Filipino cuisine is a fusion of different cultures and influences over the past centuries. Its unique blend of flavors, spices, and cooking techniques make it stand out among other Asian cuisines. Some of the popular dishes include:
Adobo – a meat dish marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Sinigang – a sour soup with meat or seafood and vegetables, usually tamarind is used as a souring agent.
Lechon – a roasted whole pig, often served as the centerpiece of special occasions and festivals.
Pancit – stir-fried noodles with meat, vegetables, and sometimes seafood.
Kare-Kare – a stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and peanut sauce.
Lumpia – crispy fried rolls filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
Halo-halo – a colorful dessert made with shaved ice, fruits, sweet beans, and milk.
Balut – a fertilized duck egg delicacy with a partially-formed embryo inside.
Filipino cuisine is known for its bold and unique flavors, with a combination of sweet, sour, and salty tastes. It also uses a lot of local ingredients such as calamansi, coconut, and banana leaves. Filipino food is also known for its communal and celebratory nature, as it is often shared and enjoyed with family and friends.