23 Delicious Filipino Christmas Foods You Need to Try

This holiday season, elevate your Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner) game with 23 traditional Filipino Christmas dishes that will surely become a new family favorite.

In the Philippines, Christmas is a time-honored tradition, and Filipinos spare no effort in making it a special occasion.

In many households, Christmas preparations begin as early as September, ensuring that every detail, from decorations to menus, is meticulously planned.

Leche Flan

The Philippines’ rich history as a Spanish colony for over 300 years has naturally seeped into its culinary landscape. A prime example of this cultural fusion is the country’s beloved desserts, particularly leche flan. This classic recipe boasts a silky, creamy custard base crafted from egg yolks, milk, and sugar. The crowning glory? A drizzle of golden sugar syrup that adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

With its familiar flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this treat has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and visitors alike.

Bibingka

Food plays a significant role in Filipino culture, and Christmas celebrations are no exception. In fact, Filipinos have a special affinity for Bibingka, a traditional rice cake that’s often enjoyed with another type of rice cake called Puto Bumbong. This festive treat is typically savored after Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn Masses that kick off the holiday season. The perfect accompaniment to Bibingka and Puto Bumbong?

A warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee, evoking cherished childhood memories of spending time with loved ones. As food has a way of transporting us back in time, cooking up a batch of Bibingka is guaranteed to bring back all your favorite holiday recollections.

Lechon Cebu

In the Philippines, Lechon is a staple that elevates celebrations to new heights. Whether you’re marking Noche Buena, fiestas, a wedding, or another special occasion, Lechon Cebu is the ultimate showstopper. Its irresistible combination of juicy meat and crispy, caramelized skin has a way of commanding attention – even from the most discerning palates.

Aromas of anise, garlic, lemongrass, onions, and bay leaves meld together in harmony to create a truly unique flavor profile that sets Lechon Cebu apart from other dishes. This mouthwatering delight is sure to be the star of your gathering, with guests clamoring for seconds – or even thirds.

Buko Salad

If you’re a fan of fruit salad, you’ll adore this Filipino dessert – an ideal treat for the holiday season. This creamy classic is surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. With its versatility, each Filipino has their own unique spin on the recipe. The core ingredients include a fruit cocktail, shredded young coconut, nata de coco, kaong, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk. You can further enhance it by adding corn kernels and cubed cheese for an authentic twist.

The beauty of buko salad lies in its flexibility – you’re free to customize it to your taste, making it as simple or festive as you desire.

Filipino-Style Spaghetti

In many Filipino celebrations, a twist on classic spaghetti takes center stage. This vibrant pasta dish is a staple at children’s birthday parties and special gatherings, making it an ideal choice for feeding large groups. What sets this recipe apart from traditional spaghetti is the use of ground pork or beef, red bell peppers, and red hotdogs as protein-rich alternatives to meatballs. Additionally, sweet elements like evaporated milk or banana ketchup add a creamy and tangy depth to the dish.

Lumpia

In many Filipino households, Lumpiang Shanghai is a beloved tradition during the Christmas season. These delectable treats are often considered a local twist on classic Chinese fried spring rolls. Essentially, they’re bite-sized logs made from minced meat wrapped in a spring roll sheet and deep-fried to a golden brown perfection. But be warned: once you take a bite of these crispy, savory delights dipped in a tangy sweet and sour sauce (or even ketchup!), you’ll be hooked.

In fact, it’s not unusual to see families gathering around the breakfast table on Christmas Eve morning, eagerly devouring these addictive rolls. With their irresistible flavor combination, it’s no wonder Lumpiang Shanghai has become an integral part of Filipino holiday traditions.

Filipino Pork BBQ

In the Philippines, the traditional barbecue experience typically revolves around pork cutlets marinated in a sweet and savory mixture, then grilled to perfection on skewers. The pork is typically threaded onto bamboo sticks along with some onions and peppers for added flavor. Once the meat is nicely charred, it’s brushed with more of that signature BBQ sauce, creating a sticky and sweet glaze.

