The Philippines is a vibrant archipelago with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and most notably—food. Filipino cuisine is a flavorful fusion of native traditions and foreign influences, from Spanish and American to Chinese and Malay. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a foodie, or a proud Filipino looking to celebrate your heritage, here’s a deep dive into the top 10 best Filipino dishes that define the nation’s palate.
No list of Filipino food would be complete without adobo—the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. Made by marinating meat (commonly chicken or pork) in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, then simmering it until tender, adobo is both simple and deeply satisfying. Its salty-sour flavor is perfectly balanced, and every household has its own version. Whether dry or saucy, adobo is always served with a generous scoop of steamed rice.
A sour soup that warms the soul, sinigang is beloved for its tangy tamarind-based broth and generous mix of vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), tomatoes, and string beans. Often made with pork (sinigang na baboy), shrimp (sinigang na hipon), or fish (sinigang na isda), it’s best enjoyed steaming hot on a rainy day. Some regional versions use green mangoes or calamansi to achieve that signature asim (sourness).
Filipino celebrations are never complete without lechon—a whole roasted pig cooked over an open fire until the skin turns crisp and golden. The meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor thanks to herbs and spices stuffed into the belly. Originating from Cebu, lechon is so iconic that world-renowned chef Anthony Bourdain once called it “the best pig ever.” It’s usually served with liver sauce or spiced vinegar.
Kare-kare is a rich peanut stew made with oxtail, beef tripe, and vegetables such as eggplant and banana blossom. What sets it apart is its thick, nutty sauce made from ground roasted peanuts and toasted rice. Traditionally served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side, kare-kare is a feast for the senses—comforting, savory, and utterly Filipino.
Filipinos love desserts, and nothing screams summer like halo-halo, a vibrant mix of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, leche flan, ube (purple yam), and evaporated milk. Served in tall glasses or bowls, each bite is a surprise. It’s the ultimate way to beat the tropical heat and experience the variety of Filipino sweets in one colorful treat.
Noodles are a symbol of long life in Filipino culture, and pancit canton is one of the most popular noodle dishes in the country. Stir-fried with vegetables, chicken, pork, shrimp, and seasoned with soy sauce and calamansi, it’s a go-to for birthday parties and family gatherings. Pancit is influenced by Chinese cuisine but given a Filipino twist.
From the cooler regions of Tagaytay and Batangas comes bulalo, a hearty beef marrow soup. Made by slowly boiling beef shanks and bone marrow until tender, the resulting broth is rich, clear, and savory. It’s often served with corn on the cob, cabbage, and potatoes. Bulalo is perfect for those looking to experience the comforting warmth of Filipino home cooking.
If you love spicy food, Bicol Express is for you. Hailing from the Bicol region, this dish features pork stewed in coconut milk with fiery chili peppers and shrimp paste. Creamy, spicy, and addicting, Bicol Express is an explosion of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It's also one of the best examples of how Filipinos incorporate coconut milk (gata) in savory cooking.
A beloved Filipino breakfast, tapsilog is a combination of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg). It’s part of a group of silog meals popular in eateries and carinderias nationwide. Tapsilog is savory, hearty, and always satisfying. A side of vinegar dipping sauce or atchara (pickled papaya) completes the dish.
Another Bicolano specialty, laing is made with dried taro leaves simmered in coconut milk, chili, garlic, and shrimp paste. It may not look fancy, but the flavors are deep and complex. Laing is often eaten with rice and sometimes topped with pork or seafood. It’s one of those underrated dishes that surprise newcomers with its bold taste.
Filipino cuisine is more than just food—it’s a celebration of community, family, and heritage. These ten dishes reflect the diversity and richness of Filipino culture. Whether you’re exploring them for the first time or rediscovering them as part of your roots, they each offer a unique experience that showcases the heart and soul of the Philippines.
So the next time you're hungry for something exciting, give these Filipino classics a try. You might just discover your new favorite dish.