The Best Foods Must Try On The Philippines

The Philippines offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience. Here are some of the best foods you must try when visiting the Philippines:

Adobo: Considered the national dish of the Philippines, adobo is a popular Filipino comfort food. It consists of meat (commonly chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then braised until tender. It has a savory and tangy flavor.

Sinigang: Sinigang is a sour soup made with tamarind or other souring agents. It can be prepared with various meats such as pork, beef, shrimp, or fish, and it's typically cooked with vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, okra, and spinach. Sinigang is known for its refreshing and tangy taste.

Lechon: Lechon is a whole roasted pig, often prepared during festive occasions and celebrations. The pig is marinated with a mix of spices, then roasted on a spit until the skin becomes crispy while the meat remains juicy and tender. It is usually served with liver sauce.

Kare-Kare: Kare-Kare is a traditional Filipino stew made with oxtail, beef, or tripe cooked in a thick peanut sauce. It is often served with vegetables like eggplant, bok choy, and string beans. Kare-Kare is typically enjoyed with shrimp paste and eaten with steamed rice.

Halo-Halo: Halo-Halo, which means "mix-mix" in Tagalog, is a popular Filipino dessert. It consists of a mixture of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, sweet beans, leche flan (caramel custard), and topped with evaporated milk and shaved ice. It's a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather.

Pancit: Pancit refers to various noodle dishes in Filipino cuisine. Pancit Bihon, Pancit Canton, and Pancit Palabok are among the most well-known variants. They are stir-fried noodles cooked with vegetables, meat, and seafood, resulting in flavorful and satisfying dishes.

Sisig: Sisig is a savory and tangy dish made from chopped parts of a pig's head, typically including the ears, cheeks, and snout. The meat is seasoned with calamansi juice, vinegar, onions, and chili peppers, then served on a sizzling plate. Sisig is often enjoyed as a beer match or pulutan.

Chicken Inasal: Chicken Inasal is a popular grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It is known for its distinct smoky and tangy flavor. It's usually served with steamed rice, chicken oil, and dipping sauces.

Taho: Taho is a popular street food and breakfast treat in the Philippines. It consists of soft tofu, sago pearls (similar to tapioca pearls), and a sweet syrup made from caramelized sugar. Taho vendors carry two containers hanging from a pole and can be found in various neighborhoods.

Bibingka and Puto Bumbong: These are traditional Filipino rice cakes typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. Bibingka is a moist and slightly sweet cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, while Puto Bumbong is a purple sticky rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes. They are often topped with butter, grated coconut, and served with hot chocolate or coffee.

These are just a few examples of the delicious Filipino dishes you should try. The Philippines offers a wide variety of flavors and regional specialties, so be sure to explore the local cuisine during your visit.