Curiosity about Filipino food is sweeping the globe. Its rich, complex history and eclectic blend of flavors – shaped by both pre-colonial and colonial influences – are capturing the attention of food lovers everywhere. If your food business is ready to tap into this growing demand, look no further than this Pinoy dishes list. Featuring both traditional favorites and innovative twists, these options are terrific additions to your menu to satisfy customer cravings and boost sales.
1. Lechon Kawali Lettuce Wraps
Impress every guest with a Filipino twist on samgyupsal! Golden, crackling fried pork belly wrapped in crisp lettuce creates an interesting combination of textures not found in typical Korean BBQ spots Tangy pickled vegetables and a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce bring it all together for the ultimate satisfaction.
2. Liempo
Recreate a popular Filipino dish brimming with bold flavors using only simple ingredients. Add Knorr Liquid Seasoning to your pork belly marinade for a savory umami kick. Brushing the liempo with the sweet glaze not only adds depth of flavor but also keeps it tender and juicy. Serve it with a side of rice and a tangy ensalada to complete the meal.
3. Kaldereta Shortribs Pasta
This rich stew traditionally pairs with rice, but it also works wonders with pasta. The combination of tomato sauce, chorizo Bilbao, sweet bell peppers, and pickle relish creates a bold flavor profile that blends Filipino and Italian influences. Achieve a rich, beefy taste in just five minutes with Knorr Beef Broth Base.
4. Toasted Adobo
Would this even be a true Pinoy food list without the mighty adobo? This iconic dish, stewed in soy sauce and vinegar, spiced with peppercorns and bay leaves, has sparked countless debates. While variations of adobo abound, Filipino cooks continue to reinvent this national favorite. Try this toasted adobo recipe, where the meat is shredded and fried to crispy, golden perfection!
5. Chicken Inasal Skewers
Chicken inasal is a simple yet delicious Filipino dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It all comes down to three easy steps: marinating, grilling, and basting. The marinade delivers a sweet-savory flavor profile, combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and calamansi or vinegar for a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Use Knorr Chicken Powder to lock in the umami flavors.
6. Chopsuey Tempura
Delight customers with a crispy twist on chopsuey! Vibrant slices of carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bok choy are coated in a light, crispy tempura batter, transforming this saucy dish into a crunchy, irresistible appetizer. Pair it with Knorr Oyster Flavoured Sauce for an authentic Asian experience.
7. Dinakdakan Crispy Pata
Chopped, crunchy pork bits are tossed in a creamy calamansi mayo with onions and chili, creating an upgraded version of the traditional Ilocano dish made with grilled pork parts. Serve it with steaming white rice, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress.
8. Pinoy Crispy Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a comfort dish that everyone loves. Elevate its flavor by swapping the usual salt and pepper with a garlic soy glaze made with Knorr Liquid Seasoning and Knorr Rostip Chicken Seasoning Powder for the perfect garlic aroma. Your customers will crave this dish for days! Pair it with rice or pancit.
9. Lechon Manok
This Filipino roast chicken never falls behind on flavor. Marinating it in high-quality seasonings results in juicy, savory meat that’s delicious to the bone. Its versatility makes it perfect for salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, and even pasta. For serving as a main dish, consider offering it whole or in chops for added convenience.
10. Lechon Baka
This take on lechon is currently the talk of the town. Add this rich, beefy dish to your menu to attract more customers. Use Knorr Liquid Seasoning in the marinade and glaze to achieve an unmatched umami flavor that perfectly complements the fork-tender meat.
11. Sinigang na Salmon Belly sa Miso
No Filipino food list is complete without sinigang. This version with salmon belly is lighter than the traditional meaty variations, yet still delivers comforting, rich flavors. Adjust the amount of Knorr Sinigang Sa Sampalok Mix to achieve the perfect tartness and satisfy your customers' cravings.
12. Balbacua
A beloved staple in Visayas and Mindanao, this traditional Filipino dish offers rich, hearty flavors in every bite. Made with collagen-rich beef parts like the face, skin, and feet, the stew has a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Meanwhile, the sauce is extra fragrant thanks to lemongrass, black beans, and chilies.
13. Bulalo
Beef bulalo is one of the Philippines' most beloved dishes, especially during the rainy season. It never fails to soothe the soul with its comforting warmth. For a refreshing twist, add lemongrass for a citrusy surprise and ginger for a zesty kick.
