Top 10 Filipino Dishes to Expand Your Palate in 2023

Top Filipino Dishes 2023

Indulge in the flavors of the Philippines with its top 10 mouthwatering dishes that will leave you craving for more! Bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and unique combinations, Filipino cuisine is a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and take you on a gastronomic journey like no other. From savory stews to succulent barbecues, from crispy fried favorites to sweet delights, Filipino cuisine has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the top 10 Filipino dishes that will surely captivate your senses and leave you craving for more. Get ready to be persuaded by the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines and embark on a culinary voyage that will leave you wanting seconds, thirds, and more.

Top 10 Filipino Dishes 2023

Here is the list of the Top 10 Filipino Dishes and their influences. 

S.No	Dishes	Influence of the Dishes
1	Lumpia	Chinese
2	Pancit	Chinese
3	Chicken Adobo	Spanish
4	Leche Flan	Spanish
5	Kare-Kare	Native
6	Sisig	Spanish
7	Chicharon	Spanish
8	Sinigang	Native
9	Cassava Cake	Native
10	Arroz Caldo	Chinese and Spanish

Let us see each dishes in detail.

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1. Lumpia (Chinese)

Lumpia, also known as Filipino spring rolls, is a delicious and popular dish that is beloved by many Filipinos and food enthusiasts alike. Made with a thin wrapper typically made from flour, water, and eggs, and filled with a variety of savory ingredients, lumpia is a culinary delight that is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course.

The filling for lumpia can vary, but it usually consists of a combination of minced meat such as pork or chicken, mixed with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, and bean sprouts. The mixture is then seasoned with a blend of spices, such as garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper, giving it a burst of umami flavors. The filling is carefully wrapped in the thin lumpia wrapper, creating a tight roll that is then deep-fried to crispy perfection.

Lumpia is typically served with a dipping sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor. The dipping sauce can vary from sweet to tangy, and often includes ingredients such as vinegar, garlic, sugar, and chili, which adds a delicious contrast to the crispy lumpia.

Lumpia is not just a beloved dish for special occasions, but it’s also a staple at Filipino gatherings and parties. It’s a dish that brings people together, as it’s often shared and enjoyed with family and friends. The crispy texture of the lumpia wrapper, combined with the flavorful filling and dipping sauce, makes each bite a delightful experience that is sure to leave you craving for more.

2. Pancit (Chinese)

Pancit, a traditional Filipino dish, is a mouthwatering noodle dish that has been enjoyed by Filipinos for generations. It is a dish that is often prepared during special occasions, celebrations, and gatherings, and is considered a symbol of long life and prosperity.

The star of the dish is the noodles, which are usually made from rice, wheat, or egg, and can vary in thickness and texture depending on the type of pancit being prepared. Pancit is typically stir-fried with an array of colorful and flavorful ingredients, making it a visually appealing and appetizing dish.

Pancit is often made with a variety of meat, such as chicken, pork, beef, or seafood, which is typically sliced thinly and cooked with vegetables like carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and onions. The dish is then seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and other aromatic spices, giving it a rich and savory flavor profile.

Pancit is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as green onions and cilantro, which adds a burst of freshness and aroma to the dish. It is usually served with a wedge of lemon or calamansi, a local citrus fruit, which can be squeezed over the noodles to add a tangy and refreshing taste.

Pancit is more than just a dish, it’s a cultural symbol that represents Filipino hospitality and togetherness. It’s a dish that is often shared with loved ones, as it’s believed to bring good luck and blessings. The combination of flavorful noodles, tender meat, crisp vegetables, and tangy garnishes make pancit a truly satisfying and comforting dish that is enjoyed by Filipinos all around the world.

Whether it’s a special occasion or just a simple family meal, pancit is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

3. Chicken Adobo (Spanish)

Chicken Adobo is a savory and tangy dish made with succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a unique blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices such as garlic and bay leaves. The marinated chicken is then simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering harmony of sweet, salty, and sour notes.

The result is a dish that is both comforting and flavorful, with tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. Chicken Adobo is often served with steamed rice, and the sauce it creates is perfect for drizzling over the rice for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Leche Flan (Spanish)

On the sweeter side, Leche Flan is a luscious caramel custard that is a staple in Filipino celebrations and gatherings. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including eggs, condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla, Leche Flan is known for its velvety texture and rich, caramelized flavor.

The custard is typically steamed, which gives it a smooth and creamy consistency that is irresistible. Once cooked, the Leche Flan is inverted onto a plate, revealing a glossy caramel glaze that adds a beautiful touch of elegance to this classic Filipino dessert.

5. Kare-Kare (Native)

Kare-Kare, a Filipino stew that is sure to leave you craving for more. This dish is made with tender, succulent pieces of beef, oxtail, and/or pork cooked to perfection in a thick, savory peanut sauce. The dish is then further enriched with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, string beans, and bok choy, adding a burst of freshness and crunch to every bite.

The real magic happens in the sauce, which is a harmonious blend of flavors – creamy, nutty, slightly sweet, and a hint of saltiness. The dish is traditionally served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side, adding a complex umami kick that elevates the dish to new heights. Kare-Kare is often enjoyed with steamed rice, and the combination of the rich sauce, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables makes it an absolute delight for the senses.

6. Sisig (Spanish)

Sisig, a sizzling dish that is sure to excite your taste buds. Sisig originated as a humble dish made from leftover pig’s face, ears, and cheeks, but it has now become a beloved Filipino dish that is enjoyed in various forms. The dish is cooked by first boiling the meat until tender, then grilling or frying it to achieve a crisp texture.

