For a long time, Filipino cuisine has been overshadowed by other Southeast Asian cuisines. After attempting to immigrate to the Philippines, you will find that there are significant differences compared to Malaysian and Thai dishes. Below, I will summarize a few distinctive Filipino dishes for friends immigrating to the Philippines.
Lechon relleno
This is a dish made with crabs, beautifully decorated in appearance, yet affordably priced.
Adobo
Made from marinated chicken or pork, with vinegar as the main ingredient, it is non-perishable and highly flavorful, typically served atop white rice.
Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Shanghai)
Spring rolls were introduced to the Philippines from China 400 years ago, and they have now become a famous local snack. Locals fill the rice paper with minced meat or mixed vegetables, deep fry them until golden and crispy, and pair them with a local sauce made from onion, chili, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and garlic, which offers a unique flavor.
Filipino Salad (Kinilaw)
This is an appetizer that can only be found in the Philippines, made with fresh mackerel slices, tomatoes, onions, chili, and a unique local citrus fruit, all seasoned with locally sourced coconut vinegar. It is not very spicy, has a sour taste, and is quite appetizing.
Halo-halo
One of the most famous desserts in the Philippines, it resembles shaved ice mixed with sweetened beans and milk, topped with a variety of colorful fruits. It usually contains at least eight ingredients, combining Eastern mung beans, Indian chickpeas, and Spanish leche flan, providing a deliciously sweet and refreshing treat.
Philippine Cheese
In the Philippines, vinegar and plenty of garlic and other spicy seasonings are used in nearly every dish, including soups. Authentic Filipino cuisine featuring robust seafood can be found in any main dining restaurant in Manila. Restaurants often feature live music and traditional dance performances. To truly experience authentic Filipino flavors, it is recommended to visit small eateries run by Filipinos, which are both affordable and authentic.
Garlic Rice with Pork Chop
Garlic rice with pork chop is one of the signature dishes of the Philippines. It is fresh, delicious, juicy, colorful, and full of exotic flavors. Whether you are at a street food stall (locally called Kainan) or dining in a fine restaurant, you will find authentic Filipino food as well as European dishes available, making for a delightful experience for visitors.
