The Philippines is renowned for its delectable cuisine, which has been shaped by the country’s rich history and cultural influences. A melting pot of flavors, Filipino food is characterized by the harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and umami notes. Rice plays a starring role in many dishes, while coconut and various meats or seafood add depth and variety. The unique flavor profile is further enhanced by the use of key ingredients such as garlic, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers.The list below showcases over 30 exotic Filipino recipes, from savory viands to sweet desserts.
Key Takeaways
The rich culinary heritage of the Philippines is a melting pot of influences, with Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American flavors seamlessly blending together. This cultural fusion is reflected in the country’s recipes, which often feature staple ingredients like rice, garlic, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, and various meats or seafood. A typical Filipino meal typically centers around a savory viand, skillfully paired with steaming hot rice to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. While Filipino dishes may not be the most diet-friendly options, they are certainly packed with flavor and character. If you’re looking to mix things up and break free from the same old recipes, Filipino cuisine offers a wealth of inspiration for your next culinary adventure. With this in mind, take note of your favorite dishes below as we explore the best Filipino food to make at home.
The Best Bistek Recipe
In situations where a savory recipe is desperately needed to salvage the meal, this delectable bistek with onions dish is the perfect savior. With its incredibly straightforward preparation process, abundance of flavor, and versatility in pairing well with either noodles or rice, it’s an effortless solution for any culinary conundrum.
Kare-Kare
Indulge in the rich flavors of Kare-Kare, a beloved Filipino tradition that’s sure to become an instant favorite. This hearty stew combines tender oxtail and tripe with an abundance of vegetables, resulting in a mouth-watering medley of tastes that will leave you craving more. The key to this dish’s depth of flavor lies in its slow-cooked peanut sauce, infused with the savory essence of shrimp paste for added umami. As the flavors meld together, Kare-Kare only gets better with time, making it an ideal candidate for a batch cooking session and subsequent fridge storage. With each successive day, the dish evolves into a more complex culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Filipino Coconut Macaroons
In recent years, macaroons have developed a distinct persona, but their origins date back to the Philippines, where they first gained popularity. These coconut macaroons are sure to demonstrate why the craze took off and showcase their exceptional taste.
Filipino-Style Chicken Adobo Recipe
For a first-time foray into Pinoy cuisine, look no further than this mouthwatering adobo chicken recipe, which can be easily adapted to use pork instead if you prefer. What sets this dish apart is its simplicity – just combine the ingredients and let them simmer in a rich mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, garlic, and peppercorns. After half an hour or so, your chicken will have absorbed all those flavors, resulting in a truly unforgettable taste experience. And be warned: you’ll want to serve this dish with some fluffy rice or crusty bread, as the craving for more is sure to strike once again after that first helping.
Iskrambol
When indulging in an iskrambol, there’s no guarantee what surprises await – one certainty, however, is the undeniable deliciousness! This Filipino refreshment, crafted from shaved ice, condensed milk, and a variety of flavored syrups like mango or ube, serves as the ultimate summer cool-down. Its appeal extends beyond seasonal indulgence, making it a sought-after treat year-round. The true magic lies in its customizability, allowing you to personalize your drink by incorporating your favorite sweet treats – a testament to the versatility and joy that iskrambol brings.
Sinangag
Fried rice, a staple in many Filipino households, is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Essentially, it’s a matter of combining common stir-fry ingredients with cooked rice. The distinctive flavor profile that sets this dish apart is the liberal use of garlic, a hallmark of Filipino cooking. This savory delight is often enjoyed for breakfast, but its versatility makes it suitable for any meal. Its universal appeal has earned fried rice a permanent place at many a Filipino table.
Filipino Salabat
When enjoying a delicious pastry, consider elevating its flavor with a dash of salabat tea. This aromatic brew is infused with ginger, which imparts a soothing warmth that can start your day off on the right note. For an added boost, look for locally sourced ginger whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, fear not – salabat can be found in most Asian grocery stores alongside other pantry staples.
