Food In Philippines: Iconic Filipino Dishes You Must Try

The Philippines is home to a rich and diverse food culture, with a blend of unique flavours that reflect its history and regional influences. For food enthusiasts, exploring famous food in Philippines is an ideal thing to do, as there is a wide variety of dishes ranging from savoury to sweet. Tourists visiting the Philippines can enjoy amazing meals, including Adobo or a refreshing dessert like Halo-Halo, as the best dishes in Philippines offers something for everyone. The Philippines is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a unique blend of culture and flavour.

Top 10 Foods In Philippines

There are various foods in the Philippines that tourists can explore to have a taste of the local way of life in the country. Here is a list of the best food in Philippines:

1. Adobo

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Adobo offerins tourists an immersive experience of the local way of life. Adobo is a deliciously tender dish made by marinating meat, which mostly includes pork or, in other instances, chicken, which is placed in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and various sweet spices. The meat is then simmered until tender and packed with flavour, which is ideal for food enthusiasts visiting the country. It’s often served with rice, making it the perfect comforting meal.

Locations: Manila, Pampanga, Cebu
Average Cost: ₹144 – 432

2. Lechon

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Lechon is a whole roasted pig that is mostly the centrepiece of special occasions in the country. Tourists can sample this cuisine, which includes a pig seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, and sometimes stuffed with rice or vegetables before being roasted over an open flame. The result is a crispy skin with tender, juicy meat inside. It’s a must-try dish for any tourist visiting the Philippines, and it is best enjoyed with rice and dipping sauces.

Locations: Cebu, Manila, Batangas
Average Cost: ₹720 – 2880

3. Sinigang

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Sinigang is a sour Filipino soup that is usually made with tamarind as the base for its tangy flavour. It’s commonly cooked with pork, shrimp, or fish alongside a variety of vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), eggplant, and radish. Sinigang is the perfect dish for tourists during rainy days or when feeling under the weather. The sourness of Sinigang can be adjusted according to taste, making it a versatile and ideal meal in Filipino households.

Locations: Manila, Quezon City, Tagaytay
Average Cost: ₹216 – 50

4. Kare-Kare

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Kare-Kare is a rich, creamy stew made with oxtail, tripes, and a variety of vegetables, all cooked in a peanut-based sauce. It is the best food in the Philippines, which is traditionally served with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste, on the side, adding a salty contrast to the dish’s creamy flavour. Tourists can enjoy this meal, which is mostly enjoyed with rice and is perfect for special occasions or gatherings. Additionally, Kare-Kare has a mild yet rich peanut sauce that is the key to its unique and amazing taste.

Locations: Quezon City, Pampanga, Manila
Average Cost: ₹432 – 864

5. Lumpia

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Lumpia are Filipino spring rolls, available in two popular varieties that tourists can choose from to have diverse experiences. The fried version is filled with ground pork and vegetables, while the fresh version uses a thin crepe-like wrapper and is filled with a mix of vegetables and sometimes shrimp. Tourists can enjoy Lumpia, which is served with a sweet or tangy dipping sauce, making it the perfect snack or side dish for any meal.

Locations: Manila, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro
Average Cost: ₹72 – 216

6. Pancit

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Pancit is a noodle dish mostly served during celebrations like birthdays. It can be made in various styles that tourists can explore to have an immersive experience of the local way of life in the country. Tourists can sample Pancit, which is usually loaded with vegetables and meat, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal. Each region in the Philippines has its own take on this dish, making it a versatile and delicious part of Filipino cuisine.

Locations: Manila, Quezon, Davao
Average Cost: ₹144 – 576

7. Halo-Halo

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Halo-Halo is a food in the Philippines known as a dessert that combines a variety of amazing ingredients, including ice, fruits, jellies and sweet beans, and leche flan. It’s topped with ice cream and sometimes drizzled with condensed milk for extra sweetness. Tourists can enjoy Halo-Halo as it is the perfect treat for the hot Filipino climate, and each spoonful offers a burst of different flavours and textures. It’s a favourite dessert enjoyed by both locals and tourists, especially during summer.

Locations: Manila, Tagaytay, Pampanga
Average Cost: ₹115 – 288

8. Sisig

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Sisig is a Filipino dish made from finely chopped pig’s head, ears, and liver, which are seasoned with calamansi (Filipino lime), soy sauce, and chilli, then served hot. Tourists visiting the Philippines can enjoy Sisig, which offers a crispy and crunchy texture, making it a favourite for barbecues or as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Additionally, Sisig has a tangy and spicy flavour, which pairs well with rice and beer, making it a delicious and satisfying treat.

Locations: Angeles City, Pampanga, Quezon City
Average Cost: ₹216 – 504

9. Arroz Caldo

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Arroz Caldo is a food in the Philippines which is a rice porridge that is ideal for tourists visiting during the colder weather or when feeling under the weather. Tourists can enjoy this unique mix of flavour, which includes simmering rice with chicken, ginger, garlic, and onions to create a soothing and amazing dish. Arroz Caldo is mostly served with a hard-boiled egg, fried garlic, and green onions for added flavour.

Locations: Manila, Cavite, Bacolod
Average Cost: ₹115 – 288

10. Leche Flan

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Leche Flan is a dessert made from eggs, condensed milk, and sugar, creating a rich and creamy custard. Tourists can sample this cuisine, which is topped with a layer of caramelised sugar for added sweetness. This sweet treat is mostly served during special occasions like birthdays or Christmas and is always a go-to for many tourists. Moreover, Leche Flan leaves a lasting impression on any local or tourist who tries it.

Locations: Manila, Iloilo, Cebu
Average Cost: ₹144 – 360

The food in Philippines offers a wide variety of flavours, from savoury dishes like Adobo and Lechon to sweet treats like Leche Flan and Halo-Halo. Each dish reflects the country’s rich culture and history, making them an important part of the Filipino experience, which is ideal for food enthusiasts. Plan a trip with TripXL and discover some of the best food in the Philippines.

Cover Photo: Ymirazudis / Wikimedia Commons

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