Filipino cuisine is a celebration of flavours that has captivated the taste buds of food enthusiasts all around the world. The unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous Filipino flavours makes Filipino dishes a truly gastronomic experience. If you’re a foodie looking for a new culinary adventure, then you’re in for a treat! Here are the 15 best Filipino dishes to try that will surely satisfy your cravings.
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The history of Filipino cuisine
The earliest Filipino cuisine was heavily influenced by the indigenous people who inhabited the archipelago for thousands of years. They relied on the bounty of the land and sea, using simple cooking techniques such as grilling, boiling, and roasting to prepare their meals. Rice, fish, and vegetables were staples of their diet, with the use of vinegar, coconut milk, and spices to add flavour.
When the Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, they introduced new ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, and chilli peppers, as well as cooking techniques such as frying and sautéing. They also brought with them the concept of communal dining, which gave rise to the tradition of feasting and celebrations that still exist in Filipino culture today.
During the American occupation in the early 20th century, Filipinos were introduced to more Westernized dishes like hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as canned goods like Spam and corned beef. However, this period also marked the rise of Filipino nationalism, which led to a renewed interest in traditional Filipino cuisine and the promotion of local ingredients.
Today, Filipino cuisine is a vibrant and diverse fusion of indigenous, Spanish, American, and other international influences. Some popular dishes include adobo, a savoury stew of meat and vinegar; sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind; and lechon, a roasted pig that is a staple in Filipino celebrations. Street food such as balut (boiled fertilized duck egg), isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestines), and kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) are also a must-try for adventurous foodies.
In recent years, Filipino cuisine has gained international recognition and acclaim, with Filipino chefs and restaurants making waves in the culinary scene. This newfound popularity has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving and promoting traditional Filipino cooking techniques and ingredients.
The top 15 Filipino dishes to try when you visit
Adobo
Adobo is the quintessential Filipino dish that’s often described as a symphony of flavours. This savoury dish is made by marinating meat in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices like garlic and bay leaves. The meat is then simmered until it’s tender and infused with the delicious sauce. Adobo can be made with pork, chicken, or even seafood, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
Sinigang
Sinigang is a sour soup that’s a staple in Filipino cuisine. It’s made with tamarind or other souring agents, and it’s typically cooked with vegetables and meat like pork or beef. The sourness of the soup is balanced by the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a unique and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Kare-kare
Kare-kare is a hearty stew that’s made with oxtail, peanut butter, and vegetables like eggplant and string beans. The dish is thickened with ground rice, giving it a creamy and nutty flavour. Kare-kare is often served with bagoong or shrimp paste, which adds an umami flavour to the dish.
Lechon
Lechon is a roasted pig that’s a centrepiece in many Filipino celebrations. The pig is stuffed with herbs and spices, then roasted over charcoal until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Lechon is often served with a dipping sauce made with vinegar and garlic, and it’s a must-try dish for anyone who loves roasted meat.
Lumpia
Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls that are often served as an appetizer or a snack. The rolls are filled with vegetables and meat, then fried until crispy and golden brown. Lumpia is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Pancit
Pancit is a noodle dish that’s a favourite in Filipino cuisine. It’s made with thin rice noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables and meat. Pancit can be made with different types of meat, like chicken, pork, or shrimp, making it a versatile and delicious dish.
Bistek
Bistek is a dish that’s made with thinly sliced beef that’s marinated in soy sauce and Calamansi juice. The meat is then sautéed with onions until it’s tender and infused with the delicious sauce. Bistek is often served with rice, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Sisig
Sisig is a dish that’s made with parts of a pig’s head, like the cheeks, ears, and snout. The meat is boiled, grilled, or fried, then chopped into small pieces and mixed with onions, garlic, and chilli peppers. Sisig is often served on a sizzling plate, making it a fun and interactive dish.
Inasal
Inasal is a dish that’s popular in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It’s made with chicken that’s marinated in a mixture of Calamansi juice, vinegar, and annatto oil. The chicken is then grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky and flavorful taste.
Caldereta
Caldereta is a spicy stew that’s made with beef or goat meat. The meat is slowly cooked with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and flavoured with spices like chilli peppers, cumin, and paprika. The dish is often served with rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold and rainy day.
Pinakbet
Pinakbet is a vegetable dish that’s popular in the northern part of the Philippines. It’s made with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, bitter melon, okra, and squash, which are sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. The dish is often flavoured with bagoong or shrimp paste, giving it a savoury and umami taste.
Dinuguan
Dinuguan is a savoury stew that’s made with pork blood and meat. The meat is cooked with vinegar, garlic, and chilli peppers, giving it a tangy and spicy flavour. Dinuguan is often served with rice or puto, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Sizzling Gambas
Sizzling gambas is a dish that’s made with shrimp that’s cooked in a sauce made with garlic, butter, and chilli peppers. The dish is often served on a sizzling plate, making it a fun and interactive dish. Sizzling gambas is a popular appetizer or a pulutan, which is a dish that’s often served with alcoholic drinks.
Turon
Turon is a sweet and crunchy dessert that’s made with ripe bananas and jackfruit that are rolled in spring roll wrappers and then fried until crispy and golden brown. The rolls are then coated with caramelized sugar, giving them a delicious and crunchy texture.
Halo-halo
Halo-halo is a popular dessert that’s made with a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of sweet ingredients like fruits, beans, and jellies. The dessert is often topped with a scoop of ice cream and drizzled with syrup, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat.
In conclusion, Filipino cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are full of flavour and are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From the savoury adobo to the sweet halo-halo, these dishes are a celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage. So if you’re looking for a new culinary adventure, be sure to try these 15 best Filipino dishes that will surely leave you wanting more!
