17 Filipino recipes rooted in comfort and tradition

These Filipino recipes are the kinds of dishes I come back to when I want food that feels familiar, steady, and made to be shared. They're practical for real life, built around everyday ingredients, and shaped by habits passed down through families rather than trends. If you enjoy cooking meals that bring people to the table and hold meaning beyond the plate, this collection is made for you.

A close-up of purple ice cream in a bowl, with a spoon scooping out a portion.

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Pancit Bihon Guisado

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

This noodle dish comes together quickly, making it a reliable option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It's easy to prepare in one pan and works well as a main meal or shared centerpiece. The flavors reflect the kind of food often served at family celebrations and everyday meals alike. It stands out as a trusted staple that carries the warmth and familiarity many people associate with Filipino home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Ensaladang Mangga

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

This refreshing side dish is quick to assemble and works well alongside grilled or fried meals. It requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. The balance of flavors reflects how Filipino households often pair fresh elements with heavier dishes. It fits naturally into meals that value tradition, balance, and everyday comfort.
Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga

Filipino Spaghetti

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

This pasta dish is a popular choice for parties, potlucks, and family dinners because it feeds a crowd without much effort. It can be prepared ahead of time and reheats well, making it practical for busy schedules. The slightly sweet profile reflects how many grew up eating it at birthdays and celebrations. It remains a familiar favorite that connects everyday meals to shared memories.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

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. — Cucumber and Mango Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This light side dish takes very little time to prepare and pairs easily with many main courses. It's often served cold, making it useful for warm days or heavy meals. The flavor combination reflects how Filipino meals often include something fresh to balance richer foods. It fits well into traditional tables where contrast and simplicity matter.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Mango Salad

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This snack comes together quickly and is commonly served as a dessert or afternoon treat. It's easy to portion and works well for sharing during family gatherings. The flavors are closely tied to street food and home kitchens alike. It remains a familiar comfort item rooted in everyday Filipino food culture.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

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. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork bites cook faster than traditional methods, making them practical for weeknight meals. They're simple to prepare and work well as a main dish or party platter. The rich flavors reflect a classic dish often served during celebrations. It connects modern convenience with long-standing Filipino food traditions.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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. — Filipino Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chilled dessert is quick to assemble and is often prepared ahead of time for gatherings. It's commonly served during holidays and family events, making it easy to scale for a crowd. The mix of fruit and cream reflects familiar flavors many grew up with. It holds a steady place in Filipino celebrations centered on comfort and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fruit Salad

Filipino Chicken Adobo

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

This dish is known for being easy to prepare and forgiving with timing, making it ideal for busy days. It works well as a main course and keeps well for leftovers. The flavor profile is deeply familiar and commonly associated with home-cooked meals. It represents a cornerstone of Filipino food traditions passed down through families.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Adobo

Shrimp Pancit Canton

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

This noodle dish cooks quickly, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions. It's filling enough to serve as a main dish while still easy to portion. The combination of noodles and seafood reflects meals often shared during gatherings. It continues a long-standing role in Filipino food culture tied to celebration and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pancit Canton

Ube Halaya

A white bowl filled with purple yam jam and a wooden spoon sits on a white surface near a basket of bread rolls. — Ube Halaya. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dessert takes some time but is often made ahead for special occasions. It's commonly served as a sweet ending or used in other desserts. The flavor is closely associated with family gatherings and festive tables. It reflects traditions that value homemade sweets and shared preparation.
Get the Recipe: Ube Halaya

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

These rolls cook faster than traditional versions, making them practical for quick snacks or party trays. They're easy to prepare in batches and simple to serve. Lumpia is a familiar presence at gatherings big and small. It remains a strong example of Filipino comfort food enjoyed across generations.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino Leche Flan

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

This dessert is typically prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for holidays and celebrations. It's served chilled and works well as a shared dessert. The smooth texture and rich flavor are strongly tied to family traditions. It continues to be a staple at tables centered on togetherness and familiarity.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Leche Flan

Ube Ice Cream

This frozen dessert requires advance preparation but stores well for later use. It's often served as a dessert or paired with other sweets. The flavor is widely associated with Filipino celebrations and family treats. It reflects how traditional ingredients continue to appear in everyday enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Ube Ice Cream

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. — Ube Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pancakes cook quickly and work well for breakfast or brunch. They're simple to prepare and easy to serve for both kids and adults. The ube flavor adds a familiar note tied to Filipino sweets. It brings traditional tastes into a casual, everyday meal.
Get the Recipe: Ube Pancakes

Chicken Feet Adobo

Chicken adobo feet one white plate with cilantro garnish. — Chicken Feet Adobo. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This dish is typically cooked low and slow, making it well-suited for make-ahead meals. It's often served as a main dish or shared plate. The use of this ingredient reflects practical cooking traditions passed down over time. It represents a side of Filipino food culture rooted in resourcefulness and familiarity.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Feet Adobo

Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad

A glass bowl filled with a creamy fruit salad, featuring colorful fruits and marshmallows, placed on a blue cloth. — Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This dessert is easy to assemble and commonly prepared ahead for gatherings. It works well for potlucks and family celebrations because it serves many people. The combination of pasta and fruit reflects flavors familiar to many households. It continues a tradition of shared, comforting desserts at Filipino tables.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Macaroni Fruit Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side. — Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This version shortens cooking time while keeping the dish suitable for everyday meals. It's simple to prepare and works well as a main course. The flavors remain closely tied to what many recognize as home cooking. It blends modern convenience with deeply rooted Filipino food traditions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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