Sheobi Ramos
The Philippines is getting a ton of publicity nowadays, mainly because of its famous white-sand beaches such as in Boracay and El Nido, Palawan. Of course, the warm Filipino hospitality cannot also be missed, as well as the spectacular sights and the rich history this Southeast Asian country has. Tourists and travelers always leave with a full heart and a lifetime worth of memories every time they visit, and if you’ve gotten a taste of the Philippines itself, you wouldn’t disagree.
Of course, one other reason why the Philippines is a paradise of its own kind is because of its traditional cuisine. Filipino food is something every tourist or traveler must explore, and when you’re done, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is getting more.
Here are some of the best Filipino dishes anyone shouldn’t miss:
1. Kaldereta
This dish is basically a meat stew with tomato sauce, potatoes, and there are chicken, pork, beef, and even goat versions of this. Whatever type of meat you prefer though, you’ll still end up getting another helping of white rice to go with this hearty dish.
2. Sizzling Pork Sisig
Typically served very hot on a sizzling plate with a fresh egg on top, this dish is quite difficult to prepare, but the result is worth the wait. Aside from being a main dish, it also goes well as beer chow in local bars and beerhouses.
3. Halo-Halo
Since the Philippines is a tropical country, the weather can be very hot, especially in the summer. This dish is the answer if you’re looking for something to counteract the heat, similar to crushed ice in the West. The Philippine version has more ingredients that complement each other, such as garbanzo beans, a slice of leche flan, jack fruit, cherries, gulaman, and ice cream.
4. Kare-Kare
This dish is made with peanut butter, oxtail, and veggies. It may sound weird, but once you get a spoonful of this stew you’ll regret any bad thoughts you had at first. Every spoonful of this dish also goes best with a touch of bagoong (shrimp paste) and lots and lots of white rice.
5. Sinigang
It’s no secret– Filipinos love SOUP, and this particular dish may top all the hierarchy of soup dishes ever made on the surface of the Earth. If you’re a carnivore, go for the pork version of this dish, but if you want seafood, then the fish version of this is awesome as well. It’s made with tamarind paste, calamansi, and lots of in-between– seriously, you have to taste this.
6. Biko
Another famous Filipino dessert, Biko is made with sticky rice and brown sugar baked until soft and gooey and it melts in your mouth. Top it off with lots of fried coconut shavings, and you’re good to go.
7. Chicharon
Those who are watching their calorie and carb intake may skip this dish, but basically, it’s fried pork rinds. That’s it. But lo and behold, it’s one of the most famous snacks in the country, because duh? It’s FRIED. CRUNCHY. PORK. RINDS. No long explanation needed.
8. Palabok
Basically, it’s pasta, but its savory taste and all its accompanying ingredients make it inherently Filipino. The sauce is the key, but it’s also a secret, and some regions in the country differ on how they make their Palabok. No Philippine fiesta is complete without Palabok, and you will never taste something quite like this anywhere else in the world.
9. Lumpia
Spring rolls! Who doesn’t like them? The Filipino version of this dish usually has them fried, with fillings ranging from pork, chicken, or fish. Indulge every bite with a splash of spiced vinegar, and you’ll get a taste of what heaven is like.
10. Cassava Cake
Made mainly from coconut milk and cassava roots, this Filipino dessert will delight the hell out of your taste buds with its sweetness, but not to the point that you will gag and get sick. it’s almost savory, and the top is usually covered with cheddar cheese broiled until crunchy.
11. Pinakbet
This vegetable dish is anything but boring, and can be typically found at any local eatery or carinderia. Its sauce is salty and brown due to the fish paste, and the vegetables found in this dish usually consist of bitter gourd, okra, squash, string beans, and eggplant. Who says healthy dishes are supposed to be bland?
12. Arroz Caldo
By now, every tourist in the Philippine must figure out their love for anything rice, and this dish another testament to that. It’s like porridge, but more savory and warm– a typical comfort food during the rainy season. For its toppings, it usually goes best with boiled egg, steamed chicken, chicken liver, and ground chicharon.
13. Turon
Another dessert, coming right up! In the Philippines, you don’t have to mix lots of ingredients to make something good. This dish basically is just slices of banana and jackfruit wrapped in lumpia wrapper and fried until crunchy, with melted brown sugar dripping on both ends. It can be found on the streets for just a few pesos, and is usually served as meryenda or mid-afternoon snack.
14. Tocino
Tocino is a breakfast dish that usually comes with sunny side up eggs and garlic rice. It’s an absolute hangover cure, one whiff of these and you’re done. It’s made out of sliced pork cured and marinated usually in garlic, salt, sugar, and other secret ingredients.
15. Chicken Inasal
Don’t mistake this dish for your ordinary grilled chicken, this dish is Filipino inside out. Almost every Filipino dish is savory, so expect this one to be the same as well. There is a local fast food chain dedicated to this dish, and almost everyone eats this with their hands.
16. Lechon
Some nationalities judge Filipinos for their famous whole roasted pig, but maybe because they haven’t known how good it tastes. It’s usually the centerpiece for any grand party, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and such. And of course, no one makes it better than Cebuanos. Your trip to the Philippines is incomplete if you haven’t tried the world-famous Cebu lechon.
17. Leche Flan
This dish was a result of the country’s Spanish influence, but no one disagrees that the Filipino version is a hundred times better than its predecessor. It’s an enhanced version of caramel custard, and because it’s so rich, most people can only manage a couple of spoonfuls.
18. Bicol Express
Another carinderia staple, this savory dish is made from cubed pork, coconut milk, and lots of green chilies. It’s a simple dish, but it will warm you to the bone.
19. Adobo
And of course, who would forget to put adobo in this list? Whether it’s pork or chicken, it doesn’t matter. This dish will haunt you till the day you die. What’s more special about this dish is, each time you reheat it, it tastes better than before. How cool is that?