Beef Mechado
Savor the rich flavors of Mechado with this mouthwatering recipe that will transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise. This beef stew, infused with the warmth of tomatoes and the heartiness of potatoes, offers a delightful twist on traditional mechado. For those who crave tender meats that simply melt in their mouths, this Filipino dish is a must-try. And the best part? You can easily adapt it to your busy schedule by using an instant pot, making mealtime a breeze.
Buko Pandan Ice Cream
Indulge in the irresistible charm of this buko pandan ice cream, where one scoop is never enough. The rich coconut milk lends a velvety smoothness to each bite, while the harmonious union of young coconut and pandan leaves adds a sublime sweetness that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing summertime treat or a sweet escape from the ordinary, this addictive ice cream is the perfect indulgence – regardless of the season.
Beef Pares
For those who’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in traditional Filipino party food, this beef pares recipe is a game-changer. The dish is characterized by tender chunks of beef cooked to perfection in a rich and savory broth that simply falls apart at the touch of your fork.
What sets this recipe apart from others is its flexibility. Unlike rigid instructions, this one invites experimentation and creativity. Feel free to substitute vegetables or even opt for bread instead of rice to mop up the flavorful sauce – perfect for those seeking easy Filipino recipes to whip up at home.
Source: kawalingpinoy.com
Sago at Gulaman
Sago is a staple at gulaman stalls, nestled among other street vendors on bustling Filipino food streets in the Philippines. This popular Filipino dish has earned its spot as a refreshing treat for hot days spent lounging on the beach or exploring vibrant markets.
The unique flavor profile of sago strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour, allowing you to customize it to your taste by adjusting the amount of sugar you add or opting for local sugar cane. This versatility only adds to its appeal as a refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a sunny day.
Arroz Caldo
Arroz caldo chicken, a staple of Philippine cuisine, offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will surely tantalize your taste buds. This hearty dish is more than just a mix of ingredients – it’s an experience. A blend of succulent chicken, crunchy scallions, pungent garlic, and creamy hard-boiled egg come together to create a comforting treat that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal routine or simply want to indulge in a flavorful Filipino dish, arroz caldo chicken is an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
Taisan
Impress your dinner guests with the show-stopping Taisan, a Filipino dessert that’s as much about its presentation as it is about its rich flavors. Also known as the seven-layer cake, this masterpiece is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. With its layers of sweet goodness, it’s no wonder why the Taisan has become a crowd-pleaser. The key to its success lies in the combination of ground glutinous rice and coconut cream, which adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
Leche Flan
Leche flan, a beloved Filipino dish, has captured the hearts of many with its rich custard-like texture and perfect balance of sweetness. The combination of eggs, evaporated milk, and sugar creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Not only is leche flan a crowd-pleaser due to its velvety smooth appearance, but it also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to impress your family and friends, this classic Filipino dessert is sure to deliver.
Once you try making leche flan, you’ll be hooked! Its irresistible charm will have you craving more and eager to share the recipe with others. It’s the perfect dish to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Monggo Guisado
The Filipino version of guisado stands out for its bold umami flavor, setting it apart from other cultural interpretations of this dish. At the heart of this rich and satisfying stew are an array of ingredients, including taro, green beans, mung beans, carrots, celery, and potatoes. But what truly elevates this recipe is the addition of bagoong, a fermented shrimp or fish paste that adds a deep, savory element to the dish. According to sources like saveur.com, bagoong’s umami flavor is the key to unlocking the full potential of this flavorful Filipino classic.
Pan De Sal
In Filipino cuisine, bread is an integral part of many dishes, and this pan de sal recipe embodies that spirit perfectly. This sweet bread is a breeze to make at home, requiring just the right balance of yeast and baking powder to yield a light, airy texture with every bite. The Rivertenkitchen.com recipe serves as the inspiration for this delightful treat.
