Top 10 Filipino Delicacies You Must Try in 2025
Introduction
Filipino cuisine is one of the most flavorful, comforting, and heartwarming in the world. When people talk about Filipino delicacies, they often think of dishes that bring back childhood memories, family gatherings, and the warm smiles of loved ones sharing food around a table. Food is not just sustenance for Filipinos — it’s an expression of love, culture, and identity.
Each region in the Philippines offers its own version of these iconic dishes — from the rich, meaty stews of Luzon to the spicy coconut-based specialties of Bicol and the fresh seafood creations from Visayas and Mindanao. Every spoonful tells a story — one of heritage, family, and Filipino pride.
In 2025, Filipino delicacies continue to gain recognition worldwide as chefs and food lovers abroad discover the depth and creativity of Filipino cooking. Whether you’re a tourist discovering Filipino delicacies for the first time or an OFW craving the comforting flavors of home, this list will guide you through the Top 10 Filipino Delicacies You Must Try in 2025 — dishes that perfectly capture the heart and soul of Filipino culture and hospitality.
(Read more about Filipino culture and travel at ExpPH Blog – Culture & Travel Section)
1. Adobo – The National Comfort Dish
No talk of Filipino delicacies is ever complete without mentioning the all-time favorite — adobo. Considered by many as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, adobo is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and garlicky goodness. The process is simple: marinate chicken or pork in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, then simmer until tender.
What makes adobo special is how versatile it is. Every Filipino family has its own version — some prefer it saucy, others dry and crispy; some add potatoes, while others cook it with coconut milk or pineapple for a unique twist. This diversity mirrors Filipino creativity and regional influence.
It’s not just food — it’s emotion. The smell of adobo simmering in the kitchen often signals that it’s Sunday lunch or a special family reunion. And no matter where you are in the world, the taste of adobo instantly feels like home.
(If you love adobo, check out our guide on The History and Variations of Filipino Adobo)
2. Lechon – The King of Filipino Feasts
Another legendary Filipino delicacy is lechon — the ultimate symbol of celebration. The whole roasted pig, with its golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat, takes center stage at fiestas, weddings, and holidays.
Lechon is more than just food; it’s a tradition that brings people together. The process of roasting the pig over charcoal for hours requires patience, teamwork, and skill. In Cebu, known for having the best lechon in the country, locals infuse the pig with aromatic herbs like lemongrass, garlic, and onions to achieve that signature flavor.
Even world-renowned chef Anthony Bourdain declared Cebu’s lechon as “the best pig ever.” And truly, one bite of perfectly roasted lechon skin — with that satisfying crunch — will make you understand why it holds a royal spot among Filipino delicacies.
(Learn more about the regional variations of lechon on Philippine Tourism’s Food Guide)
3. Sinigang – Sour, Savory, and Comforting
Among all Filipino delicacies, sinigang has a special place in every Filipino heart. This comforting soup, often described as the “taste of home,” balances sour, savory, and fresh flavors. Its tanginess usually comes from tamarind, but other fruits like guava, calamansi, or even green mango can also be used.
Each household puts its own twist on sinigang. Some prefer sinigang na baboy (pork), while others go for sinigang na hipon (shrimp) or sinigang na isda (fish). No matter the version, it’s always served piping hot, paired with a bowl of steaming rice.
For many Filipinos living abroad, cooking sinigang is a nostalgic experience — one that instantly brings back memories of family meals during rainy days. It’s not just soup; it’s comfort in a bowl.
(Related read: Best Filipino Soups for Every Weather)
4. Kare-Kare – The Peanut Stew of Love
Kare-kare is a rich, velvety stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and peanut sauce — and it’s one of the most beloved Filipino delicacies. It’s traditionally served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side, creating that perfect combination of savory, nutty, and salty.
Legend has it that kare-kare originated from the royal kitchens of pre-colonial Manila or was inspired by Indian curry introduced by immigrants. Whatever its true origin, it has become a staple at Filipino celebrations, especially on Sundays.
The preparation may take hours, but the result is worth it — a bowl full of thick, aromatic sauce that’s both luxurious and comforting. In many Filipino homes, kare-kare represents patience, love, and the art of home cooking.
(Discover the origin of kare-kare in our article: Royal Roots of Filipino Stews)
5. Halo-Halo – A Sweet, Colorful Summer Treat
Halo-halo, which literally means “mix-mix,” is one of the most iconic Filipino delicacies and a true summer favorite. It’s a vibrant mix of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, leche flan, and ube ice cream on top.
