Popular Filipino Dishes
Explore this list of popular Filipino dishes with their Tagalog names and English translations. From savory classics like adobo and sinigang to well-loved street food and festive specialties, this guide will help you discover the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re ordering at a restaurant or learning about traditional Filipino food, these must-know dishes will expand your culinary knowledge.
List of Popular Filipino Dishes
Filipino Pork Dishes
| Tagalog Dish | English Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adobong Baboy | Pork Adobo | Pork simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. |
| Sinigang na Baboy | Pork Sour Soup | A tamarind-based sour soup with pork and vegetables. |
| Lechon Kawali | Crispy Fried Pork Belly | Deep-fried pork belly with perfectly crunchy skin. |
| Crispy Pata | Deep-Fried Pork Leg | Whole pork leg fried until golden and crackly. |
| Binagoongang Baboy | Pork in Shrimp Paste | Pork sautéed and simmered in savory shrimp paste. |
| Menudo | Pork and Liver Stew | A tomato-based stew with pork, liver, potatoes, and carrots. |
| Afritadang Baboy | Pork Afritada | Pork cooked in tomato sauce with vegetables. |
| Humba | Visayan Braised Pork | Sweet and savory braised pork belly with banana blossoms. |
| Igado | Pork Liver Stir-Fry | A tangy Ilocano dish with pork, liver, and vegetables. |
| Dinuguan | Pork Blood Stew | Pork simmered in a rich, savory blood sauce. |
| Pork Estofado | Pork Estofado | Sweet, soy-based pork stew with saba bananas. |
| Tokwa’t Baboy | Tofu and Pork | Fried tofu and pork served with a tangy sauce. |
| Inihaw na Baboy | Grilled Pork | Charcoal-grilled pork marinated in savory spices. |
| Liempo BBQ | Pork Belly BBQ | Grilled pork belly with a sweet barbecue glaze. |
| Pork Nilaga | Pork Boiled Soup | A light broth with pork, cabbage, and potatoes. |
| Pork Giniling | Ground Pork Sauté | Sautéed ground pork with potatoes and peas. |
| Paksiw na Lechon | Stewed Roast Pork | Leftover lechon braised in vinegar and liver sauce. |
| Bicol Express (Baboy) | Pork Coconut Chili Stew | Pork cooked in spicy coconut milk. |
| Pork Kare-Kare | Pork Peanut Stew | A creamy peanut stew with pork and vegetables. |
| Lumpiang Shanghai | Pork Spring Rolls | Crispy fried rolls stuffed with seasoned ground pork. |
Filipino Beef Dishes
| Tagalog Dish | English Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bistek Tagalog | Filipino Beef Steak | Thin beef slices simmered in soy sauce, onions, and calamansi. |
| Beef Caldereta | Spicy Beef Stew | Beef cooked in tomato sauce with peppers and potatoes. |
| Bulalo | Beef Shank Soup | Slow-cooked beef shank served in a clear savory broth. |
| Beef Nilaga | Boiled Beef Soup | A simple soup with beef, potatoes, and cabbage. |
| Beef Pares | Sweet Soy Beef Stew | Braised beef served with garlic fried rice and soup. |
| Beef Mechado | Beef Mechado | A tomato-based beef stew with fat-marbled cuts. |
| Sinigang na Baka | Beef Sour Soup | Sour tamarind broth with tender beef ribs. |
| Kare-Kare Baka | Beef Peanut Stew | Creamy peanut stew using beef and vegetables. |
| Goto | Beef Tripe Porridge | Rice porridge with soft beef tripe. |
| Tapa | Cured Beef | Thin cured beef slices served with rice and egg. |
| Pochero | Tomato Beef Stew | Tomato-based beef stew with saba bananas and beans. |
| Beef Mami | Beef Noodle Soup | Noodle soup topped with tender beef slices. |
| Beef Morcon | Stuffed Beef Roll | Beef rolls stuffed with egg, sausage, and vegetables. |
