10 Appetizing Filipino Foods with Unique Flavors

Appetizing Filipino Foods with Unique Flavors

Explore a variety of Filipino specialties with unique and diverse flavors, from Chicken Adobo to the historic Kinilaw.

The Philippines is an archipelago rich in culture and culinary traditions. Each Filipino dish reflects a blend of local, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. Here are 10 Filipino foods you must try:

1. Chicken Adobo

Adobo is the national dish of the Philippines and refers to the marinating process. Originally, the dish used pork, but the chicken version is now more popular. The chicken is marinated with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and various special spices before being cooked until tender.

The unique taste of Chicken Adobo lies in its rich spices. As a Typical Philippines Food, this dish provides the perfect blend of salty, sour, and savory flavors that are hard to beat. Adobo is usually served with hot white rice, making it a satisfying meal.

2. Lechon Pork

Lechon Pork is a roast pork dish that is a favorite dish at major celebrations in the Philippines. Before being grilled, the pork is coated with special spices that give it a unique taste.

The crispy skin texture with tender meat makes Pork Lechon very special. This dish is often compared to Balinese suckling pig, but with a sharper taste and typical Filipino spices.

3. Wrap

Balut is one of the extreme Filipino foods made from duck or chicken eggs that are 18 to 21 days old. These eggs are boiled and served with salt and vinegar to enhance the flavor.

Although it may seem challenging, many Filipinos consider Balut to be both a delicious food and a powerful medicine. If you are brave enough, try this unique culinary experience.

4. Inasal Chicken

Inasal Chicken is a halal Filipino grilled chicken dish that is popular among tourists. The chicken is marinated in a marinade that includes calamansi (a type of citrus), garlic, ginger, and other spices.

The specialty of Ayam Inasal lies in its juicy meat and perfectly absorbed spices. This dish is usually served with white rice, often complemented with garlic sauce or sweet soy sauce.

5. Kare Kare

Kare-Kare is a halal and delicious Filipino curry dish. This dish uses a thick yellow sauce made from peanuts, and is usually served with vegetables and beef or oxtail.

Kare-Kare is best enjoyed with bagoong (shrimp paste) which adds an extra savory flavor. This dish is often the main choice for family lunch.

6. The Guisado Pancit

Pancit Guisado is a typical Filipino fried noodle made from rice vermicelli or egg noodles. This dish is usually served with pieces of chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings such as fish sauce, salt, and sugar.

Pancit Guisado is often served at birthday parties as a symbol of longevity. The savory taste and chewy texture of the noodles make it a dish that many people love.

7. Kinilaw

Kinilaw is a traditional dish of raw fish marinated in orange juice or vinegar. This dish was first invented by Antonio Pigafetta in 1525, making it one of the oldest foods in the Philippines.

Kinilaw usually uses tuna fish cut into small pieces, then seasoned with shallots, ginger, and garlic. Sometimes, this dish is also added with cucumber or carrot pieces to give a fresher texture.

8. Rice porridge

Arroz Caldo is a typical Filipino rice porridge made from rice, ginger, chicken pieces, and boiled eggs. This dish is often garnished with fried onions and spring onions.

The uniqueness of Arroz Caldo lies in the use of safflower, a natural coloring agent that gives this porridge its bright yellow color. In addition to being delicious, this dish is often served as a warming meal in the morning or during cold weather.

9. The Greatest Showman

Paksiw Na Bangus is a milkfish dish cooked with vinegar and spices. Milkfish usually comes from areas such as Bataan or Dagupan, which are renowned for the quality of their fish.

Paksiw Na Bangus is served with a rich sauce, made with shallots, garlic, ginger, bitter melon, and sometimes eggplant. This dish is perfect with hot rice.

10. Wrap

Balut is again mentioned for its uniqueness and popularity in the Philippines. Despite its extreme nature, many Filipinos make Balut a nutritious snack. This dish is also often enjoyed with spicy sauce to add to the taste sensation.

The Philippines offers a rich culinary diversity, from halal food like Chicken Inasal to extreme dishes like Balut. By trying these foods, you will not only enjoy the unique taste but also understand more about the rich culture of the Philippines.

Along with sampling the cuisine, consider bringing home Typical Philippines Souvenirs to share a piece of this vibrant culture. Don’t hesitate to try various Filipino foods when you visit the country!