Top 10 Best Filipino Dishes You Should Try (And Where to Eat Them)
The Philippines is a paradise for food lovers, thanks to its diverse and flavorful cuisine influenced by centuries of cultural exchange. From mouthwatering roasts to refreshing desserts, every dish is an invitation to experience Filipino warmth and hospitality. Ready to take a culinary tour? Here are 10 must-try Filipino dishes — plus where you can taste them like a local!
1. Adobo
What It Is: The unofficial national dish, Adobo is meat (often chicken or pork) marinated and simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices until tender and flavorful.
Where to Try: ✅ Manam (Metro Manila) – Famous for its “Crispy House Adobo” and modern twists on Filipino comfort food. Branches in Makati, BGC, Ortigas and more.
2. Sinigang
What It Is: A refreshing sour soup made with pork, shrimp or fish, flavored with tamarind, tomatoes and local vegetables.
Where to Try: ✅ Locavore Kitchen & Drinks (Kapitolyo, BGC, Makati) – Their sizzling version of Sinigang na Baboy is a must-try for tourists wanting something unique.
3. Lechon
What It Is: The king of all Filipino feasts! A whole pig stuffed with herbs, slow-roasted over charcoal until the skin is crackling crisp.
Where to Try: ✅ Rico’s Lechon (Cebu, BGC, Makati) – An iconic name for Cebu-style Lechon that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
4. Kare-Kare
What It Is: A rich peanut stew usually made with oxtail, tripes and vegetables, paired with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for a salty kick.
Where to Try: ✅ Aristocrat Restaurant (Roxas Boulevard, Manila & other branches) – This historic restaurant has served timeless Filipino dishes since the 1930s!
5. Pancit
What It Is: Noodles are a Filipino birthday staple! Pancit Canton (stir-fried egg noodles) and Pancit Bihon (rice noodles) are the most popular versions.
Where to Try: ✅ Pancit Malabon Express (Various branches nationwide) – They serve delicious Pancit Malabon and other regional noodle dishes.
6. Laing
What It Is: A Bicolano specialty made of dried taro leaves stewed in coconut milk, chili and sometimes smoked fish or pork — spicy, earthy, and creamy.
Where to Try: ✅ Café Laguna (Cebu) – A family restaurant known for its authentic regional Filipino dishes, including perfectly cooked Laing.
7. Bulalo
What It Is: A comforting beef bone marrow soup with shank, cabbage, corn and potatoes — best enjoyed on a cool day!
Where to Try: ✅ Leslie’s Restaurant (Tagaytay) – Tagaytay’s fresh air and scenic Taal Volcano views make Leslie’s Bulalo even more satisfying.
8. Sisig
What It Is: Chopped pork face and ears, onions, and liver served sizzling — crunchy, savory and perfect as a pulutan (beer food).
Where to Try: ✅ Aling Lucing’s Sisig (Angeles City, Pampanga) – Pampanga is the birthplace of Sisig, and Aling Lucing’s humble eatery is legendary.
9. Halo-Halo
What It Is: The ultimate Filipino summer dessert — a refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, leche flan, ube and evaporated milk.
Where to Try: ✅ Razon’s of Guagua (Branches in Metro Manila & Pampanga) – Renowned for their simple but deliciously creamy version with finely shaved ice.
10. Lumpiang Shanghai
What It Is: Filipino-style spring rolls filled with minced pork, carrots and spices, deep-fried until golden brown and crunchy.
Where to Try: ✅ Mesa Filipino Moderne (Multiple branches in Metro Manila) – Mesa’s Lumpiang Shanghai is perfectly crisp and pairs well with their other modern Filipino dishes.
🌴 Experience Filipino Food Like a Local
Each dish on this list offers more than just amazing flavors — its a taste of Filipino culture, history and the warmth that Filipinos are known for. From a casual eatery in Pampanga to iconic restaurants in Metro Manila, these foodie stops promise an authentic Pinoy dining adventure.
✅ Pro Tip: Many of these restaurants have branches in malls and major tourist spots, so they are easy to find!
✈️ Your Filipino Food Trip Starts Here!
Are you ready to dig in? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering local favorites, these top 10 Filipino dishes — and where to find them — are guaranteed to make your culinary journey unforgettable.
Which dish are you most excited to try? save this list and share it with your travel buddies — your taste buds will thank you!
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