• Jul 21, 2025
• by Adolphus Parisian
• Comments

A Culinary Journey Through the Philippines: 5 Must-Try Dishes

Discover the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine! This article explores 5 essential dishes, from savory Bistek to heartwarming Pochero, offering recipes, tips, and fun facts to embark on your own culinary adventure. Explore the rich tapestry of Filipino food today!

1. Bistek (Filipino Beef Steak)

Description: Experience the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with Bistek, a savory beef steak dish marinated in a tangy soy-citrus sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a delightful balance of salty, sour, and sweet, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Why You Should Try This: Bistek is a beloved Filipino classic, loved for its simple yet incredibly flavorful marinade and tender beef. It's a staple in many Filipino households and a great introduction to the cuisine.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For best results, use thinly sliced sirloin or round steak.
• 2. Marinating the beef longer will result in a more flavorful and tender dish.
• 3. Adjust the amount of sugar and lime juice to achieve your desired balance of sweet and sour.
• 4. Serve with steamed rice for a traditional Filipino experience.

2. Pochero

Description: Embark on a culinary journey to the Philippines with this heartwarming Pochero, a vibrant chicken stew brimming with tender meat, an array of garden vegetables, and the subtle sweetness of plantains, all simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato-infused broth. A truly comforting and satisfying dish that brings the taste of home to your table.

Why You Should Try This: Pochero is a quintessential Filipino comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions. Its rich broth and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
• 2. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or bok choy.
• 3. If you can't find chorizo de Bilbao, you can substitute with another type of Spanish chorizo or even smoked sausage.
• 4. Adjust the amount of water to your desired consistency. The stew should be thick and flavorful.

3. Adobo Twist

Description: Experience the quintessential Filipino comfort food! This Adobo Twist recipe elevates the classic with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, resulting in tender pork belly simmered in a rich, glossy sauce. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to make.

Why You Should Try This: Adobo is arguably the national dish of the Philippines, and this twist on the classic offers a modern take on the beloved recipe. Its versatility makes it adaptable to different tastes.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, marinate the pork belly in soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
• 2. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
• 3. Serve hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
• 4. Leftovers are even better the next day as the flavors meld together even more!

4. Filipino Fish Escabeche

Description: Experience the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with this exquisite Fish Escabeche. Crispy fried fish is enveloped in a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce bursting with colorful bell peppers, aromatic ginger, and a hint of garlic. A delightful harmony of textures and tastes that will transport your palate.

Why You Should Try This: Fish Escabeche showcases the Filipinos' mastery of balancing sweet and sour flavors. The crispy fish and vibrant sauce make it a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• 2. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your preferred level of sweetness and tanginess.
• 3. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• 4. Serve with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• 5. The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add the cornstarch slurry just before serving.

5. Filipino Baked Milkfish (Baked Bangus)

Description: Experience the savory delight of Baked Bangus, a classic Filipino dish where milkfish is infused with vibrant flavors and baked to perfection. A surprisingly simple recipe that yields an impressive result.

Why You Should Try This: Baked Bangus is a celebratory dish, often served during special occasions. Its simple preparation belies its rich and flavorful taste.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, marinate the milkfish in the calamansi-soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• 2. Adding a small amount of chili pepper to the stuffing or marinade can introduce a pleasant level of heat.
• 3. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, it's ready.
• 4. If you don't have access to calamansi, lemon or lime juice makes a suitable substitute. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• 5. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.