The Philippines is a treasure trove of flavors, and its cuisine is a vibrant mix of sweet, salty, sour, and savory.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
From hearty stews to refreshing desserts, Filipino dishes are packed with personality and history.
Ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? We’ve rounded up the 10+ best Philippine recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
These dishes are not only delicious but also tell a story of the country’s rich culture and traditions.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. Let’s get started!
1. Chicken Adobo The Ultimate Filipino Comfort Food
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
How to Make It:
Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
In a pot, heat oil and sear the chicken until browned. Add the marinade, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. Add sugar if you like a hint of sweetness.
Why We Chose It:
Chicken Adobo is the poster child of Filipino cuisine. It’s simple, flavorful, and downright addictive.
The tangy vinegar and savory soy sauce combo is a match made in food heaven.
This dish is a must-try because it’s a staple in every Filipino household and represents the heart of the country’s culinary identity.
2. Sinigang A Tangy Tamarind Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 packet sinigang mix (tamarind soup base)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup radish, sliced
- 1 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup okra
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup tomatoes, quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups spinach or kangkong (water spinach)
How to Make It:
Boil ribs in water until tender. Add onions, tomatoes, and sinigang mix. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add radish, string beans, okra, and eggplant. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Add spinach last and simmer for 2 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Why We Selected It:
Sinigang is the ultimate comfort food for Filipinos, especially on rainy days.
The tangy broth, tender meat, and fresh veggies make it a wholesome meal.
It’s a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for anyone who loves a good sour kick.
3. Pancit Bihon The Classic Filipino Noodle Dish
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- 1 cup chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
How to Make It:
Soak rice noodles in water for 10 minutes. In a pan, sauté garlic and onions in oil. Add chicken and shrimp, cooking until done.
Add carrots, cabbage, and soy sauce. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add noodles and cook until tender and liquid is absorbed.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Pancit Bihon is a crowd-pleaser at Filipino gatherings. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with veggies and protein.
Plus, it’s believed to bring long life, making it a must-have at celebrations.
4. Lumpia Filipino Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or beef
- 1 cup carrots, minced
- 1 cup green beans, minced
- 1 onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 pack lumpia wrappers
- Cooking oil for frying
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic and onions, then add ground meat. Cook until browned. Add carrots, green beans, and soy sauce.
Mix well and let cool. Wrap the mixture in lumpia wrappers and fry until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
Lumpia is the Filipino version of spring rolls, and it’s downright irresistible. Crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside, it’s a snack you’ll keep coming back to.
5. Kare-Kare A Rich Peanut Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb oxtail or beef tripe
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup bok choy
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp annatto powder (for color)
- 4 cups water
How to Make It:
Boil oxtail until tender. Sauté garlic and onions, then add the meat and water.
Stir in peanut butter and annatto powder. Add vegetables and simmer until cooked. Serve with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side.
Why We Selected It:
Kare-Kare is a unique dish with its rich peanut sauce and tender meat. It’s a labor of love that’s worth every bite, making it a standout in Filipino cuisine.
6. Leche Flan The Creamy Filipino Dessert
Ingredients:
- 10 egg yolks
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
How to Make It:
Melt sugar in a mold to create caramel. Mix egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Pour into the mold and steam for 30 minutes. Chill before serving.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Leche Flan is the ultimate Filipino dessert—creamy, sweet, and utterly indulgent. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
7. Halo-Halo The Ultimate Filipino Dessert
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Sweetened bananas
- Sweetened jackfruit
- Sweetened beans
- Leche flan
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- Evaporated milk
- Ice cream (optional)
How to Make It:
Layer ingredients in a glass, starting with sweetened fruits and beans.
Add shaved ice, then top with leche flan, ube halaya, and evaporated milk. Add ice cream if desired.
Why We Chose It:
Halo-Halo is a fun, colorful dessert that’s perfect for hot days. It’s a mix of textures and flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.
8. Turon Sweet Banana Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 4 saba bananas, sliced
- 1 cup jackfruit, sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Lumpia wrappers
- Cooking oil
How to Make It:
Wrap bananas and jackfruit in lumpia wrappers, sprinkle with sugar, and fry until golden.
Why We Selected It:
Turon is a simple yet delicious snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
9. Arroz Caldo Filipino Chicken Rice Porridge
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 lb chicken, sliced
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb ginger, sliced
- Fish sauce to taste
- Green onions and fried garlic for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic, onions, and ginger. Add chicken and cook until browned. Add rice and water, then simmer until thick. Season with fish sauce and garnish.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Arroz Caldo is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
10. Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs purple yam (ube), boiled and grated
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup butter
How to Make It:
Cook grated ube with butter, condensed milk, and evaporated milk until thick. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Why We Chose It:
Ube Halaya is a vibrant, sweet treat that’s uniquely Filipino. It’s perfect on its own or as a topping for other desserts.
11. Biko Sticky Rice Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Cook rice until done. In a pan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and water.
Simmer until thick, then mix with rice. Spread on a tray and top with latik (coconut curds).
Why We Selected It:
Biko is a chewy, sweet dessert that’s a favorite at Filipino fiestas. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Conclusion
Filipino cuisine is a flavorful journey you don’t want to miss.
These 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a great place to start.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get cooking!