Lumpia
Often eaten: Lumpia is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Known for: All over the Philippines
Snack TimeFiesta
Photo: FBenjr123 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
3 dishes to discover
Food of Philippines
The Philippines is a country with a delicious array of foods that are as vibrant as its history and culture. Many dishes reflect the country's Malay, Spanish, and Chinese influences. Meals in the Philippines often include rice, and the cuisine uses a mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Whether you're at a fiesta or a quiet family dinner, Filipino food is all about sharing and celebrating.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In the Philippines, meals are a special time when family and friends get together to enjoy delicious food. Rice is a big part of the meal and is often served with other dishes. Sharing food is important and shows love and connection.
Eating Etiquette
In the Philippines, it's respectful to wait for everyone, especially the elders, before starting to eat. People often use a spoon and fork, but some foods are eaten with hands, like at family picnics or gatherings.
When People Eat It
Adobo
Often eaten: Adobo is often enjoyed during lunch or dinner.
Known for: All over the Philippines
Family DinnerFiesta
Sinigang
Often eaten: Sinigang is commonly served during lunch or dinner.
Known for: All over the Philippines
Family DinnerRainy Days
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
LumpiaLumpia
Makes 20 rollsIngredients
- 20 wrappersLumpia wrappers
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Ground pork
- 1 carrotCarrot, grated
- 1 cup (70 g)Cabbage, shredded
- 2 cloves, 1 tbspGarlic and soy sauce
- 2 cups (475 ml)Oil, for frying
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the pork, garlic, carrot, and cabbage with soy sauce, then cool.
- 2Spoon a thin line of filling near one edge of a wrapper.
- 3Fold the edge over, tuck in the sides, and roll up tightly. Seal with water.
- 4Ask a grown-up to heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- 5Fry the rolls a few at a time for 3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- 6Drain and serve with a sweet-and-sour dip.
AdoboAdobo
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g)Chicken pieces
- 1/3 cup (80 ml)Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml)Vinegar
- 6 clovesGarlic, crushed
- 3 leaves, 1 tspBay leaves and peppercorns
- to serveCooked rice
How to Make It
- 1Put the chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a pot.
- 2Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- 3Ask a grown-up to bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 40 minutes.
- 4Lift out the chicken and let the sauce bubble until it thickens a little.
- 5Return the chicken and coat it in the glossy sauce.
- 6Serve over rice — one of the most loved dishes in the Philippines.
SinigangSinigang
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Pork or shrimp
- 1 packetTamarind soup mix
- 2 tomatoes, 1 onionTomatoes and onion
- 1 cup eachRadish and green beans
- 2 cupsWater spinach (kangkong)
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to simmer the pork with onion and tomatoes in a big pot of water.
- 2Cook until the pork is tender, about 45 minutes.
- 3Stir in the tamarind soup mix for a sour, tangy broth.
- 4Add the radish and green beans and cook until just tender.
- 5Drop in the leafy greens at the very end.
- 6Ladle into bowls and serve with rice — a comforting sour soup.
Vocabulary
Just like family-style dining in Italy, Filipino meals are about enjoying food together, with an emphasis on sharing and bold flavors.