15. Pancit Molo
Pancit Molo is a heartwarming specialty from Iloilo that’s sure to comfort with every spoonful. The chicken soup features local dumplings stuffed with pork, prawns, and kuchay. Serve it as a starter or as a tasty side to complement fried or grileld dishes.
16. Inihaw na Tuna Panga
Tuna panga is juicy, tender, and doesn’t dry out as easily as other cuts of the fish. This recipe grills it simply and pairs it with a sweet soy glaze made from garlic, butter, and Knorr Liquid Seasoning. Round out the meal with garlic rice, salted egg ensalada, and atchara.
17. Embutido
Embutido’s colorful ingredients make it a holiday staple, but this meat log is also a year-round favorite. Make it extra special by upgrading the filling with celery, bell peppers, hotdogs, eggs, and cheddar cheese. For a different twist, slice it into rounds and fry until golden brown.
18. Pinakbet
The freshest local produce comes together in this beloved Ilocano dish. Pinakbet is a traditional Filipino food that’s not only rich in nutrients but also bursting with bold, earthy flavors. Elevate this humble yet satisfying dish with a topping of crispy, golden lechon kawali.
19. Mechadong Baka
Some may confuse mechado with kaldereta, but these two popular Filipino dishes each have their own distinct flavors. The former starts with marinating beef cubes in Knorr Liquid Seasoning, calamansi juice, and black pepper. The beef is then simmered in a savory stew with tomatoes, chorizo, and paprika, creating an umami-rich dish with a subtle tangy kick.
20. Fresh Vegetable Lumpia
Add color to your menu with this Chinese-style fresh vegetable lumpia. This foolproof step-by-step guide walks you through the process – sauteing fresh veggies, preparing crispy noodles, cooking the sauce, and assembling the rolls. So simple and satisfying!
21. Tortang Pancit
You can’t have a Pinoy food list without torta. This version features chicken pancit enveloped in fluffy beaten eggs, forming an omelet reminiscent of okonomiyaki. To finish, top it with a delightful combination of Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise and hoisin sauce.
22. Pinangat
The Bicol region is home to some of the most famous dishes in the Philippines. While laing and Bicol express often steal the spotlight, pinangat is not to be overlooked. This dish features taro leaves stuffed with a savory mix of pork belly, shrimp or crab meat, dried fish, chilies, and bagoong. The parcels are then gently simmered in sweet coconut milk until tender and bursting with linamnam.
23. Crispy Galunggong with Mung Bean Stew
Simple tweaks to traditional Filipino food can elevate its appeal and attract global palates. Take this galunggong and monggo pairing, for example. Serve the fish as crispy fillets for a more refined, approachable version. As for the mung bean stew, enhance it with smoky bacon for added depth and finish it off with chicharon for a satisfying crunch.
24. Pancit Guisado
No Filipino celebration is complete without pancit! This classic recipe calls for oyster sauce, plenty of garlic, and tender chicken. Boost its nutritional value by tossing in veggies like Baguio beans, sayote, cabbage, and carrots. And try adding celery, zucchini, cilantro, or mushrooms to give the dish a unique profile.
25. Kare-kare
Completing this Filipino food list is a beloved nutty stew that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. This recipe stays true to tradition, featuring oxtail, ox tripe, and beef brisket. However, it also serves as a versatile base, allowing for variations like all seafood, roasted ribeye, or crispy bagnet.
Exploring Regional Filipino Eats
While classics are menu must-haves, regional Filipino dishes offer exciting opportunities to wow customers and keep them coming back.
Each region’s cuisine reflects its landscape and history:
● Luzon features fresh vegetables and Spanish-influenced dishes like hearty stews and rice meals, thanks to its fertile mountains and colonial past.
● Visayas, with its coastal abundance, highlights vibrant seafood dishes like aligue rice, baked cheesy scallops, and laswa – a light Ilonggo soup with shrimp and assorted vegetables.
● Mindanao brings bold, Southeast Asian-inspired flavors with dishes like beef rendang and piyanggang manok, showcasing its love for aromatic spices.
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines boasts a rich and diverse culinary landscape. This Filipino food list celebrates flavors and textures that blend tradition with creativity, delivering a truly unique dining experience. Bring popular Pinoy dishes to your menu and delight customers all year round. Start testing these recipes from Unilever Food Solutions to find your next bestsellers.
