10 Traditional Filipino Cuisine Every Foodie Should Know
Filipino cuisine often gets overshadowed by other Southeast Asian culinary delights such as Thai and Vietnamese food. However, disregarding it would be a mistake. Pinoy gastronomy has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries with its extraordinary flavors that showcase the country's multicultural influence. Whether it's the crispy lumpia rolls or the delectable leche flan, almost every dish incorporates Chinese, Spanish, or Indigenous influences.
1. Lumpia Filipino lumpia - the crispy spring rolls

Lumpia is a mouthwatering deep-fried spring roll, filled with a combination of minced meat and finely chopped vegetables.
2. Pancit Filipino noodle delight - pancit

Pancit, also known as pansit, are noodles that can be mixed with a variety of meats and vegetables according to your preferences. The name originated from the Hokkien word 'pian e sit,' which means 'something conveniently cooked.'
3. Chicken Adobo Filipino's renowned chicken adobo

One of the most famous dishes on our list, chicken adobo, derives its distinct flavor from a slow cooking process, accompanied by generous amounts of vinegar, crushed garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper.
4. Leche Flan Filipino's creamy leche flan

Ready for dessert? Leche flan, meaning 'milk flan' in English, is a velvety custard dessert topped with a luscious layer of caramel. Its texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavor is indulgently rich and sweet.
5. Kare-Kare Filipino kare-kare - a hearty stew

Kare-Kare is a Filipino stew featuring a medley of vegetables, oxtail, and a thick, savory peanut sauce. Originating before the Spanish colonization, kare-kare has become a comforting Filipino dish.
6. Sisig Filipino's zesty sisig

Sisig is a zesty and flavorful meat dish made from marinated pig head and liver, combined with vinegar, soy sauce, calamansi juice (also known as the 'golden lime'), and chili peppers. Filipinos often enjoy sisig with their favorite beverage, be it beer or otherwise.
7. Chicharon Filipino's crispy chicharon

Chicharon, widely popular in Spain and Latin America, refers to fried pork rinds. It can also be made from chicken, beef, or mutton. Filipinos relish this crunchy snack, especially when paired with a refreshing beer.
8. Sinigang Filipino sinigang - a delightful sour stew

Often associated with tamarind, sinigang is a tantalizingly sour and savory Filipino stew made with onions, tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, ginger, and fish sauce.
9. Cassava Cake Filipino's delightful cassava cake

Cassava cake is a beloved Pinoy dessert made from freshly grated cassava flour and coconut milk, traditionally baked over smoldering coals. The best part is, you can savor it guilt-free as cassava offers numerous health benefits.
10. Arroz Caldo Filipino's comforting arroz caldo

Similar to Vietnamese congee, arroz caldo is a heartwarming chicken and rice porridge stewed in a flavorful broth with ginger, chives, and occasionally saffron. The name 'arroz caldo' directly translates to 'rice soup' in English.