Authentic Filipino Food | Top 8 Dishes You Shouldn't Miss Trying

When talking about the world’s best tropical destinations, the Philippines could easily be near or at the highest rung of the ladder along with a few other countries. But the stunning tropical landscape, pristine white sand beaches, and clear blue waters aren’t the only reasons why tourists from all corners of the globe flock to the Philippines. The unique flavors of Filipino food is an exotic experience that draws a lot of foreign visitors in as well

Discovering Filipino cuisine is, without a doubt one of the best things to do in the Philippines. This country really prides itself on its rich and flavorful culinary heritage and plays a big part in its culture and traditions.

So are you ready to treat your palate to some authentic Filipino dishes? If so, take a look at our top 8 recommended Filipino foods you shouldn’t miss trying while in the Pearl of the Orient Sea:

Lechon

If there’s a Filipino dish that has a legitimate claim to the title as the most iconic food in the Philippines aside from adobo, it would probably be Lechon.

It’s a whole roasted pig stuffed with a variety of choice vegetables, herbs, crops, and other condiments. This is usually the centerpiece of any kind of Filipino celebration. As such, it’s an iconic figure in the culture of the Philippines.

The late renowned food expert Anthony Bourdain even described the Philippines’ lechon as the “best pig ever!”.

Kare-kare

Kare-kare is a thick savory stew usually made of either oxtail or chunks of beef and peanut sauce. Other key ingredients may include vegetables like eggplant, cabbage, okra, and asparagus beans.

This dish is not complete without its usual partner bago-ong or fermented seafood paste.

Sinigang

If you want a healthier option on the menu, sinigang could be your best bet. What makes this sour and tangy soup really interesting is that it can be made with different kinds of meat with pork, shrimp, and fish being the most popular.

What is constant in the recipe though is the tamarind that makes the broth sour and tangy and of course, a wide variety of vegetables as well.

Sisig

For a more exotic culinary experience, you should never miss out on a sizzling plate of a Pinoy classic that is sisig.

Sisig is made out of pig’s face. It is then finely chopped into pieces and cooked with onions, garlic, and chili pepper. Once cooked, sprinkle lime juice into it and top it off with an egg. This goes really well with beer.

Balut

If you’re feeling adventurous, you should definitely try eating balut. It is one of the most popular street foods in the Philippines.

Balut is a boiled duck’s embryo usually eaten straight out of the shell. Locals normally eat it with vinegar and salt. This is one of the few Filipino foods that doesn’t look as enticing as it tastes.

Kinilaw/Kilawin

Made out of fresh raw seafood, kinilaw/kilawin is not for the delicate palate. The meat is cured in lime juice and vinegar along with onions, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.

The seafood that Filipinos normally use for this dish is either tuna or chub mackerel locally known as tanigue. Like sisig, this dish is usually prepared for when there are parties and drinking involved as it goes well with any kind of alcoholic beverage.

Halo-halo

Many foreigners who have tried halo-halo say that this is the best Filipino dessert. It is made out of crushed ice, milk, and a plethora of other sweet toppings of your choice.

This is a really great way to stay cool under the Philippine heat. Because trust us, it gets really hot out there.

The Philippine islands are indeed home to a rich and colorful culture, friendly people, and of course, amazing food. While there are so many places to see and things to do in the Philippines, trying out authentic Filipino food is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

If you’re planning on taking a vacation in the Philippines, make sure to try all the amazing grastronomic wonders we’ve listed above. Trust us, it’ll make your Philippine experience a lot more worthwhile.