8 Must-Try Local Food in Philippines

#1 Balut
Okay, let's start with the adventurous one. Balut isn't for the faint of heart, but it's a quintessential Filipino street food. It's a developing duck embryo that's boiled and eaten in the shell. Think of it as a hard-boiled egg with a surprise inside—a mix of savory broth, creamy yolk, and a partially formed duckling. The texture is definitely unique, but the taste is surprisingly mild, like a mix of egg and duck. If you're brave enough to try it, head to Pateros, Metro Manila, known as the "Balut Capital," and find a street vendor shouting "Baluuuut!". It’s an experience you won’t ever forget.

#2 Halo-Halo
Halo-Halo is the ultimate Filipino dessert, translating to "mix-mix" in Tagalog. It's a colorful concoction of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, leche flan, and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Imagine a mountain of icy sweetness that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day (which in the Philippines, is every day). The combination of textures and flavors is what makes it so addictive - sweet, creamy, crunchy, and refreshing all in one bite. If you love desserts with a playful twist, this is a must-try. Find it everywhere, from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants, but for a truly local experience, try it from a street vendor for that authentic Filipino touch.

#3 Sizzling Sisig
Sisig originated from Pampanga and is a wildly popular dish made from chopped pork ears, face, and chicken liver, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. Imagine the delightful scent of savoury goodness from the sizzling plate, making everyone drool. The crispy pork cartilage and creamy liver are what make it so special. If you're a fan of bold flavors and textures, this dish is a must-try.

#4 Adobo
A true classic. Adobo is so popular, it's often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. It's usually made with pork or chicken (sometimes both), and stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. The beauty of adobo lies in its simplicity and versatility - the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and garlicky flavors that seep into the meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. Every family has their own version, so be sure to try it in different homes and restaurants to experience the variety. If you love savoury, comforting dishes, adobo is a must-try.

#5 Kare-Kare
Kare-Kare, also known as "peanut stew", is a rich and savoury stew typically made with oxtail (or ox tripe) and vegetables, all simmered in a luscious peanut-based sauce. Kare-Kare is like a warm hug in a bowl, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious. The oxtail is slow-cooked to tender perfection, and the peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty richness that's simply irresistible. It's traditionally served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for that perfect salty-savory balance. If you are a fan of rich and savory flavours, this is the dish to go for.

#6 Pancit Palabok
Pancit Palabok is a vibrant noodle dish featuring rice noodles topped with a rich, shrimp-flavored sauce, pork cracklings, shrimp, and hard-boiled eggs. This is a fiesta in your mouth - the savoury shrimp sauce coats the noodles perfectly, and the crunchy pork cracklings add a delightful textural contrast. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

#7 Puto
Try a little something sweet on the side. Puto is a steamed, spongy rice cake that typically pairs with sweeter treats. Fluffy, soft, and slightly sweet, puto is the perfect accompaniment to savory dishes or a sweet ending to a meal. Find it at almost any market or street corner.

‍

#8 Sinigang
Sour yet satisfying, Sinigang is a beloved Filipino soup characterized by its distinct sour and savoury broth. It's typically tamarind-based but can also use other local fruits for that signature tang. Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of soup that tingles your taste buds with its delightful sourness, that’s a must-try. It can also include different types of meat, seafood, and vegetables. If you love the taste of sour treats, this is the right dish for you.

‍

So there you have it. Eight iconic Filipino dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and give you a real taste of the Philippines.

Disclaimer: We do not own any of these photos, photo credits to the respective owners. Kindly get in touch with us if owner would like us to include the credits.