As you embark on a gastronomic journey through the Philippines, one dish that you simply cannot miss is Adobo. This iconic Filipino dish consists of tender meat, usually chicken or pork, marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The meat is then braised until it absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a savory and tangy delight. Adobo is often served with steamed rice and is a staple in Filipino households. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s considered the country’s national dish.
{image: Sinigang}
If you’re a fan of hearty soups, then Sinigang should top your list of must-try dishes in the Philippines. This sour soup is made with a tamarind-based broth, which gives it a unique tangy flavor. It typically includes pork or shrimp, along with an assortment of vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, radishes, and string beans. Sinigang is a comforting and refreshing dish that perfectly blends the sourness of tamarind with the richness of the meat and vegetables.
No Filipino celebration is complete without a feast featuring Lechon, a whole roasted pig. This succulent and crispy dish is the centerpiece of many festivities and gatherings in the Philippines. The pig is meticulously roasted over an open fire, resulting in a crisp caramelized skin and tender meat. The flavors are enhanced with a variety of seasonings, such as lemongrass, garlic, and bay leaves, which are stuffed inside the pig before roasting. Lechon is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, with its flavorful and aromatic meat that melts in your mouth.
Kare-kare is a traditional Filipino stew made with oxtail and/or tripe, vegetables, and a thick peanut sauce. The distinctive flavor of Kare-kare comes from the roasted peanuts, which are ground to create a smooth and creamy sauce. It is often served with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste, which adds a salty and umami element to the dish. The combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and nutty sauce makes Kare-kare a true Filipino delicacy that is loved by locals and visitors alike.
For a refreshing and vibrant dessert, look no further than Halo-halo. This popular Filipino dessert is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and Leche flan, topped with a scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream. The name “Halo-halo” translates to “mix-mix” in English, and that’s exactly what you do with this dessert before indulging in its sweet and creamy goodness. Halo-halo is the perfect treat to cool down on a hot day and is a favorite among locals and tourists.
