Filipino food is rich, comforting, and full of bold contrast, from savoury adobo and crispy lumpia to sweet halo-halo. If you are wondering which popular Filipino dishes to try first, this guide covers the must-know classics, what they taste like, and why each one deserves a place on your list. Whether you are new to Filipino cuisine or looking for familiar favourites, these are the dishes worth starting with.

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Popular Filipino foods to try

#1 Adobo

Adobo is regarded as the national dish of the Philippines, and there is a good reason for that. This savoury dish involves marinating meat (usually chicken or pork, but it can come in any form!) in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, then slow-cooking it to tender perfection.

The combination of vinegar and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of tangy and salty flavours. Its simplicity and flavour make it a touchstone of Filipino cuisine.

Note that Filipino Adobo can be quite different from the Spanish, Mexican and Portuguese varieties you may have encountered! But it's the Filipino version that's our favourite and one of the best Southeast Asian stews.

#2 Pancit Canton

Also known as the Philippines' favourite noodle dish, Pancit Canton can be found just about anywhere in the country. From street vendors and food stalls to the average home-cooked meal, it's a regular staple of Filipino food.

The dish is made using stir-fried egg noodles with vegetables and pork. And, as "canton" suggests, it has Chinese influences.

Pancit Canton is one of the most comforting Filipino noodle dishes, with a savoury flavour that makes it easy to keep going back for more. It is often cooked in large batches, which makes it ideal for family meals and gatherings.

#3 Lumpia

Lumpia is essentially the Philippines' answer to spring rolls. Made with much thinner wrappers, Lumpia has a savoury meat filling and some vegetables to boot. It's a little crispier than you might expect, but the crunch is very satisfying.

We are big fans of lumpia for their crisp wrapper and juicy, savoury filling. They are especially good with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, which complements the crunch perfectly.

#4 Sinigang

Sinigang is a delicious Filipino comfort food. Often made with pork (or sometimes seafood and other meats), this sour broth gets its unique flavour from the tamarind it's stewed with.

It is a hearty, comforting dish found in many Filipino homes. Although traditionally slow-cooked, sinigang can also be made quite simply in one pot, and you will find it in restaurants and food stalls throughout the Philippines.

#5 Kare-Kare

The origins of kare-kare are hotly debated. But some say the dish originated from Indian sailors attempting to recreate curry using local flavours. Whether or not that's true, like curry, this dish is a rich and hearty meal. The perfect Filipino dish for winter days.

Kare-kare is a rich, peanut-based stew traditionally made with oxtail and tripe, although you can find it nowadays with any cut of meat.

It's typically served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) to help balance the creamy, nutty flavours of the dish. Often served simply, kare-kare still manages to be a flavoursome dish.

#6 Sisig

Sometimes called "sizzling sisig", this Filipino dish originated in the Pampanga province and is a staple of the region's cuisine.

Sisig is made with pork and served with chicken liver on a sizzling plate. Traditionally, chefs would use the pig's head (usually the ears and jowl) and sometimes pork belly. Modern versions often use chopped pork or pork belly, giving the dish its rich, savoury finish.

#7 Chicharon

The Philippines' answer to pork crackling, chicharon, is often eaten as a snack while out drinking. Some people add it as a topping to other Filipino dishes. It's essentially deep-fried pork belly. So, it's best eaten sparingly. But believe us, it's worth it!

You can find chicharon anywhere in the Philippines, including supermarkets!

#8 La Paz Batchoy

Not to be confused with Batchoy Tagalog, La Paz Batchoy is Iloilo City's famous food export. It's a noodle dish that embraces a love of pork. Made with pork and pig innards, it's often sprinkled with chicharon too.

Its exact origins are debated, with several people credited with its creation. Today, it remains one of the signature dishes of the La Paz district.

#9 Champorado

A common Filipino breakfast food or snack, champorado is a chocolate-flavoured rice porridge or pudding. It uses a form of chocolate called tablea - roasted cacao beans, ground into a tablet. The sticky rice and chocolate blend together to create a delightfully gooey texture and a rich, sweet flavour.

