Filipino cuisine is rich and diverse, with a wide range of dishes influenced by various cultures and regions within the Philippines. Here are some of the most common Filipino dishes:
1. Adobo:
Considered the national dish of the Philippines, adobo is a savory stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then braised until tender.
2. Sinigang:
A sour soup characterized by its tangy and savory flavor. Sinigang is typically made with tamarind as a base, along with various vegetables (such as kangkong or water spinach), meat (pork, beef, or shrimp), and sometimes fish.
3. Lechon:
A whole roasted pig, often served as the centerpiece of festive occasions. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender and flavorful.
4. Pancit:
Noodle dishes are popular in the Philippines, and pancit refers to various stir-fried noodle dishes. Pancit Bihon (rice noodles), Pancit Canton (egg noodles), and Pancit Malabon are some examples.
5. Kare-Kare:
A rich and hearty stew made with oxtail, tripe, and/or beef, cooked in a peanut-based sauce. It is often served with bagoong (shrimp paste) and a side of vegetables.
6. Lumpia:
Similar to spring rolls, lumpia are rolls made with thin wrappers and filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat (such as ground pork or shrimp), and sometimes noodles. They are usually deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.
7. Sinigang:
A sour soup characterized by its tangy and savory flavor. Sinigang is typically made with tamarind as a base, along with various vegetables (such as kangkong or water spinach), meat (pork, beef, or shrimp), and sometimes fish.
8. Halo-Halo:
A popular dessert made with a mix of sweet ingredients, including crushed ice, various fruits (such as jackfruit, mango, and beans), sweet beans, jellies, and topped with leche flan, ube (purple yam) ice cream, and evaporated milk.
! DisclaimerThese are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes in Filipino cuisine. The Philippines has a wide array of regional specialties and local delicacies that vary across different provinces and islands.