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Ayurizka Purwadhania · Jan 18, 2023
culinary 
guide 
7 Filipino Foods, From Traditional to Extreme!

What typical Filipino food is a must try? Here's the list!

Filipino Cuisine — The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia that is rich in culture, history, and don't forget its legendary culinary specialties. When talking about what food is characteristic of this country, of course there are various choices that you can try.

The main feature of typical Filipino food is the dominant type of spice in each menu. Not infrequently you can also find a variety of extreme foods in this country. Then, what typical Filipino food must be tried? Here's the list!

1. Chicken Adobo

Adobo Chicken by Kitchn
Adobo Chicken by Kitchn

Chicken Adobo is a Filipino food made from chicken meat mixed with spices, garlic, vinegar and sweet soy sauce. These spices are used to marinate the meat for several hours before cooking it over low heat until the meat becomes tender and the spices seep into it.

Chicken Adobo has a spicy and savory taste with a strong garlic aroma. This is one of the favorite foods in the Philippines and is often served at family functions or celebrations.

2. Bulalo

Bulalo by Knorr
Bulalo by Knorr

The next typical Filipino food is Bulalo. This menu is made from beef bones that are fried or grilled before being cooked with spices such as garlic, shallots, ginger and salt. It is cooked over low heat for several hours until the meat and bones are tender and the fat has melted.

Bulalo is often served with plain rice or fried potatoes and topped with vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and bok choy. The taste is strong and savory, with a strong garlic aroma.

3. Balut

Balut
Balut

Balut is a Filipino dish that is quite extreme. This food is duck eggs that are processed before hatching, so it will be quite clear to see the duck embryos covered by membranes.

Balut can be found in traditional markets or sold by street vendors throughout the Philippines. It is quite a popular food in the country and is considered a traditional food. However, some people may feel uncomfortable with the idea of consuming immature egg embryos.

4. Pancit Palabok

Pancit Palabok by Serious Eat
Pancit Palabok by Serious Eat

The next typical Filipino food is Pancit Palabok. What is Pancit Palabok? Food made from peanut sauce added with ingredients such as shrimp, beef, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and fried onions. Pancit Palabok is served with a fairly thick gravy and added other ingredients such as peas, eggs and crackers.

5. Lechon

Lechon by Devour Asia
Lechon by Devour Asia

Lechon is a typical Filipino food made from fried or grilled pork with spices such as garlic, shallots, ginger, salt and other spices.

This food is often served on special occasions such as weddings, parties or other celebrations. Lechon meat is also often used as a basic ingredient in several other dishes such as soup, pickles, or a mixture in other dishes.

6. Arroz caldo

Arroz caldo by Serious Eat
Arroz caldo by Serious Eat

Arroz Caldo is a Filipino specialty made of rice cooked in chicken or beef broth, garlic, shallots, ginger and other spices. This food is known as a refreshing dish and is often served when sick or cold weather.

7. Taba ng Talangka

Taba ng Talangka by wikiHow
Taba ng Talangka by wikiHow

Taba ng Talangka is a typical Filipino food made from small crabs which are processed with spices such as garlic, shallots, ginger, salt and other spices. This food is cooked over low heat until the spices seep into the crab and it becomes savory and delicious.

Those are 7 recommendations for typical Filipino food that you can try, which number do you want to try the most?

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