If you're looking for the best Filipino dishes to try, you’ve come to the right place. Known for its unique balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, Filipino food (often called Pinoy cuisine) is a vibrant fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and Chinese influences. From the world-famous Adobo to the street food staple Sisig, here are the top 10 must-eat dishes for 2026.
1. Adobo (The Unofficial National Dish)
No list of traditional Filipino food is complete without Adobo. This savory stew features chicken or pork marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. It’s a masterclass in preservation and flavor, and every Filipino household has its own "best" version.
"Filipino Chicken Adobo (incredible, EASY chicken thigh recipe!)"
2. Sinigang (Sour Tamarind Soup)
Recently voted as one of the best soups in the world, Sinigang is a sour and savory broth usually made with tamarind. It often includes pork (baboy), shrimp (hipon), or fish, and is packed with fresh vegetables like radish, okra, and water spinach (kangkong).
3. Lechon (Roasted Suckling Pig)
The ultimate celebration dish. Lechon is a whole pig slow-roasted over charcoal until the skin is glass-like and crispy while the meat remains incredibly juicy. Anthony Bourdain famously called it the "best pig ever."
4. Sisig (Sizzling Pork Delicacy)
Originating from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines, Sisig is a sizzling dish made from parts of a pig’s face and belly, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. It is the ultimate Filipino "pulutan" (bar snack) and is often served with a raw egg on top.
5. Kare-Kare (Oxtail Peanut Stew)
Kare-Kare is a rich, thick stew made from oxtail and vegetables in a peanut-based sauce. It is almost always served with a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), which provides a salty contrast to the nutty sauce.
Kare Kare Recipe (Oxtail Beef Shank Peanut Stew)
6. Pancit Guisado (Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles)
Symbolizing long life and health, Pancit is a staple at birthdays and gatherings. The two most popular versions are Pancit Bihon (thin rice noodles) and Pancit Canton (egg noodles), stir-fried with meat, seafood, and crisp vegetables.
"Pancit Canton Guisado: A Flavorful Filipino Stir-Fried Noodles Dish"
7. Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
Whether you prefer the fried Lumpiang Shanghai (filled with ground pork) or the Lumpiang Sariwa (fresh heart of palm crepe), these rolls are a crowd-favorite appetizer found at every "Handaan" or party.
"Homemade Lumpia"
8. Bulalo (Beef Marrow Soup)
A specialty of Batangas, Bulalo is a light-colored soup made by slow-cooking beef shanks and bone marrow. It is the ultimate comfort food, especially on rainy days, featuring corn on the cob and leafy greens.
"BULALO - Beef Bone Marrow Soup (Filipino-style) - Homemade Cooking Recipes"
9. Chicken Inasal (Grilled Lemongrass Chicken)
Hailing from Bacolod, Chicken Inasal is marinated in ginger, lemongrass, and calamansi juice, then basted with achuete (annatto) oil while being grilled over hot coals. It has a distinct smoky, citrusy flavor that sets it apart from standard BBQ.
"Mang Inasal Chicken Secret Recipe | How to cook Mang inasal the right way"
10. Halo-Halo (The Ultimate Filipino Dessert)
To finish your meal, you need Halo-Halo (which translates to "mix-mix"). It’s a colorful dessert made of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients like ube halaya (purple yam jam), leche flan, sweetened beans, and tropical fruits.
"Filipino Halo Halo Recipe | Easy Filipino Recipes"
Filipino Food FAQ for 2026
What is the most popular Filipino dish for beginners?
Chicken Adobo is widely considered the best entry point for beginners because of its familiar savory-sweet profile.
Is Filipino food spicy?
While most Filipino dishes focus on a "sour-salty" balance, regional dishes like Bicol Express and Sisig can be quite spicy.
Conclusion
Filipino cuisine is a flavorful journey that everyone should experience at least once. Whether you're visiting Manila in 2026 or looking for a local restaurant, start with these top 10 dishes to truly understand the heart of the Philippines.
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