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When you’re exploring a new destination, one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is trying out the local cuisine. And when it comes to the Philippines, their traditional food scene is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. Influenced by Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Malay Kingdom cuisines, Filipino food offers a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure.
Embark on a culinary journey through the top 10 traditional Filipino dishes and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the Philippines. Here are 10 must-try foods that will leave you craving for more:
1. Adobo
2. Lumpia
3. Inasal
4. Pancit
5. Sinigang
6. Cassava Cake
7. Arroz Caldo
8. Chicharon
9. Lechon
10.Kinilaw
Let’s start with the famous Adobo, considered by many as the unofficial national food of the Philippines. Whether made with pork or chicken, this dish simmers in a delicious blend of soy sauce and vinegar, seasoned with black pepper and crushed garlic. The beauty of Adobo lies in the fact that each family has its own unique twist, giving it a different taste wherever you go.
Suggested Reading: Tips to Select a Filipino Restaurant in Qatar
For a delightful lunch option, give Lumpia a try. These crispy deep-fried spring rolls have a profound influence from Chinese cuisine. Stuffed with a mix of finely chopped vegetables and minced meat, Lumpia becomes an irresistible treat when paired with the right sauces. Get ready for a burst of flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
If you’re a fan of roast chicken, then Inasal is a dish you should definitely not miss. Perfected by the residents of the Visayan islands, Inasal features chicken marinated in ginger, lemongrass, and calamansi juice. It’s then roasted over an open fire and basted with annatto oil. Served with rice and a soy sauce dip, this unique Filipino dish offers a burst of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Known as Pancit, this dish is a result of Chinese influence on Filipino cuisine. It brings together noodles with a variety of meats or vegetables. Despite its simplicity, Pancit offers a rich and diverse flavor profile that will keep you enthralled with every mouthful.
When you think of a sour and savory Filipino stew, Sinigang immediately comes to mind. Made with a delightful combination of spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and fish sauce, Sinigang is often associated with tamarind. The great thing about this stew is that you can choose your preferred meat, be it pork, beef, fish, or shrimp. Enjoy it either with rice or savor it as a comforting soup.
Suggested reading: 20 Filipino Drinks You’ll Want to Try in Qatar
Indulge in a traditional Filipino dessert with the popular Cassava Cake. Made from freshly-grated cassava flour and rich coconut milk, this cake is baked on coals, giving it a unique and distinct touch. The best part is that you can savor this guilt-free treat, as it’s known to have some health benefits as well.
Combining Spanish and Chinese influences, Arroz Caldo, also known as ‘rice soup’ in English, is a healthy choice. This warming rice and chicken porridge is infused with a flavorful broth, along with chives, ginger, and occasionally saffron. Not only will it soothe your stomach, but it also offers some health benefits. It’s the perfect comfort food option.
Originating from Andalucia in Spain, Chicharon is the Filipino version of deep-fried pork crackling. It’s usually enjoyed with a dip of coconut vinegar and is a popular snack, especially when paired with a cold beer. Despite the local variations you may find, nothing beats the original Chicharon in terms of flavor and crispiness.
No special occasion in the Philippines is complete without Lechon. This Spanish-inspired dish features a whole suckling pig roasted to perfection. The result is a crunchy skin that delights the crowd, making Lechon one of the most beloved and authentic Filipino dishes.
If you find yourself in a seaside city in the Philippines, take advantage of the abundance of seafood and try out Kinilaw. It’s a vinegar-cooked ceviche that ranges from simple raw fish dressed with vinegar to more elaborate versions with calamansi juice, soy sauce, shrimp, pork belly, salted egg, and onions. The combination of flavors will transport you straight to the shores of the Philippines.
Go on a gastronomic journey through the country’s culinary heritage with our carefully selected top 10 traditional and very mouthwatering dishes. These iconic Filipino breakfast delights, such as the savoury Adobo and the Kinilaw, are very delightful an introduction to the feast of flavors awaiting every palate.
Suggested Reading: Top 10 Must Try Filipino Dishes in Qatar
To get a traditional taste of filipino food visit our filipino restaurant in Doha.
