Filipino food is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia’s culinary scene, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that make it stand out. While I don’t see it as often on menus worldwide, the flavors of the Philippines are truly worth exploring. After spending years in the region, I’ve had the chance to enjoy these hearty, flavorful dishes firsthand. Here’s my personal list of the top 10 Filipino dishes that should be on every food lover’s radar.

1. Chicken Adobo (Adobong Manok)

A classic in Filipino cuisine, Chicken Adobo is often considered the national dish of the Philippines. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish made by marinating chicken in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns before simmering it until tender. The dish is then pan-fried to add a nice crispy texture. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you can’t go wrong with this hearty, savory favorite.

2. Bicol Express (Sinilihan)

Bicol Express is a spicy, coconut-based stew originating from the Bicol region, known for its love of chili. The dish features pork cooked with shrimp paste, garlic, and plenty of chili, all simmered in creamy coconut milk. This fiery dish is perfect for anyone who loves both heat and coconut flavors. The name Bicol Express is rumored to be inspired by the train route between Bicol and Manila, making it a spicy journey for your taste buds.

3. Philippine Beef Steak (Bistek Tagalog)

If you’re craving beef, Bistek Tagalog is a delicious, saucy steak dish. Thin strips of beef sirloin are marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and pepper before being pan-fried and served with a tangy squeeze of kalamansi (Filipino lime) and topped with fried onions. It’s a simple but incredibly flavorful dish that makes a great main course for any meal.

4. Pork Sisig

Pork Sisig is a dish that makes the best use of every part of the pig, from the ears to the snout. The meat is marinated in vinegar and soy sauce, seasoned with spices, and then fried with onions to create a crispy, savory, and sometimes spicy dish. Originating from Pampanga, it’s become one of the most beloved bar food dishes in the country, often served with a cold Filipino beer.

5. Sinigang

A comforting bowl of Sinigang is the Filipino answer to soups like Vietnam’s Pho or Thailand’s Tom Yum. This tangy tamarind-based soup is packed with hearty vegetables like okra, water spinach, and radish, and it’s usually made with pork. The sourness of the broth, combined with the savory meat and vegetables, makes it a perfect dish to enjoy any time of year, especially during cooler weather.

6. Pancit Bihon Guisado

Pancit Bihon Guisado is a flavorful Filipino noodle dish made from thin rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, onions, soy sauce, and a choice of meat, such as chicken or pork. The dish is topped with vegetables and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness. It’s a fantastic example of Filipino comfort food and an ideal dish for large gatherings or family meals.

7. Sizzling Gambas

Sizzling Gambas is a delightful Filipino take on Mediterranean cooking. Shrimp is cooked with bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, and chili in a rich tomato sauce and served sizzling on a hot plate. It’s a dish that combines the Mediterranean flavors of Spain with the Filipino love for spice. You can also find other versions made with chicken or other meats, but shrimp remains the most popular.

8. Bibingka

No Filipino holiday celebration is complete without Bibingka, a traditional rice cake. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, butter, and eggs, this cake is wrapped in banana leaves and baked to perfection. Often topped with salted duck eggs and served warm, Bibingka is a delightful treat that’s especially popular during Christmas, when it’s sold outside churches after mass.

9. Halo-Halo

Halo-Halo is a refreshing dessert perfect for the Philippines’ warm climate. The name translates to “mix-mix,” and it lives up to its name with a colorful blend of shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruits, and jellies, topped with leche flan (caramelized custard) and sometimes ice cream. It’s a fun and exciting dessert that changes with each bite, offering a mix of textures and flavors that are uniquely Filipino.

10. Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a rich and hearty oxtail stew cooked in a thick peanut sauce, usually accompanied by a variety of vegetables. It’s a dish that requires patience to prepare, making it a treat that’s often saved for special occasions. The tender oxtail, combined with the savory peanut sauce, creates a comforting, indulgent dish that is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of shrimp paste for an added umami kick.

These 10 dishes offer a snapshot of the Philippines’ diverse and flavorful cuisine. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or sweet, Filipino food is full of surprises that will leave you wanting more.