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    Home / Uncategorized

    17 Filipino Dishes That Are Worth Getting to Know

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 22, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Filipino food has a way of bringing comfort and bold flavors to the table, and I've always loved how every dish feels like it has a story behind it. These meals are hearty, full of character, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. I'm excited to share some favorites that prove why this cuisine deserves a bigger place in our kitchens.

    Filipino Pork Menudo

    A pan of cooked pork menudo with chopped vegetables and sausage, mixed with sauce, sits on a white surface next to a spoon and empty bowl.Pin
    Filipino Pork Menudo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Pork, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce make Filipino Pork Menudo a hearty choice for lunch or dinner. It's a filling meal that works for an everyday family dinner as well as a larger gathering. This traditional Filipino stew is worth knowing for its combination of familiar ingredients and distinctive sweet and savory flavors. It offers an approachable look at the kind of comforting dishes commonly served at Filipino tables.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Pork Menudo

    Inihaw Na Liempo (Filipino Grilled Pork Belly)

    Grilled, sliced meat served on a white plate with halved calamansi, red chili peppers, and a small bowl of pickled vegetables.Pin
    Inihaw Na Liempo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Smoky and savory, Inihaw Na Liempo brings Filipino-style grilled pork belly to the table for a hearty main dish. It's a natural choice for outdoor cooking, family meals, and casual gatherings when grilled food is on the menu. The combination of marinated pork and grilling makes this a useful dish to know when exploring Filipino food beyond the familiar favorites. It also shows how important bold marinades and grilled meats are in Filipino meals.
    Get the Recipe: Inihaw Na Liempo

    Ube Milkshake

    A glass of purple milkshake topped with whipped cream, a red cherry, and small white candy pearls, set on a light-colored surface.Pin
    Ube Milkshake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cool and creamy, an Ube Milkshake turns purple yam into an easy drink that doubles as a sweet treat. It's quick to prepare and works well for an afternoon snack or simple dessert. The familiar milkshake format makes this a particularly approachable way to try ube for the first time. It's a simple introduction to an ingredient that appears in many Filipino sweets and desserts.
    Get the Recipe: Ube Milkshake

    Tortang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Omelet)

    A cooked eggplant omelette on a white plate with parsley, a small dish of soy sauce, an egg, and a whole eggplant nearby.Pin
    Tortang Talong. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Eggplant and eggs come together in Tortang Talong for a simple dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its short ingredient list makes it practical for everyday meals without requiring anything complicated. This Filipino eggplant omelet is worth knowing because it turns basic ingredients into a filling and versatile meal. It's an approachable example of the straightforward home cooking found throughout Filipino cuisine.
    Get the Recipe: Tortang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Omelet)

    Ube Milkshake

    A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth.Pin
    Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This version of spaghetti stands out with its sweet-savory style that makes it feel different from the usual pasta dinner. It's a great choice for when you want something comforting without taking too long to put together. Families love it because it feels both special and familiar at the same time. It shows why some traditional Filipino dishes deserve more attention, especially when they bring people together around the table. This meal works well for casual gatherings or an easy weeknight option.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.Pin
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pork belly cooked this way turns into small, crisp bites that are easy to enjoy any time. Using the air fryer keeps it simple and much quicker than traditional methods. It's the kind of dish that works for both a snack and part of a bigger meal. Dishes like this highlight how Filipino cooking can balance flavor and convenience without losing its character. It's one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    Ube Pancakes

    A stack of three purple pancakes topped with sweet purple paste and white strips, served on a white plate with a red checkered cloth nearby.Pin
    Ube Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pancakes bring a pop of color and a sweet, nutty flavor that stands out from the usual breakfast stack. They're quick to make and fun for mornings when you want something a little different. The recipe shows off how Filipino ingredients can turn everyday meals into something memorable. It's a simple way to enjoy a treat while still being easy to prepare. This dish proves why Filipino classics deserve a bigger spot in the spotlight.
    Get the Recipe: Ube Pancakes

    Cucumber and Mango Salad

    A white plate containing a salad with cucumber slices, mango chunks, red onion, and fresh herbs sits on a white surface.Pin
    Cucumber and Mango Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Fresh cucumber and mango together make a light and refreshing side dish. It takes very little time to prepare, making it perfect when you need something quick. The sweet and crisp flavors work well with heavier main courses or on their own. Simple recipes like this remind us why Filipino food has so much variety worth noticing. It's a dish that brings a bright touch to any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Mango Salad