Tinolang Manok
If you’re craving a Filipino comfort food that will wrap you in warmth, look no further than tinolang manok, a hearty chicken soup that’s sure to hit the spot. At its heart is ginger, which infuses the dish with a cozy earthiness and brings out the rich flavors of the other ingredients. In addition to these staples, this recipe also calls for green onions, garlic, fish sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce – but feel free to get creative and add some peanuts for an extra boost of flavor. For inspiration, check out createwithcream.ph.
Pininyahang Manok
Despite its unfamiliar name, Pininyahang manok is a Filipino culinary delight that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The recipe’s star ingredient – chicken – is marinated in a savory mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
As the ingredients simmer away until the chicken is tender and juicy, the aroma wafting from the pot is nothing short of irresistible. And just when you think it’s all about the savory goodness, a sweet glaze is added to give the dish a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Filipino cooking recipes that pack a punch without requiring hours of preparation, Pininyahang manok is the perfect solution. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Filipino Spaghetti
While traditional spaghetti may not be on the menu, the Filipino twist delivers a flavorful profile that’s surprisingly authentic. In place of meatballs, longganisa – a sweet and savory pork sausage native to the Philippines – takes center stage. This unique protein source harmonizes beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a taste experience that’s both familiar and exotic. And for an added boost, garlic is generously incorporated into the dish, leveraging its well-documented immune-boosting properties to keep the forces of darkness at bay.
Eggplant Omelet
Incorporating the humble eggplant into your Filipino food repertoire is a must, given its prevalence in local cuisine. This delectable omelet recipe combines sautéed eggplant, garlic, onion, and tomato to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to leave you craving more. The beauty of this Pinoy recipe lies in its versatility, allowing for a multitude of ingredients to be used without compromising on flavor. Try it out and experience the delight for yourself!
Filipino Beef Omelet
For those seeking a satisfying and savory meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, Filipino torta beef omelets are an excellent choice. The harmonious blend of egg, beef, and bread provides a filling experience without leaving you feeling overly full or stuffed. The dish is constructed by layering onions, minced garlic, shredded cabbage, and diced tomatoes within the beef, which is then pan-fried to perfection before being topped with a fluffy egg and folded into a neat omelet shape. For an added touch of authenticity, consider serving the omelet with a dollop of ketchup on the side.
Adobong Balut
For a culinary adventure, why not combine two beloved Filipino dishes into one? The result is adobong balut, a delectable treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. This unique dish begins with the simple act of boiling the embryo of a duck egg, followed by a flavorful marinade featuring vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. What makes this dish truly special is the contrasting texture: while the outside develops a satisfying crunch, the inside remains tender and juicy. If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying balut before, now’s the perfect opportunity to experience its widespread appeal among Filipinos.
Cheese Puto
Steamed rice cakes known as cheese puto may seem unusual at first glance, but this traditional Filipino dish is a hidden gem worth exploring. The key to its unique texture lies in the use of glutinous rice flour, which differs significantly from regular white flour. This difference is what sets puto apart and makes it a must-try experience for anyone looking to venture beyond familiar culinary boundaries. To create this sweet and fluffy delight, you’ll need a combination of milk, cheese, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. With its creamy flavors and soft, airy texture, cheese puto is sure to surprise and please even the most discerning palates.
Pork Chicharon
The Pinoy chicharon has gained popularity, rivaling its Mexican counterpart in terms of flavor and satisfaction. What sets this version apart is the tenderizing process, which involves boiling pork skin until it’s silky smooth. This step enables the skin to become even crisper when fried with a blend of garlic, chili pepper, and vinegar. The perfect balance of flavors is achieved by seasoning with salt and pepper. This crowd-pleasing snack is an excellent accompaniment to Filipino cuisine, particularly at parties where its crispy goodness will undoubtedly leave guests in awe.
Sizzling Sisig
When cooked in a skillet, this sizzling sisig dish bears an uncanny resemblance to a plate of fajitas one might order at a restaurant – its flavor profile is equally impressive. As a bonus, the recipe yields a generous serving that can be enjoyed by the entire family throughout dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to utilize often-overlooked pig parts, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize food waste. To maximize the impact, consider withholding the ingredients’ identity until your guests have taken their first bite, allowing the unexpected flavors to shine through.
