15 Traditional Filipino Foods You Need To Try At Least Once

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.

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

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.

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."

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.