| Adobong Baka | Beef Adobo | Beef cooked the same savory way as pork adobo. |
| Corned Beef Guisado | Sautéed Corned Beef | Corned beef sautéed with onions and potatoes. |
| Kalderetang Baka | Beef Caldereta | A tomato-chili beef stew with liver spread. |
| Pastel de Lengua | Ox Tongue Pastel | Creamy stew featuring sliced ox tongue. |
| Beef Curry | Filipino Beef Curry | Mild curry using beef, potatoes, and coconut milk. |
| Batangas Lomi | Thick Beef Noodle Soup | A rich, thick noodle soup with beef toppings. |
| Beef Pata Tim | Braised Beef Shank | Sweet and savory Asian-style braised beef. |
Filipino Chicken Dishes
| Tagalog Dish | English Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adobong Manok | Chicken Adobo | Chicken simmered in soy, vinegar, garlic, and spices. |
| Tinolang Manok | Ginger Chicken Soup | A light ginger broth with chicken and greens. |
| Chicken Afritada | Chicken Afritada | Tomato-based chicken stew with vegetables. |
| Chicken Caldereta | Chicken Caldereta | A spicy chicken stew in tomato sauce. |
| Chicken Inasal | Grilled Marinated Chicken | Smoky grilled chicken from Bacolod. |
| Sinampalukang Manok | Tamarind Chicken Soup | Sour tamarind broth cooked with chicken. |
| Chicken Sotanghon | Chicken Noodle Soup | Clear broth noodle soup with chicken and vermicelli. |
| Chicken Kare-Kare | Chicken Peanut Stew | A peanut-based stew using chicken. |
| Pininyahang Manok | Pineapple Chicken | Chicken cooked with pineapple and creamy sauce. |
| Arroz Caldo | Chicken Rice Porridge | Rich rice porridge flavored with ginger and chicken. |
| Adobong Manok sa Gata | Chicken Coconut Adobo | Adobo simmered with coconut milk. |
| Chicken Pastel | Chicken Pot Pie Stew | Creamy chicken stew often baked with pastry. |
| Chicken Curry | Filipino Chicken Curry | Mild coconut curry with chicken and vegetables. |
| Inihaw na Manok | Grilled Chicken | Savory marinated chicken grilled over charcoal. |
| Chicken Pochero | Chicken Tomato Stew | Tomato-stewed chicken with saba bananas. |
| Chicken Sopas | Chicken Macaroni Soup | Creamy soup with chicken, macaroni, and veggies. |
Filipino Fish & Seafood Dishes
| Tagalog Dish | English Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sinigang na Hipon | Shrimp Sour Soup | Tamarind broth with fresh shrimp. |
| Adobong Pusit | Squid Adobo | Squid simmered in adobo sauce with ink. |
| Inihaw na Bangus | Grilled Milkfish | Whole milkfish grilled over coals. |
| Rellenong Bangus | Stuffed Milkfish | Deboned milkfish stuffed with seasoned filling. |
| Paksiw na Isda | Fish in Vinegar Broth | Fish simmered in vinegar, garlic, and spices. |
| Ginataang Tilapia | Tilapia in Coconut Milk | Tilapia cooked gently in coconut milk. |
| Daing na Bangus | Marinated Fried Milkfish | Sour-marinated milkfish fried to crispiness. |
| Sinaing na Tulingan | Slow-Cooked Tuna | Batangas-style slow-simmered tuna in tangy broth. |
| Kilawin na Tanigue | Fish Ceviche | Fresh fish cured in vinegar and citrus. |
| Escabeche | Sweet-and-Sour Fish | Fried fish topped with sweet-sour sauce. |
| Ginataang Alimasag | Crab in Coconut Milk | Crabs simmered in spicy coconut milk. |
| Buttered Garlic Shrimp | Garlic Shrimp | Shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic. |
| Baked Tahong | Baked Mussels | Mussels baked with garlic and cheese. |
| Seafood Kare-Kare | Seafood Peanut Stew | Kare-kare using shrimp, fish, and squid. |
| Inihaw na Pusit | Grilled Squid | Marinated squid grilled until tender. |
| Pritong Tilapia | Fried Tilapia | Whole tilapia fried until crisp. |