Filipino-Style Pineapple Glazed Ham

Transform your Christmas celebrations into a culinary masterpiece by incorporating this scrumptious Filipino-style pineapple-glazed ham recipe. The combination of tangy, sweet, and fruity flavors creates a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to impress any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to add some festive flair to your meal, this flavorful and juicy ham is the perfect solution.

Not only does it make for a mouthwatering main course, but its leftovers can be repurposed into delicious bread rolls, pasta dishes, and hearty soups. So why settle for an ordinary Christmas feast when you can have an extraordinary one with this delectable pineapple-glazed ham? Simply click ‘Go To Recipe’ to get started!

Kare-Kare

When exploring the local culinary scene, it’s common to get a strong endorsement for Kare-Kare from locals. This beloved dish is characterized by its bold flavors, with a hearty stew and creamy peanut-based sauce serving as the foundation. The rich broth is complemented by tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, alongside ox tripe and an assortment of exotic vegetables like banana heart, long beans, and bok choy.

Served with a side of sweet shrimp paste, known as bagoong, and a helping of white rice, the result is a dish so addictive, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds.

Filipino Pancit

The culinary landscape of China has a profound impact on the cuisine of its Southeast Asian neighbor, the Philippines. One dish that exemplifies this cultural exchange is pancit, a popular noodle dish that boasts a variety of cooking styles and techniques. While some enthusiasts swear by thick noodles, others prefer their pancit with thin vermicelli strands.

This recipe takes a unique approach, combining delicate noodles with an abundance of colorful vegetables and succulent pork cutlets to create a truly explosive flavor experience.

Puto Bumbong

In the Philippines, a popular rice-based dish is often peddled by street vendors during Simbang Gabi, a time when midnight masses take place. This tasty treat boasts a delightfully chewy and soft consistency, accompanied by an ideal balance of flavors and a distinctive purple hue that’s both visually appealing and appetizing. To add a touch of sweetness and texture, the dish is typically garnished with a dollop of butter, as well as a sprinkle of muscovado sugar and shredded coconut.

Queso De Bola

The magic of Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Queso De Bola’s unmistakable presence at every Noche Buena gathering. This revered dish is expertly wrapped in a beautiful red wax seal, carefully crafted to reveal the aged, hard, and deeply yellow umami-packed cheese within when finally opened.

Tsokolate

Indulge in the rich flavors of Tsokolate, a decadent Filipino hot chocolate that embodies the spirit of Christmas. This indulgent treat is made with milk, tablea cacao, and peanut butter, combining to create a creamy and velvety texture. What’s more, it’s astonishingly easy to prepare – simply gather a few essential ingredients and spare a few minutes of your time, and you’ll be savoring this sweet delight in no time.

Filipino-Style Pasta Carbonara

Carbonara is an iconic Italian dish renowned for its rich, creamy sauce and tender noodles. Its global popularity is undeniable, with the Philippines being one of its biggest fans. In fact, Filipino-style carbonara has become a staple in many local households, offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe. The classic version typically consists of guanciale (cured pork), hard cheese, egg, and pepper.

However, Filipinos have cleverly adapted this recipe to incorporate local flavors, resulting in an even more indulgent and mouthwatering experience. With a generous helping of cheese, creaminess, and a dash of excitement, you’ll be eager to try this new take on the beloved classic.

Buko Pandan Salad

Buko Pandan salad is a beloved Filipino dessert that combines the sweet flavors of pandan-flavored jelly and young coconut meat. This refreshing treat is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a staple in many households. The addition of kaong, nata de coco, and tapioca/sago pearls takes it to the next level, offering an unforgettable experience. While it’s especially popular during the summer months when the heat can be unbearable, Buko Pandan salad remains a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Its simplicity, affordability, and scrumptious taste have solidified its status as a go-to dessert for festive occasions. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or indulge in a sweet treat, this classic Filipino dessert has got you covered.