Beef Pochero
While this beef pochero with eggplant and red beans may not be a familiar combination, the harmonious blend of flavors will surprise and delight. The dish requires minimal ingredients, but those used might not be everyday staples. Slow-cooked beef simmers in a rich sauce comprising water, soy sauce, tomato puree, onions, bay leaves, and garlic powder, which provides a deep and savory base for the rest of the ingredients to shine. A unique twist is added by including sabe banana for an unexpected sweetness, expertly balancing the bold flavors.
Buko Pie
Indulge in the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine with this show-stopping buko pie, a true delight for the senses. The crust, infused with toasted coconut flakes, provides a satisfying crunch that complements the velvety cream topping perfectly. But it’s the filling, made with crushed buko, evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and a hint of lime juice, that truly sets this pie apart from its classic counterparts. To achieve the desired texture and consistency, be prepared to plan ahead and let the pie chill for at least a day before serving. The end result is well worth the wait, as the harmonious balance of flavors and textures will leave you craving more.
Dinuguan
Before diving into this intriguing dish, take a moment to savor the flavors by trying it first. The initial taste may be unexpected due to the unique ingredients, but rest assured that the flavor profile will win you over. One such ingredient is pig’s blood, which lends Dinuguan its distinct dark color. A harmonious blend of garlic, vinegar, and spices then elevates this soup into a must-try culinary experience. To avoid any initial hesitation, it’s best not to reveal the ingredients just yet – simply encourage people to take that first sip and let the flavors do the talking. Once they’re hooked, you’ll find it challenging to resist a second helping. Pair it with a sweet rice cake to create a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes, making this dish suitable for any occasion.
Banana Fritters
This straightforward banana fritters recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time or looking for a simple treat. The formula is surprisingly uncomplicated, relying only on all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, eggs, milk, and bananas. By mashing the bananas to fill every crevice of the fritter, you’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also reap the benefits of potassium and fiber. Once cooked, these crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside treats offer a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Indulge in a taste sensation that seamlessly blends the refreshing with the exotic Filipino flair. This pineapple coleslaw is an unexpected yet harmonious fusion of green cabbage, carrots, pineapple chunks, raisins, onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The symphony of flavors will leave you wanting more. As a Pinoy recipe, it’s sure to surprise, but once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. Its unique flavor profile makes it the perfect complement to your favorite savory dishes, allowing diners to experience the best of both worlds.
Lumpiang Shanghai
While lumpiang shanghai may borrow from traditional Chinese cuisine, its unique characteristics shine through in its pork-filled eggroll-inspired dish. The filling itself is a masterclass in flavor combination, blending ground meat with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. However, it’s the accompanying sweet and sour sauce that elevates this snack to new heights. After being fried to a crispy golden brown, these bite-sized morsels are then immersed in the tangy sauce, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.
30+ Exotic Filipino Recipes (+Sago at Gulaman)
These delightful recipes are sure to satisfy the cravings of your loved ones. Gather your family and friends around the table to enjoy a culinary experience together. Share with us your thoughts on these delectable dishes! With over 5 from 8 votes, it’s clear that these Filipino-inspired recipes have won the hearts of many. Print out the recipe, pin it for later, or try making one today. With a total cooking time of 34 minutes, you can easily fit this dish into your busy schedule. This versatile recipe caters to various tastes and dietary needs, perfect for breakfast, dessert, main course, side dish, or even soup. Serve up to 4 people with this recipe, which provides approximately 322 kcal per serving.
Instructions
To prepare the sago pearls, begin by boiling them for 10 minutes before draining the excess liquid. Next, add the cooked sago back into the pot and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Once the sago is rehydrated and tender, combine it with ice in a large glass, allowing the ingredients to mingle and chill together.
Notes
To embark on a culinary journey, start by selecting your preferred recipe. Next, take a moment to gather and organize all the necessary ingredients. Once you have everything in order, allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience and savor every bite of your delicious creation.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.