    Ensaladang Mangga

    A white plate with a mixed fruit and vegetable salad, including mango, apple, red bell pepper, and onions, garnished with herbs.Pin
    Ensaladang Mangga. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Green mango paired with a few fresh ingredients creates a sharp and refreshing salad. It's quick to prepare and pairs easily with grilled meats or fried dishes. This kind of recipe shows how Filipino food balances bold flavors with simple steps. It's one of those meals that doesn't need much fuss yet stands out on the table. It highlights why more people should pay attention to Filipino favorites like this.
    Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga

    Filipino Leche Flan

    Leche flan caramel creme brulee on a plate with a spoon.Pin
    Filipino Leche Flan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dessert is rich, creamy, and smooth, making it a favorite at family gatherings. It doesn't take long to prepare and can be made ahead, which makes it convenient. The caramel topping adds a sweet finish that keeps people coming back for more. Traditional treats like this show why Filipino food deserves more recognition beyond just main courses. It's always a welcome way to end a meal.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.Pin
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Lumpia is a go-to snack or appetizer, and the air fryer makes it easier and less messy to prepare. It's quick to cook, so you can have a plate ready without much waiting. These crispy rolls are great for parties, casual meals, or even just a light bite. They highlight how Filipino recipes can be simple while still being worth remembering. It's a dish that shows why these flavors deserve more attention.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Pancit Bihon Guisado

    A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry.Pin
    Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This noodle dish is easy to put together and works well for both everyday meals and celebrations. It's filling enough to serve as a main course while still light on the stomach. Cooking it doesn't take much time, and the ingredients are easy to find. Dishes like this show how Filipino food combines practicality with flavor in a way worth noticing. It's a staple that proves why these meals deserve more recognition.
    Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    A plate of freshly cooked Filipino banana turon lumpia spring rolls.Pin
    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Turon is a sweet snack with banana wrapped and fried to a crisp finish. It's quick to make and works well as a dessert or mid-day bite. This kind of recipe shows how Filipino food can make simple ingredients shine. It's the type of treat that often reminds people of home and shared memories. Recipes like this show why Filipino desserts deserve more attention.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    Filipino Chicken Adobo

    Two pieces of braised meat in a dark, rich sauce, seasoned with whole peppercorns and a bay leaf, in a pan.Pin
    Filipino Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken adobo is a dish that's both bold in flavor and easy to cook on busy days. It uses common ingredients and doesn't need a lot of time to come together. This meal is versatile enough for both weeknights and special occasions. It's one of the classic recipes that show why Filipino cooking should be more widely enjoyed. Dishes like this prove that comfort food can also be simple.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

    Filipino Fruit Salad

    A white bowl filled with fruit salad in creamy sauce, topped with green gelatin cubes and maraschino cherries, sits on a white surface.Pin
    Filipino Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweet, creamy, and filled with fruit, Filipino Fruit Salad is an easy dessert that works well for parties and family gatherings. It can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it convenient when you have other food to serve. The combination of fruit and creamy ingredients offers a good introduction to a dessert commonly enjoyed at Filipino celebrations. It's worth getting to know for its simple preparation and place at the Filipino table.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Fruit Salad

    Ube Ice Cream

    A close-up of purple ice cream in a bowl, with a spoon scooping out a portion.Pin
    Ube Ice Cream. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy and colorful, Ube Ice Cream is an easy way to become familiar with the sweet, earthy flavor of purple yam. It makes a fun dessert for warm days, family gatherings, or whenever you want something different from standard ice cream flavors. The familiar frozen format makes ube approachable for anyone trying it for the first time. It's a good introduction to a popular Filipino ingredient and shows how well it works in desserts.
    Get the Recipe: Ube Ice Cream

    Shrimp Pancit Canton

    A pan of stir-fried noodles with shrimp, snap peas, carrots, and cabbage, with a wooden spatula resting on the side.Pin
    Shrimp Pancit Canton. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Noodles, shrimp, and vegetables make Shrimp Pancit Canton a practical choice for lunch or dinner. It comes together quickly enough for a weeknight while still working well for gatherings and special occasions. This Filipino noodle dish is a good one to know because pancit has long been a familiar part of celebrations and everyday meals. It's an approachable way to bring a classic Filipino-style noodle meal to your own table.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pancit Canton

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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