Discover the Flavorful World of Filipino Cuisine
Embark on a culinary journey through the Philippines and delve into a world of exquisite flavors. These top 10 traditional Filipino dishes are a must-try for every food enthusiast:
1. Adobo:, and
– Adobo, the undisputed champion of Filipino cuisine, features tender cuts of pork or chicken simmered in a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper and garlic. This dish, with its distinct Filipino essence, is a culinary masterpiece found in every Filipino home.
2. Lumpia:
– Craving a delectable lunch option? Dive into Lumpia, a delicious deep-fried spring roll influenced by Chinese cuisine. These crispy rolls are filled with a delightful mix of minced meat and chopped vegetables, creating a memorable dining experience.
3. Inasal:
– Roast chicken aficionados, rejoice! Inasal, perfected by the residents of the Visayan islands, offers a unique twist to this classic dish. Marinated in ginger, lemongrass and calamansi juice, the chicken is roasted over open flames and served with anatto oil, rice and savory soy sauce dip.
4. Pancit:
– Pancit, inspired by Chinese culinary traditions, harmoniously combines noodles with various meats and vegetables. This seemingly simple dish derives its name from the Hokkien term ‘pian e sit,’ which means ‘something conveniently cooked.’ Despite its simplicity, each bite is rich with flavor.
5. Sinigang:
– Sinigang, renowned for its sour and savory notes, often features tamarind as a key ingredient. This delectable stew comprises spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, ginger and fish sauce. Whether you opt for pork, beef, fish, or shrimp, Sinigang pairs wonderfully with rice or can be enjoyed as a hearty soup.
6. Cassava Cake:
– Satisfy your sweet tooth with the beloved Cassava Cake. Crafted from freshly-grated cassava flour and coconut milk, this traditional Filipino dessert boasts a unique flavor imparted by baking over coals. Indulge guilt-free, as cassava is known for its health benefits.
7. Arroz Caldo:
– With Spanish and Chinese influences, Arroz Caldo offers a comforting, healthy option. Translating to ‘rice soup,’ it’s a rice and chicken porridge stewed with chives, ginger and sometimes saffron. This soothing dish is gentle on the stomach and packs numerous health benefits.
8. Chicharon:
– Hailing from Andalucia, Spain, Chicharon is a dish of crispy deep-fried pork crackling. It’s akin to Mexico’s chicharron but takes a dip in coconut vinegar rather than salsa. This popular snack pairs perfectly with beer and remains a timeless Filipino favorite.
9. Lechon:
– No Filipino celebration is complete without Lechon. This roast suckling pig, influenced by Spanish cuisine, takes center stage at fiestas across the country. The irresistible crunch of its skin and succulent meat make it a must-try Filipino delicacy.
10. Kinilaw:
– Seaside cities and towns in the Philippines offer an abundance of fresh seafood. Embrace the coastal flavors with Kinilaw, a vinegar-cooked ceviche with an open flame twist. This dish, at its simplest, features raw fish with vinegar dressing, but some versions include calamansi juice, soy sauce, shrimp, pork belly, salted egg and onions for an unforgettable experience. Add Kinilaw to your list of Filipino food adventures.
