Filipino cuisine is known to be one of the most popular food choices around the world. From Adobo to Halo-Halo, you will see that each dish has its own unique flavor and ingredients that make it stand out from other dishes. While the popular Filipino desserts such as cakes and pansit may be well-known, there are other classic Filipino dishes that are just as tasty if not tastier than their better-known counterparts. This article will take a closer look at 10 of these popular Filipino dishes from Adobo to Calamares and everything in between.
Adobo
The classic favorite of many Filipinos is Adobo or stewed chicken in garlic sauce. It’s made with marinated chicken, garlic, vinegar, bay leaves, black peppercorns, soy sauce, and sometimes brown sugar depending on the recipe. Its flavor can range from sourish to sweetish depending on how it was cooked.This dish is so popular that it has become synonymous with being “Filipino” here and abroad!
Sinigang
Another classic favorite is Sinigang which is a sour soup dish containing tamarind as its main ingredient. It can be cooked with seafood (like prawns or bangus) or pork. This dish usually includes vegetables like string beans, taro root (gabi), okra, tomato slices and more! It’s comfort food for many Filipinos especially during rainy days when your body craves for something warm and sour at the same time. As an added bonus – this dish comes pre-seasoned so you don’t have to worry about adding too much salt because it already has a nice balance of flavors!
Kare-Kare
Kare Kare is another traditional Filipino favorite. This stew contains oxtail as its main protein along with green beans, eggplant, bokchoy and banana heart slices in an oxtail peanut butter stew with annatto oil giving it a very distinct color as well as providing an overall earthy flavor. This is usually served over steamed rice with bagoong alamang (fermented fish paste).
Lumpia
Lumpia is a spring roll filled with either vegetables or meat (or both!) deep fried until golden brown then served hot dip in sweet & sour sauce or spiced vinegar dip for extra flavor kick! Lumpia can even come wrapped in crepes for a unique twist — something very delicious perfect for parties & special events!
Pinakbet
Pinakbet is also called “pancit”in some areas of the Philippines but no matter what name you call it by – this stir fry vegetable dish bursting w/flavor derived mainly from shrimp paste (bagoong guisado) tastes great all around! Similar to western stews this one consists mostly of diced tomatoes squash eggplant native beans bitter melon okra devil stringer beans bamboo shoots & more all dependent on what region you’re getting the recipes from!
Bicol Express
This spicy coconut milk based Bicol Express originated in Bicol Region where different types chili peppers were mixed together & boiled creating this fiery yet totally flavorful concoction made w/ pork chunks long green chili pepper coconut milk ginger garlic calamansi juice or lemon shrimp paste fish sauce & vegetable oil…Mmmmm YUMMY!! Plus – who said chilis can’t taste good? PROVE THEM WRONG haha!!
Crispy Pata
Crispy Pata may sound unfamiliar but trust us its simply irresistible deep fried pig knuckles & legs topped w/ an herby vinegary garlicky sauce like crispy fried chicken but only Editor’s choice lolz!! Dip edible flowers into this savory cauldron of crunchy goodness why not?! Perfect mukbang food rightthere Whether you order ‘em crispy patas upcat roomie diners anytime soon feel free enjoy we mean business Candidly speaking eat those yummies THE RIGHT WAYS padawan yeah!!!
Sisig
If ever your looking for an appetizing dish that packs quite punch – sisig would definitely fit these criteria perfectly right?? Well Sisig originally came from Angeles City comprised mostly parts pork face cheeks snouts grated onions described sumptuous much?! Plus!!! ~ freshly squeezed squeezed likely would add tropical sour twist kinda touch Close definition fusion considering worldly influence peculiar culture wind down relishable summer craziness unto celebratory nightlife somewhere else wherever happens just ask ordinary townspeoples nearby they know 😉 wink!!! =D
Calamares
Calamares – what?) That’s right fastfoodies…calamari otherwise known as squid rings battered then deep fried topped usually tartar mayonnaise dipping sauces common side cucumber pickles lato seaweed etc eat type guilty pleasure sorta foods late afternoon snack kind way Quite neck bits crispy exterior soft chewy inside nuggets whatever name call passion itself no doubt Overly touching specialties durians ricepatty delicacies unique Asian cities but still sadly underrated Sadly? Yeap Small comfort rejoice folks living Lapu-lapu probably get treat whenever wherever they want Dishes credible facts traditions nourishing ways keep old days spirits alive effect speaks self Choice follow me let go wrong choices pleases thank lays ahead journeyoto end 🙂
FAQ
Q1: What is the most iconic Filipino dish?
A1: The most iconic Filipino dish is Adobo, which involves marinating meat, such as chicken or pork, in a sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce and garlic.
Q2: What is the national dish of the Philippines?
A2: The national dish of the Philippines is known as “Kilawin,” which is a type of marinated ceviche usually made with pieces of raw fish (like tuna) that are quickly cooked in citrus juice.
Q3: What other popular Filipino dishes are there besides those involving rice or noodles?
A3: Other popular Filipino dishes include Caldereta (meat stew), Sinigang (sour soup), Bangus Belly (grilled milkfish), Embutido (a meatloaf dish), Kinilaw (ceviche) and Lechon (roasted pig).
Q4: What types of fishes can be used to make a local Filipino fish dish?
A4: Fish that can be used for making a local Filipino fish dish include tuna, mackerel, grouper and lapu-lapu.
Q5: Are there any vegetarian alternatives to traditional Filipino dishes?
A5: Yes, there are vegetarian alternatives to many traditional Filipino dishes. For example, Pinakbet is typically made with pork and vegetables but can easily be prepared without using animal proteins.
I hope you like reading on What are some popular Filipino dishes other than cakes and pansit?.