FOOD!
Filipino cuisine is very rich in vegetables and fish due to our strong production of those foods. A statement dish that is always on the table during breakfast, lunch and dinner is rice. It is an essential is a Filipino's life. Due to its accessibility and mass production, rice is the most important part of any meal and will always be on the table served with other meals.
Filipinos tend to have a very carnivorous and/or pescatarian diet and love sour foods. Very common ingredients in Filipino cuisine include vinegar, soy sauce, coconut milk, and calamanci (a smaller looking lime with a sweeter and sour taste). The Philippines has such a rich and colorful culture and it definitely shows in our cuisine.
Most Popular Main Dishes:
- Adobo - This is the Philippines most famous and national dish. Either made with pork or chicken, the meat is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic.
- Sinigang - This is a classic Filipino soup/stew that is sour yet savoury, which comes from tamarind powder. It is usually made with pork and bok choy.
- Pancit - This dish is made with noodles (either Bihon or Canton noodles) and sauteed meat and vegetables.
- Kare-Kare - A thick stew made with peanut butter sauce and Oxtail. It is served with bok choy and green beans.
- Lechon - This roasted pork is a classic statement dish in any Filipino fiesta and gatherings.
- Palabok - Another noodle dish cooked with shrimps, dried fish, tomato sauce and crushed chicharon. Palabok is always served with a chopped up boiled egg sitting over the noodles.
- Lumpiang Shanghai - A fried spring rolls made with pork. This is usally served with soy sauce with a bit of calamanci.
Adobo
Kare-Kare
Lechon
Most Popular Desserts
- Halo-Halo - This is the most popular Filipino dessert, specially in the summer. Made with shaved ice and condensed milk, the toppings are to ones taste. It can be served with Ube ice cream, corn, jellys and tapiocas. The Toppings are endless!
- Maja Blanca - If you love coconut, look no further, this is the dessert for you! This is a thick coconut pudding with corn kettles, usually served during the holidays and fiestas.
- Puto - This classic Filipino dessert is a fan-favorite. This is a slightly sweet steamed rice cake, served with either butter of cheese.
- Leche Flan - This caramel custard is a household favorite. It's one of the sweetest Filipino desserts.
- Kutsinta - Like many Filipino desserts, this dessert is very sticky. This is a steamed brown cake made with tapioca startch.
- Cheese Ensaymada - This pastery is extremely buttery and fluffly. A cake and bread hybrid, this desserts is usually served with cheese.
Kutsinta
Leche Flan
Puto