There's also a version of champorado made with ube (a type of purple yam)!

#10 Halo-halo

"Halo-halo" literally means "mix-mix". And for Filipino dessert, it's an essential choice. This colourful concoction includes a mix of shaved ice, sweetened beans, jellies, or fruits like jackfruit and bananas, and is often topped with leche flan, ube ice cream, and evaporated milk.

The combination of textures and flavours, from creamy ube ice cream to chewy nata de coco, makes halo-halo a fun and refreshing end to any meal. Its colourful layers and contrasting textures make it one of the most memorable Filipino desserts to try.

#11 Bibingka

A sweet coconut rice cake from the Philippines, bibingka, is commonly eaten at Christmas time. Some families also enjoy bibingka for breakfast at other times of the year.

Soft and sometimes chewy, it's a lovely Filipino cake that isn't too sweet. In fact, some people serve it with salted egg and cheese.

#12 Lechon

Lechon is one of the most famous Filipino dishes and a centrepiece at big celebrations. It is made by slowly roasting a whole pig until the meat is tender and the skin turns crisp and golden. People love lechon for its rich flavour, juicy texture, and crunchy crackling, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Filipino food.

#13 Bulalo Soup

Bulalo is a comforting Filipino soup made with beef shank and bone marrow, slowly simmered until the meat becomes tender and the broth turns rich and deeply savoury. It is usually cooked with vegetables such as cabbage, sweetcorn, and potatoes, creating a simple but satisfying dish. Popular in cooler weather and family meals, bulalo is especially loved for its warming broth and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

#14 Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a bold Filipino dish made with pork cooked in coconut milk, chillies, and shrimp paste. It is known for its rich, creamy sauce and its spicy, savoury flavour, which makes it stand out from milder Filipino dishes. Named after the Bicol region, this dish is a great choice for anyone who enjoys food with heat and strong flavour.

#15 Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a popular Filipino grilled chicken dish known for its smoky flavour and bright, tangy marinade. It is typically marinated with calamansi, vinegar, garlic, lemongrass, and annatto, then grilled until slightly charred and juicy. Served with rice, it is a great choice for anyone who enjoys simple but deeply flavourful Filipino food.

Which Filipino Dishes Should You Try First?

If you are new to Filipino cuisine, start with adobo, pancit canton, lumpia, and halo-halo. These dishes are widely loved, easy to enjoy, and give you a good sense of the variety in Filipino food. From there, move on to sinigang for its sour broth, kare-kare for its rich peanut sauce, and sisig if you want something sizzling and intensely savoury.

What Makes Filipino Food Unique?

Filipino cuisine is shaped by indigenous traditions as well as Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. That mix has created a food culture known for bold contrast, with dishes that balance sweet, sour, salty, and savoury flavours. Rice is a staple, sharing is central to the dining experience, and many of the country’s best-known dishes are closely tied to family gatherings, celebrations, and regional traditions.

FAQs about popular Filipino dishes to try

What is the most popular Filipino dish?

Adobo is often considered one of the most popular Filipino dishes because it is widely eaten, easy to recognise, and deeply associated with Filipino home cooking.

What Filipino food should beginners try?

Beginners should usually start with adobo, lumpia, pancit, and halo-halo. These dishes are approachable and show the range of Filipino cuisine without being too unfamiliar.

Is Filipino food spicy?

Some Filipino dishes are spicy, but many are not. Filipino food is better known for savoury, sour, tangy, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavours than for intense heat.

What is a traditional Filipino dessert?

Halo-halo is one of the best-known Filipino desserts. It combines shaved ice, milk, and sweet toppings for a colourful, refreshing finish to a meal.

Final Word

From adobo and lechon to pancit and halo-halo, these popular Filipino dishes are the best place to start if you want to explore the flavours of the Philippines. Each one offers something different, whether you prefer rich, sour, smoky, or sweet dishes. If you are building your first Filipino food list, start with the classics above and work your way through the regional favourites next.

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