Published on October 13, 2025
The Philippines is a country where food is more than just sustenance—it’s an expression of history, culture, and community. Influenced by Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and American cuisines, Filipino food is a delicious blend of sweet, savoury, tangy, and hearty. From vibrant city markets to beachside eateries, the Philippines offers a flavorful journey that’s as diverse as its 7,000+ islands. Here are four must-try Filipino dishes and the top places to experience them at their best.
Chicken & Pork Adobo | Visit Southeast Asia
Adobo
Often considered the unofficial national dish, adobo is a savoury stew made by simmering meat—usually chicken or pork—in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Every region (and household) has its own twist on this beloved classic.
Where to Eat It:
• The Aristocrat – Roxas Boulevard, Manila
This heritage restaurant has been serving Filipino comfort food since the 1930s. Their chicken and pork adobo is rich, tender, and full of nostalgic flavour.
• Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino – Greenhills, San Juan
A modern twist on traditional recipes, Casa Reyes elevates adobo with creative versions like crispy adobo flakes and adobo rice bowls.
• Balay Dako – Tagaytay
Perched on a hill with views of Taal Volcano, this restaurant offers a hearty version of adobo in a setting that’s as comforting as the dish itself.
Sinigang
Sinigang is a tangy, tamarind-based soup typically made with pork, shrimp, or fish, and loaded with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), tomatoes, and eggplant. It’s a staple comfort food known for its uniquely sour flavour.
Where to Eat It:
• Sentro 1771 – Greenbelt 5, Makati
Known for their innovative take on Filipino dishes, Sentro offers a Sinigang na Corned Beef that’s both inventive and deeply satisfying.
• Manam – Multiple Locations in Metro Manila
Manam’s “House Sinigang” is beloved for its bold sourness and options like beef short rib or shrimp. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting to try sinigang done right.
• Abé – Serendra, BGC
A celebration of traditional Kapampangan fare, Abé offers a pork sinigang that’s slow-cooked and perfect with steaming white rice.
Lechon
No Filipino celebration is complete without lechon, a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, typically served with liver sauce or vinegar.
Where to Eat It:
• Rico’s Lechon – Cebu City, Cebu
A Cebuano institution, Rico’s serves spicy and original lechon with perfectly crackled skin. Cebu lechon is renowned for being seasoned inside and out, needing no sauce.
• Zubuchon – Multiple Locations, Cebu and Manila
Praised by Anthony Bourdain as “the best pig ever,” Zubuchon uses local ingredients and no MSG to create lechon that’s rich in flavour.
• Elar’s Lechon – Quezon City, Metro Manila
Elar’s is one of Manila’s most trusted lechon spots for special occasions, offering full-service catering and traditional whole lechon options.
Halo-Halo
Halo-halo (meaning “mix-mix”) is a colourful and refreshing dessert made with crushed ice, evaporated milk, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and topped with leche flan or ube ice cream. It’s the perfect treat for the country’s tropical heat.
Where to Eat It:
• Razon’s of Guagua – Multiple Locations Nationwide
Known for its minimalist but delicious version with just three ingredients (sweetened banana, macapuno, and leche flan), Razon’s halo-halo is light, creamy, and addictive.
• The Original Digman Halo-Halo – Bacoor, Cavite
A legend in Cavite, Digman’s version is generously packed with colourful ingredients and is a must-stop for dessert lovers.
• Milky Way Café – Makati City
A more decadent take on the classic, Milky Way’s halo-halo includes homemade ube halaya, crispy rice, and freshly shaved ice for a luxurious dessert experience.
Go On Your Philippines Culinary Journey Today
Whether you’re savouring adobo by a lakeside view, enjoying sinigang in a stylish bistro, or digging into halo-halo on a hot afternoon, the Philippines offers a rich and heartfelt culinary journey. Each dish carries centuries of tradition and regional flair—waiting to be discovered, one bite at a time. Ready to eat your way through the Philippines? Book your trip now and immerse yourself in the unforgettable culinary experiences that the Philippines has to offer!
