Tasty Filipino Dish that you should Try!

The Philippines is a country that boasts rich cultural heritage, which is also reflected in its traditional cuisine. The flavors and aroma of Filipino dishes have captured the palates of many travelers, expats, and tourists across the globe. If you’re planning to visit the Philippines or if you’re simply curious about its food culture, then you’re in for a treat!

Chicharon is a crunchy Filipino snack that is made from pork rind, deep-fried to perfection, and sprinkled with salt or a mix of spices. It is usually served with spicy vinegar, and some people dip it in ketchup. Chicharon is not only a snack but also a topping for pancit, a side dish for beer, and a popular food souvenir for tourists.

Longganisa is one of the best breakfast dishes in the Philippines. It is a type of sausage that is sweet, garlicky, and mildly spicy. It is best paired with rice and dipped in vinegar sauce or eaten as a sandwich with bread. Each region in the Philippines has its version of longganisa, and some of the top varieties include Cebu, Vigan and Lucban Longganisa.

Lumpia is the Filipino version of the spring roll and is hailed as one of the best finger foods in the country. This dish is a mix of vegetables, meat, and spices wrapped in thin egg crepes and deep-fried to perfection. Lumpia comes in various versions, usually determined by their fillings, such as vegetable, meat, or shrimp. It is often served as an appetizer or a side dish to a main course.

This dish is considered the national dish of the Philippines and enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike. Adobo consists of either chicken or pork that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. This savory and tangy dish can be cooked in different ways, such as simmered or fried. It is often served with rice or as a pulutan (finger food) paired with beer or other alcoholic drinks.

If you’re looking for a satisfying and hearty soup dish, then Sinigang is the dish for you. This sour soup is made up of meat or seafood combined with an array of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, taro, okra, and spinach, to name a few. The sour taste is brought out by the tamarind fruit or other souring agents like calamansi (Philippine lime) or vinegar. Sinigang is usually served hot and enjoyed best with a side of steamed rice.

From the Bicol region of the Philippines comes this delicious and spicy dish called laing. The main ingredient of laing is the taro leaves, which are combined with coconut milk, chili peppers, and other spices. The combination of the creamy and spicy flavors makes this dish an all-time favorite. Laing is usually eaten with rice or as a side dish to grilled meats.

Sisig is a popular pulutan or a side dish typically served during drinking sessions. It is made from a pig’s head, which is then grilled, chopped, and seasoned with spices and chili peppers. It is usually served sizzling on a hot plate and garnished with calamansi, onion rings, and sometimes eggs. Sisig has become one of the top Filipino delicacies, and many Filipinos and tourists alike love it.

This sweet delicacy is a popular dessert that is made up of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The sticky rice is cooked with sweetened coconut milk until it forms a solid block. Biko is often decorated with latik, which is essentially caramelized coconut cream. It is usually served during special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, and shared with family and friends.

Pancit Palabok is a Filipino noodle dish that is famous for its vibrant orange color that comes from the shrimp sauce or annatto oil used in cooking the noodles. It is topped with shrimp, pork belly, boiled egg, and garnished with crushed chicharon and spring onions. Pancit Palabok is a must-try dish in the Philippines. It is usually served during celebrations and special occasions.

Halo-Halo – This top-rated Filipino dessert, meaning “mix-mix” in English, is a refreshing and colorful dessert made up of fruity ingredients, ice cream, and crushed ice. The ingredients include sweetened bananas, sweet potato, sweet jelly, beans, and coconut. This dessert is so creamy that every scoop surprises you with a mix of flavors. A must-try Filipino dessert that will surely make you happy.

Inutak Kakanin a unique rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar, and latik (coconut milk residue). It’s called inutak kakanin because of its brain-like texture and appearance. It’s sweet, creamy, and has a chewy consistency, and is best eaten when warm. This dessert is mostly found in the province of Quezon and is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

There you have it, five must-try Filipino dishes that offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse cuisine of the Philippines. Filipinos take great pride in their food culture, and it is evident in the way they prepare and serve their dishes. When in the Philippines, don’t miss the opportunity to try these dishes and immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re a traveler, tourist, expat, or a digital nomad, these dishes will definitely leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!