1. Pinakbet

Pinakbet, commonly referred to as “pakbet” by locals, is a popular dish in the Philippines, which consists of vegetables sauteed in fermented shrimp paste. It originated in a place called Ilocos, which is well-known for offering other unique delicacies, like longganisa. This dish is often served with meat, particularly, pork belly. Those who are into authentic savory Filipino food will definitely enjoy this dish that is perfectly paired with rice.

2. Fish kinilaw

This famous Filipino dish is relatively similar to ceviche. Those who love to eat raw fish will surely enjoy fish kinilaw, which is seasoned with typical spices and condiments such as vinegar, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic. It is relatively easy to make and makes for a great snack and even a meal when paired with rice.

Tuna and mackerel are most often used when making this dish. It’s best enjoyed while vacationing in one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

3. Dinuguan

This unique dish is typically made from pork offal and is best paired with white rice or puto, which is a popular steamed rice cake in the Philippines. The name came from the Filipino word “dugo,” which means blood. It has a distinct chocolate-like color, which is why it is often called chocolate meat. Simmered with vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, chili, ginger, and fish sauce, this dish is a great savory meal to try when visiting the country.

4. Lechon (680 PHP (13.70 USD))

Known as one of the best Filipino dishes served during festivities, lechon is the national pride of the Philippines – although it’s also recognized in Spain and Latin America. The tasty dish refers to a suckling pig, roasted over hot coals and stuffed with an abundance of spices such as pepper, spring onions, star anise, lemon grass, and laurel leaves. It’s always served at festivals or traditional ceremonies. You won’t need any sauce on this top Filipino food item, which is good just as it is.

Ulcing Cebu's Lechon

Address: 22 Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Price: 680 PHP (13.70 USD)

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5. Chicken inasal

For who love grilled chicken, don’t miss the extraordinary chicken dish, inasal. Why is it so special? The chicken is marinated in a sauce made of achuete oil, calamansi juice, lemongrass, pepper, salt, and garlic. All parts of the animal, even the offal, are grilled. To eat this typical Bacolod dish, you have to go with the garlic rice.

Chicken Inasal

Address: Felix Huertas St. Corner A.H. Lacsonsta.Cruz, Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: 59 PHP (1.20 USD)

6. Sisig

There is nothing wasteful when it comes to Filipino cuisine, as you will see in this dish, where locals turn a pig’s head and liver into something delectable, called sisig. The organs are usually marinated with a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice, pepper, and salt, before being simmered. Originating in Pampanga, this sizzling dish matches well with steamed rice and a cold beer, making it the best Pinoy lunch!

Sisig Society

Address: Eastwood City Walk, Quezon City

Price: 249 PHP (5 USD)

7. Crispy pata

Another one of those wildly popular Filipino dishes during celebrations, you should definitely try crispy pata. It’s made of pork knuckle, which is boiled, drained, and then deep fried. The skin turns into crackling and it’s crispy, whereas the meat is delicate and juicy. In order to make this dish perfect, dip it in a soy-vinegar sauce.

Bangus Restaurant Crispy Pata

Address: Greenhills Shopping Center, Quezon City

Price: 675 PHP (13.60 USD)

8. Arroz caldo

Arroz caldo, which literally means “rice soup”, is typical Filipino rice congee. It’s most often topped with chicken pieces, a halved hard-boiled egg, green onions and fried garlic. The starchy food is made of either uncooked or leftover steamed rice. To enhance the flavor, add calamansi juice and fish sauce. The locals in some regions usually enjoy this dish with meat or seafood.

Mangan

Address: Robinsons Place - Manila

Price: 130 PHP (2.60 USD)

9. Fish tinola

Fish tinola, originally from Cebu, is a soupy fish dish with the pleasant aroma of a gingery broth. It’s comprised of fish fillets, hot pepper leaves, and papaya, as well as tamarind, onions, and tomatoes. The clear dish is usually cooked over coconut firewood, for a couple of hours. Eat the soup while it’s still hot, during a stormy day.

Igmaan Restaurant

Address: Seaside Macapagal

Price: 300 PHP (6 USD)

10. Bulalo

Are you looking for the best Pinoy food that is a beef dish? This light soup, called Bulalo, made of fresh Batangas beef, will satisfy your craving. Native to the southern region of Luzon, this savory specialty also features beef marrow and shanks. Slow cooked, in a long, low boil, it is highly recommended for all foodies.

Mahogany Market Eateries

Address: Mahogany Ave., Brgy. Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City

Price: 350 PHP (7 USD)

11. Taba ng talangka

Seafood lovers should try Taba ng talangka when discovering the tropical paradise of the Philippines. It’s made from pressed, fatty crab and sauteed garlic. This heavenly reddish-brown food is often accompanied by steamed rice, prawns, and fried fish. Most Filipinos use it as a sauce for other side dishes.

