The 5 Best Traditional Filipino Food

Basically a fusion of our rich culture, Filipino cuisine is described by the use of bold flavors such as spicy, bitter, salty, sweet, and sour.

Our access to an abundance of resources coupled with the Philippines’ rich historical past had a significant impact on our culinary practices.

European and Asian cultures had greatly impacted the flavorful dishes that we Filipinos crave for. Let us take you on a culinary tour and discover the tasty, classic dishes that are uniquely Filipino. Read on!

#1 Lumpiang Shanghai - a Filipino Spring Roll

The life of the party in many local gatherings, from birthdays to fiestas, or even in ordinary dining settings, the Lumpiang Shanghai is unquestionably the star of every Pinoy celebration!

There are various kinds of lumpia, but the most well-known is the Shanghai variety, which has a savory filling made of ground pork or beef, carrots, onions, and a variety of seasonings. You can also alter this recipe to your preferences.

This classic spring roll is sure to make you crave for more with its crispiness and savory filling. Lumpiang shanghai can be enjoyed by everyone as it can go well with other Filipino favorites like pancit canton or other tasty noodles.

#2 Pancit - A Meaningful Noodle Dish

Pancit, whether it is the pancit canton, malabon or bihon is an example of how Chinese culture has influenced Filipino cuisine.

Filipinos drawing inspiration from the original Chinese noodles have already developed their variations of the well-known dish. Pancit can be prepared in a variety of ways like you can enjoy it with a lechon kawali as toppings or with pork chicharon. The toppings, the ingredients, the choice of meat and the thickness of the noodles will determine the ultimate pancit that will make anyone forget their name.

But did you know that this traditional dish means something else for Filipinos? No birthday can be celebrated without a pancit as it is associated with longevity. Thus, Filipinos prepare and serve pancit wishing everyone to live a longer life!

The belief is not entirely impossible because of its nutritious contents, which include chicken slices, pork, vegetables, and eggs! But regardless of whether it is real or symbolic, it will create happy tummies and leave a lasting impression on every Filipino and Filipino-at-heart.

Find the best pancit at the home of genuine Filipino flavors!

#3 Sinigang - The Ultimate Comfort Food

With its peculiar sour taste, you might wonder why Sinigang soup is a hit among Filipinos?

This tamarind-based soup is well-liked in the Philippines for its savory and sour flavor. Sinigang is typically made with pork and various veggies, making it a wonderful feast with rice. Sinigang’s distinctive flavor comes from the unripe tamarind. When combined with pork belly fat, they will undoubtedly satisfy one’s desire for that one hearty meal.

Despite the popularity of pork sinigang, Filipinos also enjoy other protein-based Sinigang like fish, shrimp, chicken, and beef in this delicately boiled soup.

Most Filipinos consider sinigang as their comfort food. Because of the sourness and subtle spice from the long chili (Siling Haba) can surely awaken your senses especially when you combine it with some fish sauce (patis) for your condiment (sawsawan).

Nothing compares to the refreshing sensation one can have on a rainy or humid summer afternoon after tasting that sour, flavorful broth!

Enjoy your sinigang na baboy or sinigang na hipon, or with whatever meat you want with the sinigang soup and remember the feeling of being at home once again.

#4 Adobo - The Universal Favorite

Filipino cuisine will always be popular with its traditional adobo!

In the past, native Filipinos discovered that boiling meat—often chicken and pork—with vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce, bay leaf and other spices was an efficient way of preserving food.

Adobo with its marinade is a blend of sweet, sour and salty flavors enhanced by the unique method of cooking. You can have this dish with a bit of thick sauce or have it with some of its meat oil after boiling it in its marinade.

Adobo will make you eat with your bare hands (magkamay) especially if combined with some adobo rice on a banana leaf. How about some salted duck eggs (itlog na maalat) and freshly cut tomatoes as a side dish? Yummy!

#5 Sisig - Unique but Irresistible

From a non-Filipino viewpoint, Sisig might just appear to be a jumble of stuff which totally looks and smells unfamiliar. Sisig however will always be delicious especially with its spicy and flavorful taste.

So what actually makes up your favorite Sisig? Traditional preparation means you need to slowly boil the pig’s liver, belly, and all the tasty parts of the pig’s head. Allow it to simmer before slicing it into small bits and pieces. After which, these bits and pieces are fried to make it crunchy. The Sisig mixture is then topped with onion, and mayo along with chili peppers and calamansi.

Voila, you can now serve your Sisig with a side of rice. You can also opt to use a sizzling plate and serve it with egg on top. This is the best pulutan for your weekend chillin when you grab a drink with your favorite buddies.

Sisig can be addicting, many Chefs would say as it can be both tender and crunchy!

And though this tasty dish takes time to prepare, restos like Manila Food Mart can provide with that delightful experience.

Come on over and have your takeaway! Enjoy that Sisig ready to go whenever the craving strikes!

The Takeaway!

Traditional Filipino food does more than just spark your appetite, it gives that feeling of satisfaction and happiness as it brings back memories.

Remember those times when you would run to your favorite karinderya and turo-turo and there were a lot of ulam to choose from?

It’s time to experience the familiar tastes of home and family! Feel the surge of emotion, visit Manila Food Mart in Orange County!

Dine with family and friends or have those fresh and quality Pinoy dishes catered for you on your special occasions! Look no further! Call or visit us!