Culinary Tour – Top Five Foods You Must Try in the Philippines!

Taking inspiration from its eclectic mix of cultures, the Philippines has an incredible amount of tasty dishes in its cuisine. From the familiar to the exotic, and everything in between, Filipinos have a special skill for making simple ingredients taste amazing! Here are our top five dishes you must try when you’re visiting:

Adobo

The most famous Filipino dish, simple yet delicious! Chicken or pork simmered gently in soy sauce, vinegar and plenty of black pepper and crushed garlic. Enjoy with white rice and nothing else. Classed as the unofficial national dish, the cooking method is native to the Philippines as vinegar was used to preserve food. When the Spanish arrived, they named the method of marinating before eating adobo, and this process has transferred to many other latin dishes.

Kinilaw

When visiting the Philippines it’s impossible not to try the amazing seafood available there. Kinilaw is a dish native to the country and is the best way to enjoy that fresh catch straight from the boat. Similar to ceviche, fish is ‘cooked’ in vinegar with green mangoes or tamarind and flavored with salt and spices such as ginger, green onions, chili peppers and black pepper. To add a little sweetness, coconut milk is sometimes added. The lightest and freshest way to eat in the Philippines!

Balut

An adventurous traveler’s rite of passage, Balut is the famous Filipino street food that only the bravest will try! A fertilized duck egg which has been incubated for between 14 and 21 days is boiled or steamed and served with either salt or a chili garlic and vinegar mix to taste. Every part of Balut can be eaten and is best served with an ice cold beer! Do you dare try it?

Halo Halo

After congratulating yourself for braving the Balut, you deserve a sweet treat! Halo Halo is the refreshing dessert you never thought you’d crave! Shaved ice and evaporated milk is layered on top of a delicious array of sweet treats such as agar jellies, jackfruit, and sweetened beans. It is then topped with leche flan or ice cream for a cooling and delicious end to a meal!

Ginataang Gulag

Filipino cuisine is generally very meat heavy, so sometimes you need a break with a delicious vegetable dish. Ginataang Gulay is the perfect choice! Best with squash or string beans vegetables are cooked in coconut milk with ginger, onions, garlic, fish sauce, salt and pepper. Anything cooked with coconut is a winner for us, and this delicious Filipino dish is no exception!

We’re hungry for a taste of the Philippines, which dishes will you try?