FILIPINO Favorite Foods
Filipino cuisine is a delicious mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, driven by savory staples meant to be paired with rice. The most iconic favorites include Adobo (the national dish of soy sauce and vinegar stew), Sinigang (a tart tamarind soup), and Lumpiang Shanghai (crispy spring rolls). [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here are the most beloved dishes across the Philippines:
Top Filipino Favorites
Adobo: Widely considered the unofficial national dish. Tender chicken or pork braised in a rich mix of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. [1, 2]
Sinigang: A mouth-watering, sour tamarind-based soup loaded with vegetables and your choice of pork, beef, or seafood. [1]
Lumpiang Shanghai: Crispy, golden spring rolls filled with seasoned ground meat and vegetables, usually served with a sweet and sour dip. [1, 2]
Kare-Kare: A rich and savory peanut stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and banana heart, traditionally eaten with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). [1, 2]
Sisig: A wildly popular sizzling street food made from chopped pork (traditionally including parts like the face and belly) seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili. [1]
For a quick and visual tour of these classic Filipino favorites and why they are so loved by locals and travelers:
These 10 FILIPINO FOODS are INSANE!
YouTube · Making it happen Vlog
Staples & Desserts
Rice: The absolute base of every meal. Sinangag (garlic fried rice) is especially popular for breakfast, often paired with fried eggs and cured meats (a combination known as silog). [1, 2]
Pancit: Stir-fried Filipino noodles (like Pancit Canton or Bihon) mixed with vegetables, chicken, and soy sauce, often served at celebrations. [1, 2]
Halo-Halo: The ultimate Filipino dessert and summer treat. It is a colorful, refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and evaporated milk topped with ube (purple yam) ice cream. [1]
Filipino Food in Calgary
If you are looking to try or order any of these dishes, you can find a solid roster of traditional and modern Filipino spots in the Calgary area. Highly rated options include:
Lucky Hut Restaurant
Jollibee Max'
To explore what a traditional and communal "Kamayan" feast entails—where food is spread on banana leaves and eaten by hand:
MathewRamosMercado #HelloLemon8 Danilo P Botoy🇨🇦 #danbots6k #mathewd3rd #dannypajobotoy /Saskatoon
Filipino cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors that captivate both local and international palates. From my personal experience exploring Filipino dishes, I found that these foods are not just meals but a connection to family and tradition. For example, Adobo’s perfect balance of tangy vinegar and savory soy sauce creates a comforting dish that suits any occasion. When I first tried Sinigang, its bright sourness from tamarind paired with fresh vegetables provided a refreshing contrast that made it one of my favorites. Trying Lumpiang Shanghai was a delight—not only for its crispy texture but also for the savory, well-seasoned filling that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour sauce. This dish often brings a sense of celebration and festivity. Kare-Kare, with its creamy peanut sauce and tender oxtail, is a hearty dish that pairs uniquely with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste adding depth and umami. In addition to these, I appreciate how staples like Sinangag (garlic fried rice) complement the main dishes, enhancing the overall meal experience. Pancit noodles are a festive dish commonly found at Filipino gatherings, symbolizing long life and good health. For dessert, Halo-Halo stands out as a colorful, refreshing treat, combining shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and topped with ube ice cream, making it a perfect way to beat the tropical heat. In cities like Calgary, Filipino restaurants such as Lucky Hut and Jollibee Max' allow food lovers to access authentic flavors. Visiting these places or preparing dishes at home invites you to partake in Filipino communal dining traditions, like Kamayan, where food is served on banana leaves and eaten by hand, emphasizing connection and sharing. Overall, Filipino cuisine is an exploration of sweet, sour, and savory notes that invite anyone to enjoy the heart of the Philippines through its food.