| Sweet Chili Shrimp | Sweet Chili Shrimp | Shrimp glazed in sweet chili sauce. |
| Ginataang Hipon | Coconut Milk Shrimp | Shrimp simmered in rich coconut milk. |
Filipino Vegetable Dishes
| Tagalog Dish | English Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pinakbet | Mixed Veggie Stew | A savory stew with local vegetables and shrimp paste. |
| Laing | Taro Leaves in Coconut Milk | Dried taro leaves simmered in spicy coconut milk. |
| Ginisang Ampalaya | Sautéed Bitter Melon | Bitter melon stir-fried with eggs and tomatoes. |
| Ginisang Pechay | Sautéed Bok Choy | Bok choy lightly sautéed with garlic. |
| Tortang Talong | Eggplant Omelette | Grilled eggplant cooked as an omelette. |
| Chop Suey | Filipino Stir-Fry Veggies | Colorful mixed vegetables in a light sauce. |
| Adobong Kangkong | Water Spinach Adobo | Kangkong cooked adobo-style. |
| Ginataang Kalabasa | Squash in Coconut Milk | Squash cooked in creamy coconut milk. |
| Ensaladang Talong | Eggplant Salad | Grilled eggplant with tomatoes and onions. |
| Pakbet Ilocano | Ilocano Vegetable Stew | Regional version of pinakbet using bagoong. |
| Ginisang Monggo | Mung Bean Stew | A hearty mung bean stew cooked with garlic, tomatoes, and leafy greens. |
| Paksiw na Gulay | Vegetables in Vinegar Broth | Mixed vegetables simmered in a tangy vinegar-based sauce. |
| Piniritong Talong | Fried Eggplant | Sliced eggplant lightly battered and fried. |
| Ginisang Sitaw | Sautéed String Beans | Stir-fried string beans with garlic and onions. |
| Ginisang Kalabasa | Sautéed Squash | Tender squash sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. |
| Kilawin na Puso ng Saging | Banana Blossom Salad | Banana blossoms mixed with vinegar, spices, and coconut milk. |
| Ginataang Langka | Jackfruit in Coconut Milk | Young jackfruit simmered in rich coconut milk and spices. |
| Adobong Sitaw | String Bean Adobo | String beans cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. |
| Ginisang Repolyo | Sautéed Cabbage | Simple cabbage sauté with carrots and garlic. |
| Lumpiang Gulay | Vegetable Spring Rolls | Fried spring rolls stuffed with mixed vegetables. |
| Ginataang Puso ng Saging | Banana Heart in Coconut Milk | Banana heart cooked in creamy coconut milk. |
| Bulanglang | Batangas Vegetable Soup | A light vegetable soup with a subtle smoky flavor. |
| Ginisang Malunggay | Sautéed Moringa Leaves | Moringa leaves sautéed with tomatoes and garlic. |
| Ginisang Upo | Sautéed Bottle Gourd | Soft bottle gourd cooked with mushrooms or shrimp. |
| Lumpiang Sariwa | Fresh Vegetable Rolls | Soft spring rolls filled with sautéed vegetables and peanut sauce. |
Filipino Snacks and Desserts
| Tagalog Name | English Name / Description |
|---|---|
| Bibingka | Coconut rice cake, soft and fluffy, baked with salted egg and cheese |
| Puto | Fluffy steamed rice cakes, usually served as small bite-sized treats |
| Kutsinta | Chewy brown rice cake with a slightly sticky texture and caramel-like color |
| Turon | Fried banana spring rolls coated in caramelized sugar |
| Leche Flan | Creamy baked custard topped with caramel syrup |
| Halo-Halo | Mixed shaved ice dessert with milk, beans, fruits, and sweets |
| Sapin-Sapin | Colorful layered sticky rice cake made with coconut milk |
| Biko | Sweet sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar |
| Ginataang Bilo-Bilo | Sticky rice balls served in sweet coconut milk soup |
| Palitaw | Soft boiled rice cakes coated in coconut and sugar |
| Taho | Warm silken tofu topped with sweet syrup and sago pearls |