The fun part about halo-halo is the experience itself — mixing all the ingredients together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth!
Today, halo-halo has evolved into many modern versions. Some restaurants serve it with cheese, cornflakes, or even boba pearls. No matter the twist, the essence remains the same: it’s a joyful dessert that perfectly represents the colorful culture of the Filipino people.
(Check out Top Filipino Desserts to Beat the Heat)
6. Bibingka – The Christmas Classic
Few Filipino delicacies can match the nostalgia that bibingka brings. This soft, buttery rice cake — cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves — is a Christmas staple. The smell alone, often wafting outside churches after Simbang Gabi, evokes warmth, faith, and festivity.
Topped with salted egg, cheese, and butter, bibingka offers a delightful mix of flavors: sweet, salty, and smoky. For many Filipinos, it’s not Christmas without bibingka and puto bumbong.
Even abroad, Filipinos recreate bibingka using modern kitchen tools, proving that traditions can evolve while keeping their essence alive.
(Read more about Filipino Christmas foods at ExpPH Blog – Pinoy Traditions)
7. Laing – Creamy and Spicy Bicolano Pride
Hailing from the Bicol region, laing is a creamy, spicy dish made from dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and chili. It’s one of the most flavorful Filipino delicacies — rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced between spice and creaminess.
Laing showcases the Filipino knack for turning simple, affordable ingredients into something exceptional. It’s a dish that reflects Bicolanos’ love for coconut milk-based dishes and their bold approach to spice.
Served with rice, laing delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s humble yet unforgettable — the kind of dish that reminds you of home even if you’re miles away.
(Explore more Bicolano foods in our post: Top Dishes from the Bicol Region)
8. Lumpiang Shanghai – The Party Favorite
No Filipino celebration is complete without Lumpiang Shanghai. These crispy, golden rolls filled with ground pork, carrots, and onions are among the most-loved Filipino delicacies. Whether it’s a birthday, fiesta, or reunion, you can bet that Lumpiang Shanghai will be gone before anything else!
Filipinos love sharing food, and Lumpiang Shanghai symbolizes that spirit of generosity and joy. It’s affordable, easy to make, and always satisfying. Even kids who are picky eaters can’t resist it.
Pair it with sweet chili sauce and a cold soda, and you’ve got yourself a bite of pure happiness.
(See more festive dishes at Best Filipino Party Foods)
9. Puto and Kutsinta – The Merienda Duo
Afternoons in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without puto and kutsinta, two timeless Filipino delicacies that have been part of local life for generations. Sold in markets and roadside stalls, these rice cakes are simple yet deeply comforting.
Puto is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, often served with cheese on top. Kutsinta, on the other hand, has a chewy texture and a rich caramel-like flavor. When topped with freshly grated coconut, they become the perfect pair.
They remind us of quiet afternoons, merienda with neighbors, or school recess with friends. These delicacies may be simple, but they hold a special place in every Filipino’s heart.
(Learn more: Traditional Filipino Merienda Favorites)
10. Ube Halaya – The Purple Icon
Finally, no list of Filipino delicacies would be complete without ube halaya — a vibrant purple dessert made from boiled and mashed purple yam mixed with condensed milk and butter. Smooth, creamy, and beautifully colored, it has become a global sensation.
Ube halaya is often used as a base for many Filipino desserts — from cakes and pastries to ice cream and halo-halo. What makes ube unique is not just its flavor, but its ability to represent Filipino creativity and pride.
Across the world, ube has become a trend, featured in cafes and bakeries from Manila to Los Angeles. Yet for Filipinos, it will always be a reminder of home — sweet, comforting, and proudly Pinoy.
(Related read: The Global Rise of Ube Desserts)
Conclusion
From savory stews to colorful desserts, these Filipino delicacies are more than just food — they are the stories of our people, our celebrations, and our shared love for good company. Every dish reflects Filipino values: creativity, adaptability, and warmth.
So whether you’re enjoying adobo in your kitchen abroad or tasting halo-halo under the summer sun, remember that each bite connects you to a long tradition of Filipino pride and togetherness.
Continue your flavorful journey through Filipino cuisine at ExpPH Blog – Food & Culture and celebrate the rich heritage of Filipino delicacies that make our country truly unique.
