Filipino foods on table

15 Traditional Filipino Foods You Need To Try At Least Once

NEWS

BY LYLA PORTER

Filipino food on yellow table
Chef Maricel Gentile of Maricel's Kitchen and several other culinary experts filled us in on the must-try staples of this rich and flavorful Filipino cuisine.
Plate of lumpia

Lumpia

These crispy pork spring rolls are a Filipino staple. Gentile calls them "golden and crunchy on the outside, savory and juicy on the inside," and perfect for gatherings.
Chicken adobo in pan

Chicken Adobo

Chicken adobo is made of chicken thighs, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper for a succulent dish. Gentile says, "It's deeply flavorful, [and] comforting."
Person getting lechon on fork

Lechon

Chef Rena Awada describes Lechon as "basically a whole roasted pig [...] crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside." It’s often served at gatherings as celebration food.
Plate of pancit with vegetables

Pancit

If you order Shanghai noodles at a Chinese restaurant, you will certainly love pancit. Gentil calls it "our beloved noodle dishes that symbolize long life and celebration."
Pan of bistek tagalong

Bistek Tagalog

Bistek Tagalog is essentially steak and fried onions that are full of flavor due to its soy sauce and calamansi juice. It's a great entry-level dish for picky eaters.