A Regional Guide To Philippine Cuisine

Philippine cuisine has several foreign influences that have successfully made the archipelagic country “a melting pot of cultures”. Indigenous Filipino food was heavily influenced by Chinese, Spanish, American, Japanese, Mexican, and Islamic cuisine. As a food-loving nation, the distinct culinary methods from outsiders have naturally evolved into contemporary Filipino dishes we know and love today. In this article, we delve deeper into the different dishes per region in the Philippines. Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most unique cuisines — Filipino food.

Bicol Region: Laing

Bicolanos’ taste buds have always appreciated a nice spicy kick to their food, which is why Laing is one of the most iconic dishes in their region. Laing is a sun-dried taro leaves dish that is cooked slowly in gata (coconut milk) and labuyo chilies along with pork and shrimp. As with most Filipino dishes, Laing is best eaten with warm rice.

Central Luzon: Sisig

It is said that Sisig originated in a humble eatery by railroad tracks in Pampanga, in Central Luzon. Lucia Cunanan was credited for this culinary breakthrough back in the 1970s. Sisig has undergone numerous variations throughout the years, with cooks adding their signature touches to the famed dish today. You can try the Zubuchon Sisig for only P290, which is made with chopped lechon (roasted pig) meat sautéed with onions, garlic, and chilies.

In its most classic form, however, Sisig is made from grilled pig’s face, pig’s ears, chicken liver, chili, and seasoned with chopped onions, and calamansi (Philippine lemon). Though the idea of eating chopped pig’s face on a sizzling hot plate might sound bizarre to others, in Philippine cuisine, this is the perfect dish to complement a bottle of cold beer. 

Western Visayas: Chicken Inasal

For those who love barbecue, the Chicken Inasal originating from Bacolod in the Western Visayas region just might satisfy your taste buds. Chicken Inasal is a chicken dish that is marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and lemongrass before being skewered and grilled over hot coals. While being grilled, the chicken is brushed with oil flavored with annatto seed and garlic. Chicken Inasal is best enjoyed with a dipping sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, chilies, calamansi, and minced garlic.

Central Visayas: Lechon

Some of the most iconic dishes in Philippine cuisine are found in Central Visayas. The province of Cebu is recognized to offer the tastiest lechon.

A true celebration dish, lechon is found on almost every Filipino fiesta. Lechon is a glistening, wholly roasted, and deep red pork dish. With its perfectly crispy skin and meat nursing with lip-smacking flavor, it is definitely one of the country’s best dishes.

Those who cook lechon need to master the skill of turning the spit and moving the charcoal to ensure an even and smooth skin browning. This will also keep the pork’s skin crunchy, while the meat is tender.

Western Mindanao: Satti

Satti is a derivative of Southeast Asia's satay. But in the Philippines, the people in the Western Mindanao region have made the dish their own. Satti is made with beef and chicken strips and livers that are spiced with turmeric, pepper, garlic, and curry. Afterward, it is grilled and placed on top of sweet and spicy red sauce. The dish is also best paired with puso (cubed rice).

Calabarzon: Bulalo

Parts of the Calabarzon region have colder temperatures, which is why a warm bowl of Bulalo is perfect, especially on rainy days. The province of Batangas is known for its tasty Bulalo, which is a flavorful beef soup. The dish is cooked with beef shanks and bone marrow until the beef is fall-off-the-bone tender. It also comes with corn on the cob, scallions, onions, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and leafy vegetables. Enjoy Bulalo to the fullest by poking the bone marrow and slurping it.

Ilocos Region: Empanada

Many Philippine cuisine favorites hail from the Ilocos region. There’s the Ilocos longganisa (garlicky sausage), bagnet, and pinakbet. But one of the local’s most delicious dishes is Empanada, which is a crunchy stuffed pie filled with egg, shredded papaya, and longganisa. Unlike any other empanada variety, Ilocos empanadas have a bright orange color. To enjoy your empanadas to the fullest, dip them in some spiced vinegar sauce.

If you can’t go all the way to Ilocos Region at the moment, try Mang Inasal’s Merienda Combo Meal for only P109, which comes with empanada and halo-halo (a famed cold dessert in the Philippines).

In this article, we’ve rounded up just some of the dishes per region in the Philippines. Go on a food trip around the Philippines and discover more authentic Filipino food! Complemented by the country’s breathtaking views and the local resident’s friendliness, it will surely be a memorable experience. But if you don’t have the luxury to travel at the moment, #CheckSMDeals for a wide variety of Filipino dishes you could easily buy or order at SM Supermalls.