Top 5 Must-Try Dishes in the Philippines (As Told by a Local)
Article posted Mon, 19 Nov 2018
Ahh, the Philippines. Home to pristine beaches, bustling cities, kind people, and darn-good comfort food. The archipelago’s rich heritage reflects decades of influence from regional traders and Western settlers. With over 7,000 islands—each with their own distinct style and flavour—the country is a cultural and culinary melting pot. As the country with the most Red Planet Hotels so far, we have a trusty crew of insiders who know all about the best eats. Here are 5 delicious reasons to book a trip to the Philippines (as if those beaches and super malls aren’t enough) as told by a local.
Adobo
Considered by many as the Philippines’ “National Dish”, Adobo is a staple in every Filipino home and restaurant. This dish is usually made of pork or chicken, stewed with soy sauce, vinegar and garlic, seasoned with cracked black pepper. Have it with steamed rice and you are in a for a savoury, satisfying meal.
Sisig
If there’s a Filipino dish you shouldn’t miss, it’s definitely Sisig. A delicious myriad of different pork parts, this dish is served on a sizzling iron-cast plate and topped with a touch of calamansi and chilli peppers – if you can take the heat. Completed by cracking an egg on top, this dish is best paired with an ice-cold beer and good friends.
Pansit Palabok
This noodle dish is a delightful combination of thin rice noodles, shrimp sauce, and a varying mound of other good stuff (we’re talking about soft boiled egg, crunchy pork rinds, smoked fish, scallions, and calamansi). It’s an unexpected flavour bomb that always leaves you wanting more, surely living up to its nickname as the “Fiesta Noodles.”
Sinigang
A classic Filipino dish, this sour-meets-savoury soup of vegetables and meat or seafood is soul soothing. Everybody from elders to small children can get behind this dish, which can be served with rice for a hearty meal. Just be warned: the stewed veggies and tasty broth will test your self-control not to jump up for seconds…or thirds.
Lechon
Whole roast pork. Need we say more? A staple in feasts and parties, lechon is just as amazing of a sight as it is a dish. If the cooked-to-perfection meat isn’t enough, the crackling skin will win you over. Pro tip: Cebu’s version is the best in the country! Are you drooling yet? Grab a tissue and book your trip to the Philippines. Make Red Planet Hotels your home base during your trip. Our staff knows all the best places to grab a bite. Plus, we are tech savvy so by using our free high-speed Wi-Fi to download the Red Planet Hotels app, you’ll have access to a sweet destination guide. As Asia’s top budget hotel brand, you can be sure our super affordable rates will be leaving you with extra money for all your foodie needs!