A Foreigner’s Guide to Filipino Food: 10 Dishes You Must Try

One of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to connect with Filipino culture is through its food. In the Philippines, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a language of love, hospitality, and family. When you meet your partner’s family, you will almost certainly be greeted with a grand feast.

Embracing the culinary experience will not only delight your taste buds but also show immense respect for her family and heritage. This guide introduces you to 10 essential dishes you must try and explains the dining etiquette to expect at a Filipino family dinner.

Part 1: 10 Essential Filipino Dishes to Try

Filipino cuisine is a delicious fusion of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is savory, sweet, and sour all at once.

1. Adobo

Often called the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, Adobo is a must-try. It consists of chicken or pork (or both) braised in a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. It’s a savory, slightly tangy dish that is a staple in every Filipino household.

2. Sinigang

This is a traditional Filipino soup known for its distinctly sour and savory flavor. The sourness typically comes from tamarind, but can also come from guavas or other native fruits. It’s usually filled with pork, beef, shrimp, or fish and a variety of vegetables.

3. Lechon

No Filipino celebration is complete without Lechon. This is a whole roasted pig, slow-cooked over charcoal for hours until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. It’s the ultimate fiesta food.

4. Kare-Kare

A rich and savory stew, Kare-Kare is famous for its thick, creamy peanut sauce. It traditionally uses oxtail, but can also be made with beef or tripe, and is served with a variety of vegetables. It is always served with a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) to add a salty contrast.

5. Sisig

For the more adventurous eater, Sisig is a beloved pulutan (food eaten with alcoholic drinks). It’s made from chopped pig’s face and ears, mixed with onions and chili peppers, and served sizzling on a hot plate, often topped with a raw egg.

6. Lumpia

These are Filipino spring rolls. You will find two common types: fresh lumpia and fried lumpia. The fried version is crispy and filled with minced meat and vegetables, similar to other Asian spring rolls, and is a favorite appetizer at parties.

7. Pancit

Pancit refers to Filipino noodle dishes. There are many variations, but one of the most popular is Pancit Canton, which uses egg noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables. Noodles are a staple at birthday celebrations as they symbolize a long life.

8. Longganisa

This is a Filipino sausage, and a breakfast favorite often served with garlic fried rice and a fried egg (an assembly called “Longsilog”). Every region has its own version, ranging from sweet and savory to garlicky and spicy.

9. Halo-Halo

The ultimate Filipino dessert, especially on a hot day. The name literally means “mix-mix.” It’s a layered dessert consisting of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a mixture of sweet ingredients like sweet beans, coconut strips, sago, jellies, and fruits, often topped with a scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream and leche flan.

10. Chicken Inasal

This is a special type of grilled chicken from the city of Bacolod. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of calamansi (a citrus fruit), pepper, vinegar, and annatto, then grilled over hot coals while being basted with the marinade. It’s smoky, tangy, and incredibly delicious.

Part 2: What to Expect at a Filipino Family Dinner

Being invited to a family dinner is a significant step in your relationship. It’s a sign of acceptance, and knowing the etiquette will help you make a wonderful impression.

• “Kain na tayo!” (Let’s eat!): This is the classic Filipino invitation to dine. It’s a warm, communal gesture. Always accept graciously.
• Arrive Hungry: The amount of food can be staggering. Your hosts will be proud to offer you a wide variety of dishes they have prepared. Not eating well can be seen as a slight.
• Serve Yourself (Modestly): Food is usually served buffet-style. It’s polite to take small portions of a few dishes at first. Don’t worry, your hosts will insist that you go back for second (and third) helpings!
• Always Compliment the Cook: This is crucial. Praising the food is a direct compliment to the person who prepared it (often your partner’s mother or grandmother). Be specific: “This Adobo is amazing!”
• Use the Spoon and Fork: The most common way to eat is with a spoon in your right hand and a fork in your left. The spoon is used to cut food and bring it to your mouth, while the fork is used to push food onto the spoon.
• Try a Little of Everything: Being a “picky eater” can be seen as impolite. Show your open-mindedness and respect by trying at least a small amount of each dish offered.
• The “Take-Home” Tradition (`Balot`): At the end of the meal, do not be surprised if your hosts pack up leftover food for you to take home. This is a very common and generous tradition called `balot`. Accepting it graciously is the polite thing to do.