7. Eat fried snacks in moderation, such as fried pork rinds, which are healthier when paired with fresh fruits or vegetables.
8. Desserts can be requested with less sugar, such as halo halo, or choose a less sweet option.
9. Carry gastrointestinal medicine with you. Differences in diet may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It is more secure to prepare in advance.
10. Politely accept or decline food invitations, Filipinos are very hospitable and it is important to respect their culture.