The sizzling meat is then tossed in a tangy marinade made with vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi juice, which adds a zesty and slightly sour note that cuts through the richness of the meat. The dish is typically served on a sizzling hot plate, creating a dramatic presentation with the aroma wafting through the air.

Sisig is often topped with chopped onions, green chilies, and a raw egg, adding a burst of freshness and creaminess to the dish. The combination of the crispy, tangy meat with the contrasting flavors and textures make Sisig a true party for your taste buds.

7.  Chicharon (Spanish)

Chicharon, a crispy and savory snack that has become a staple in Filipino households and local markets. Made from deep-fried pork rinds, Chicharon is a beloved treat that is often enjoyed as a crunchy appetizer or a satisfying snack. The process of making Chicharon involves carefully preparing the pork rinds by removing the excess fat, then seasoning them with a blend of spices before frying them to golden perfection.

The result is a heavenly combination of crackling crunchiness on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness on the inside. Often served with vinegar dipping sauce or sprinkled with chili powder for an extra kick, Chicharon is a tantalizing treat that will leave you craving for more.

8. Sinigang (Native)

Sinigang, a tangy and savory soup that is considered the ultimate comfort food in the Philippines. Sinigang is typically made with a souring agent such as tamarind, which gives it a distinctive tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced with the richness of the meat or seafood used in the dish. The soup is typically loaded with an abundance of fresh vegetables like leafy greens, radish, eggplant, and tomatoes, which add a burst of color and nutrition to the dish.

The choice of meat or seafood can vary, ranging from pork, beef, fish, shrimp, or even a combination of different ingredients. The medley of flavors in Sinigang creates a harmonious symphony in your mouth, with the tanginess of the broth perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the succulence of the meat or seafood.

9. Cassava Cake (Native)

Cassava Cake is a luscious and indulgent dessert that is loved by many in the Philippines. It starts with grated cassava, a starchy root vegetable, mixed with rich coconut milk, condensed milk, eggs, and sugar. This mixture is then baked to perfection, resulting in a moist and fragrant cake with a slightly chewy texture.

The top of the Cassava Cake is often adorned with a golden caramelized layer, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. The cake is then typically garnished with grated cheese, giving it a wonderful balance of sweet and salty flavors. Cassava Cake is often served as a special treat during celebrations or gatherings, and it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with its delectable taste and unique texture.

10.  Arroz Caldo (Chinese and Spanish)

Arroz Caldo, is a comforting and hearty rice porridge that is perfect for any time of the day, but particularly popular as a warm breakfast or a comforting meal during rainy days. It starts with fragrant jasmine rice cooked in a flavorful broth made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and onions. The dish is then infused with the warm and comforting aroma of safflower or turmeric, which gives it a distinct yellow color.

Tender pieces of chicken are often added to the porridge, along with fish sauce for a hint of umami. The dish is typically topped with crispy fried garlic and chopped green onions, adding a burst of freshness and crunch to the creamy porridge. Arroz Caldo is a beloved Filipino comfort food that is not only delicious but also nourishing, perfect for warming your soul on a chilly day.

What is the Most Popular Filipino Dish?

Adobo is a beloved Filipino dish known for its savory and tangy flavors. It is a stew-like dish that typically features marinated meat, commonly pork or chicken, simmered in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Adobo is often referred to as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, and its roots can be traced back to Spanish colonization, as the name “adobo” is derived from the Spanish word “adobar” which means to marinate.

To prepare adobo, meat is first marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, crushed garlic, whole black peppercorns, and bay leaves. This marinade not only imparts flavor but also helps to preserve the meat. After marinating for a few hours or overnight, the meat is then seared in a hot pan to lock in the flavors before being simmered in the marinade until it becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

The resulting dish is a medley of flavors, with the tartness of vinegar and the umami richness of soy sauce combining to create a unique taste. The dish is often served with steamed rice, and the tangy sauce can be poured over the rice for added flavor. Adobo can vary in consistency, from a thick saucy stew to a drier, caramelized version known as “adobo sa gata” which includes coconut milk in the marinade. Adobo is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit personal preferences, with some variations adding potatoes, eggs, or other ingredients.

Adobo is not just a meal, but a cultural symbol in the Philippines, representing Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a delicious dish using simple ingredients. It is a dish that brings families and communities together, and its flavorful profile has gained popularity around the world, making it a staple in Filipino cuisine and a true culinary delight.

Some Other Filipino Dishes 

Here are a few other Filipino Dishes you can try.

S.No	Filipino Dishes
1	Okoy
2	Tokwa’t Baboy
3	Laing
4	Torta
5	Pinakbet
6	Balut
7	Longganisa
8	Chicken Inasal
9	Crispy Pata
10	Dinuguan
11	Bulalo
12	Bopis
13	Bicol Express
14	Papaitan
15	Lechon

Filipino Cuisines

Filipino cuisine is a delightful and unique blend of different cultures and influences, resulting in a diverse range of mouthwatering dishes. From the savory and crispy Lumpia, the comforting and flavorful Chicken Adobo, to the sweet and luscious Leche Flan, the top 10 Filipino dishes showcase the richness and complexity of Filipino flavors. Each dish is a testament to the country’s culinary heritage and cultural identity, reflecting its history and traditions. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, indulging in these Filipino dishes is a culinary adventure that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

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