Menudo

Menudo, a mouthwatering Filipino stew, boasts a rich tomato-based sauce, tender liver, and flavorful pork. What’s more impressive is that this delectable dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, considering the harmonious blend of its ingredients. In contrast, Mexican Menudo has a distinct soup-like consistency, with chilies and tripe taking center stage.

Meanwhile, Filipino Menudo shines with its hearty combination of liver, sliced pork, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, raisins, green peas, and yes, even hot dogs! No wonder it’s a top choice for feeding large crowds in the Philippines – making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, celebrations, and festive occasions alike.

Lechon Manok (Roasted Chicken)

In the Philippines, a staple dish that’s hard to resist is the succulent Lechon manok, or roasted chicken. Its popularity stems from its ease of preparation – perfect for busy days when cooking seems like an insurmountable task! You’ll find these mouthwatering creations on every street corner, with shops specializing in roasted meats galore. While this may not be a common sighting in the U. S., rest assured that it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home.

What sets Lechon manok apart is its unique Pinoy twist, which infuses an irresistible aroma thanks to the judicious addition of lemongrass. This delightful combination of flavors also boasts savory and sweet notes, courtesy of soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and the subtle hint of bay leaves.

Lechon Kawali

For years, Lechon Kawali has been the centerpiece of Filipino celebrations. Ask any local and they’ll attest that no party is complete without it! The ingenuity of Filipinos has led to the creation of this Lechon-like dish, minus the need for an entire pig – a luxury only available in the past. Instead, the recipe utilizes pork belly, where the balance of fat, skin, and meat creates a tender and crispy Lechon Kawali.

While distinct from Bagnet, Chicharon, and Kinupsan, these dishes all reflect the Filipino’s affinity for pork. This particular recipe is reserved for special occasions during the festive season and pairs exquisitely with a sweet and sour sauce.

Filipino-Style Fried Chicken

Get ready to obsess over this Pinoy-style fried chicken that boasts an unparalleled flavor profile! The crispy exterior gives way to tender and juicy interior, making it a game-changer in the world of fried chicken. What sets it apart is the unique marinade featuring salt, pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and calamansi juice – a local citrus fruit similar to lemon. This potent blend yields a harmonious balance of earthy, savory, spicy, and tangy notes that will leave you craving more.

With its bold flavor profile, this Filipino-inspired fried chicken is sure to become an instant favorite.

Crispy Pata

Crispy Pata, a delectable dish that’s essentially a deep-fried whole pork leg, offers a unique culinary experience. The crispy pork skin provides a satisfying texture, while the tender and juicy meat inside is infused with rich flavors. This indulgent treat has an inherent richness, which is why it’s often paired with a tangy and sweet sauce composed of vinegar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic to create a harmonious balance of flavors.

Traditionally, Crispy Pata is served alongside a cold beer, making it a staple at Filipino Christmas celebrations. The combination of the two creates a truly memorable experience.

Embutido

Embudo, also known as Filipino-style meatloaf, is a staple during the holiday season. Its versatility allows for daily enjoyment without the hassle of cooking elaborate meals. While commercial versions of Embutido are widely available at supermarkets, there’s no substitute for the homemade experience. This recipe delves deeper into the aromatic flavors that set it apart from mass-produced alternatives.

While the ingredient list may seem extensive, fear not!

The process is surprisingly straightforward, and the end result is well worth the effort. Embudo can be served hot or cold, and its flavor profile remains unchanged either way. One crucial accompaniment to remember is a side of Banana Catsup, which adds an essential layer of depth.

Final Thoughts

In a festive atmosphere where Christmas celebrations stretch for an entire month, it’s only natural that the Philippines takes its holiday cuisine to new heights. As you’ve learned throughout this guide, the country’s unique Christmas dishes are a big part of what makes their holiday season so special.