| Ube Halaya | Sweet and creamy purple yam jam, often used in desserts |
| Puto Bumbong | Steamed purple rice cake traditionally served with coconut and sugar |
| Pancit Bihon | Stir-fried thin rice noodles with vegetables, meat, or seafood |
| Maja Blanca | Creamy coconut pudding with corn, often topped with latik |
| Karioka | Chewy sticky rice balls coated in caramelized sugar |
| Yema | Sweet custard candy made from egg yolks and condensed milk |
| Pulburon | Powdery shortbread-style cookie made with toasted flour and butter |
| Kalamay | Sweet sticky rice dessert cooked in coconut milk, often wrapped in leaves |
Filipino Street Food
| Tagalog Name | English Name / Description |
|---|---|
| Isaw | Grilled chicken or pork intestines on skewers |
| Betamax | Grilled coagulated chicken or pork blood cubes |
| Adidas | Grilled chicken feet |
| Balut | Fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten with salt and vinegar |
| Kwek-kwek | Quail eggs coated in orange batter and deep-fried |
| Fish Balls | Fried or boiled fish balls on sticks, served with sauces |
| Squid Balls | Fried squid balls on sticks |
| Cornick | Crunchy toasted corn kernels |
| Banana Cue | Deep-fried caramelized bananas on sticks |
| Camote Cue | Deep-fried caramelized sweet potatoes on sticks |
| Manggang Hilaw | Sliced green mangoes with salt, sugar, or bagoong |
| Chicharon | Fried pork rinds |
| Kikiam | Deep-fried meat rolls (usually pork or fish paste) |
| Dirty Ice Cream | Street-sold ice cream in various flavors |
| Ice Candy | Frozen flavored ice in plastic tubes |
| Saging con Yelo | Banana with shaved ice and syrup |
| Mais con Yelo | Sweet corn with shaved ice and milk |
| Okoy | Crispy shrimp fritters |
| Yema | Sweet custard candy |
| Pulburon | Powdery shortbread cookie |
| Sagot’ Gulaman | Jelly or tapioca pearl dessert drink |
| Empanada | Deep-fried pastry filled with meat, vegetables, or egg |
| Nagluto si Tita ng kare-kare, kaya may bagoong sa mesa. |
| (Tita cooked kare-kare, so there’s shrimp paste on the table.) |
| Gusto ko ng halo-halo na may extra leche flan sa ibabaw. |
| (I like my halo-halo with extra leche flan on top.) |
| Parang gusto kong kumain ng sisig at kanin ngayon. |
| (I feel like eating sisig with rice right now.) |
| Pinakbet ang ulam natin ngayon |
| (We’re having pinakbet for our meal today.) |
|
Nilagyan nila ng maraming sili ang Bicol Express, kaya sobrang anghang! |
| (They put a lot of chili in the Bicol Express, so it’s really spicy!) |
| Bumili ako ng balut pero hindi kinain ang sisiw. |
| (I bought balut, but I didn’t eat the chick.) |
| May lechon ba sa handaan? |
| (Is there lechon at the party?) |
How well do you know popular Filipino dishes? Take this quiz and test your knowledge of classic Pinoy favorites! Try to name each dish in Tagalog before clicking the toggle to reveal the correct answer. From hearty stews to tasty street food, this is a fun way to explore Filipino cuisine!
1. A sour tamarind-based soup that can be made with pork, beef, shrimp, or fish.
Answer: Sinigang
2. A famous roasted pig dish with crispy skin, often served at fiestas.
Answer: Lechon
3. This dish is made of pork or chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
Answer: Adobo
4. A cold dessert made of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, and leche flan, topped with ice cream.
Answer: Halo-halo
5. These are steamed rice cakes that are soft and fluffy, often served with cheese or salted egg.
Answer: Puto
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