Cosa Nostra

Address: Malate, Philippines

Price: 375 PHP (7.50 USD)

12. Tapa

Tapa is a sort of dried or cured meat (beef, venison, mutton or even horse meat) that is sliced, salted, and drained. Locals usually grill the meat over hot charcoal, or just fry it. The traditional dish is served with fried rice and a fried egg. To make it tastier, locals often add atchara or pickled green papaya, vinegar, ketchup and tomato slices.

Rufo's Famous Tapa

Address: A. Venue Mall, 7829 Makati Ave

Price: 116 PHP (2.30 USD)

The Good Tapa, Manila

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13. Kare kare

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, nothing will be more satisfactory than a generous serving of kare kare. The main ingredients of this thick stew are meat, vegetables and peanut sauce. The meat in kare kare can be anything from pig’s feet to oxtail. Bok choy, okra, string beans, and other veggies are also often added to it. It derives its name from the Indian dish - curry.

TRES Kare-Kare-Kare

Address: Annex, SM City North EDSA Annex 1 Tunnel, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: TRES Kare-Kare-Kare

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

14. Sinigang

Warming and comforting, sinigang is a sour soup that is a much loved item in the vast repertoire of Filipino cuisine. It consists of meat and vegetables cooked in a sour broth. The sourness is derived from the addition of tamarind, tomatoes or other sour fruits. Fish sauce, onions and chillies are also added to the dish.

It is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines and can be had practically in every carinderia (a hole-in-the-wall local eatery, which, incidentally, is also one of the suggestions in our Millennial’s Solo Travel Guide article) all over the country.

Manam Comfort Filipino

Address: Central Bus. Dist. Unit 105 G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St. cor. Greenbelt Dr. Ayala Center, Makati City, Esperanza St, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: Manam Comfort Filipino

Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)

15. Pancit guisado

Pancit means noodles and guisado is a method of cooking, which is sauteeing. Thus, pancit guisado is a popular sauteed noodle dish that is very flavorful and tasty. Generally made from bihon (rice noodles), this dish also contains veggies, chicken, soy sauce, shrimp and eggs. Available at many restaurants across the country, a number of variations can be tried in pancit guisado.

Ado's Panciteria

Address: 126 R. Jabson Street, Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: Ado’s Panciteria

Opening hours: 6:30am - 12am (daily)

16. Pork barbecue

Pork barbecue is a fairly common dish across the world. But in the Philippines, pork barbecue takes on a unique flavor and with its use of varied seasonings. Prepared over a charcoal grill, thinly sliced pork is marinated in banana ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and pepper powder. It is then threaded onto skewers and grilled while it is continually basted with the marinade. The resulting dish has succulent and delicious pork that melts in your mouth.

Holy Smokes BBQ PH

Address: 5834 Matilde, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: Holy Smokes BBQ PH

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am; Sun: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

17. Palabok

Another dish made from pancit (noodles), Palabok is heavy on the seafood flavor, primarily shrimp. A perfect hunger cure, palabok is a staple in most areas of the country and even served at fast-food joints. It consists of stir-fried noodles topped with cooked shrimp, fish flakes, eggs, boiled eggs, scallions and sometimes, thinly sliced pork too.

Little Quiapo

Address: 90 Malakas St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: Little Quiapo

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

18. Adobo (from USD 67.45)

Most would agree that adobo is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines known all over the world. In fact, it can be said that it’s the core of all Filipino food. While there is much debate about the origin of adobo, many people believe it was either brought by the Spanish, came from Mexico or has its origins in the Philippines. It consists of meat (chicken or pork), salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and other pungent spices. It’s quite simple when it comes to the cooking process – you just saute and simmer the basic ingredients, until they are cooked. The result is a savory, flavorful dish that the country loves.

Alab's Adobong Pula

Address: 67 Scout Rallos Street, Quezon City

Price: 280 PHP (5.60 USD)

Food Crawl in Old Manila, Philippines - Klook

Duration: 5hrsDuration

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67.45

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Filipino cuisine for an amazing Asian culinary adventure

A trip to the Philippines is incomplete without trying these special Filipino dishes, and there is a wide variety of good options when it comes to Filipino cuisine, from street foods to fine dining. It features a remarkable piquancy and the combination of delightful crunchiness, acidity, and spice is so perfect. So be sure to adjust your list of things to do while in the Philippines, so you could eat your way through the country and go on a memorable culinary journey.