Travel Stories

Food is one of the highlights of any tour in the Philippines. Below, we list the top four Filipino dishes that you must try at least once in your life. They are just too heavenly to go unnoticed.

1. photo by Lunakoz (via Creative Commons)

   Lumpia

   Many Asian countries have their own take on China's classic egg roll but Filipino lumpia is a must-taste unique from all others. Crispy, crunchy and filled with meat and veggies, this classic finger food is a complete meal all in itself. Although there are many variations with individual families adding and subtracting their own secret ingredients, the classic lumpia is composed of a pastry-thin wrapper gingerly packed with ground pork, carrots, onions, cabbage and scallions. Once secured with an egg wash, these rolls go into a deep frier to get nice and golden brown. Naturally the best lumpia is found on your Filipino adventure, but you can also give the recipe a go at home.

   
   

2. photo by Judgefloro (via Public DDomian)

   Kare-Kare

   Is your mouth watering yet? It should be! Kare-kare, a soulful curry is a comforting favourite amongst many Filipinos. Truly a fusion food, Indian cooks that were brought to the Philippines by British colonisers in the 17th century are credited with the advent of this local favourite. Since traditional curry ingredients weren't indigenous to the Philippines, these cooks had to use local fanfare to create their famous complex curries. Enter annatto seeds and peanuts. With the use of these two ingredients, a new dish was born. Originally called "kari-kaari" by the Indian chefs, over the years the dish has been simplified to what we know today as kare-kare. Lovers of oxtail, bok choy and eggplant will enjoy this meaty stew.

   
   

3. photo by Jacob J. Barnes (via Creative Commons)

   Pork adobo

   It's impossible to do a Filipino food article without mentioning pork adobo. Although the exact origins are often debated on whether local indigenous Filipinos or Spanish settlers were the true founders, one thing meat lovers agree on is that it's delicious. The translation of adobo in English is literally "vinegar-braised." And before the Spanish colonised the Philippines, locals would soak their meats in vinegar so that it will last longer before roasting it. When the Spanish and other colonisers came, soy sauce and other spices were introduced to the locals. Fast forward to hundreds of years later and we're still enjoying this tasty fusion delicacy. If you're a fan of fork-tender meat with an explosion of flavour, this is must-try.

   
   

4. photo by Obsidian Soul (via Creative Commons)

   Halayang ube

   Strikingly beautiful and elegant when served, halayang ube or purple yam jam will bring a pop of colour and flavour to any traditional Filipino gathering. Dubbed as one of the most popular Filipino desserts, this jam or pudding is made by simmering purple yam, butter, evaporated and condensed milk over low heat. Once it becomes thick and takes on a pudding-like consistency, the vibrant dish is poured into various fun moulds and popped out for serving. So if you're tired of your go-to after meal treat, offer halayang ube at your table and everyone will be impressed.

   
   

If you’d like the insider tips on where to go for the best local food, make sure to ask your tour guide after booking your Filipino adventure and he or she will point you to the most mouthwatering restaurants.