Filipino cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that reflect the Philippines’ diverse cultural heritage. From Spanish colonial influences to Chinese trading connections, American occupation, and indigenous traditions, Filipino food tells the story of a nation through its dishes. This comprehensive guide explores 100 Filipino food names and their English equivalents, helping food enthusiasts understand and appreciate the complexity of Philippine gastronomy.
Understanding Filipino Food Culture
Filipino cuisine is characterized by bold flavors, creative use of local ingredients, and dishes that bring families together. Many Filipino food names have no direct English translation because they represent unique cooking methods, ingredient combinations, or cultural concepts that are distinctly Filipino. This guide provides the closest English equivalents and explanations to help you navigate the wonderful world of Filipino food.
100 Filipino Food Names and Their English Equivalents
Rice and Grain Dishes
1. Adobo
English Equivalent: Vinegar and soy sauce braised meat Meaning: The Philippines’ national dish of meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices Example: “I’m cooking adobo for dinner tonight – it’s pork braised in vinegar and soy sauce.”
2. Sinangag
English Equivalent: Garlic fried rice Meaning: Fried rice with garlic, often made from leftover rice Example: “For breakfast, I’ll have garlic fried rice with eggs.”
3. Arroz Caldo
English Equivalent: Rice porridge with chicken Meaning: Savory rice porridge cooked with chicken and ginger Example: “When I’m sick, I prefer rice porridge with chicken for comfort.”
4. Lugaw
English Equivalent: Plain rice porridge Meaning: Simple rice porridge, often served with toppings Example: “The plain rice porridge is perfect for breakfast.”
5. Goto
English Equivalent: Rice porridge with beef tripe Meaning: Rice porridge with beef tripe and ox intestines Example: “Street vendors sell rice porridge with beef tripe late at night.”
Meat Dishes
6. Lechon
English Equivalent: Roasted whole pig Meaning: Whole pig roasted over charcoal, a centerpiece for celebrations Example: “For the wedding, we ordered a roasted whole pig as the main dish.”
7. Kare-kare
English Equivalent: Oxtail peanut stew Meaning: Oxtail and vegetables in thick peanut sauce Example: “The oxtail peanut stew is served with fermented shrimp paste.”
8. Bulalo
English Equivalent: Beef bone marrow soup Meaning: Clear soup with beef shanks and bone marrow Example: “The beef bone marrow soup is perfect for cold weather.”
9. Caldereta
English Equivalent: Spicy beef stew Meaning: Tomato-based beef stew with vegetables Example: “I’m making spicy beef stew with potatoes and bell peppers.”
10. Mechado
English Equivalent: Beef stew with tomato sauce Meaning: Beef chunks braised in tomato sauce Example: “The beef stew with tomato sauce pairs well with rice.”
11. Afritada
English Equivalent: Chicken and vegetable stew Meaning: Chicken stewed with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in tomato sauce Example: “For lunch, we’re having chicken and vegetable stew.”
12. Menudo
English Equivalent: Pork and liver stew Meaning: Diced pork and liver in tomato sauce Example: “The pork and liver stew is a popular party dish.”
13. Morcon
English Equivalent: Stuffed beef roll Meaning: Beef flank stuffed with vegetables and hard-boiled eggs Example: “The stuffed beef roll is sliced and served with gravy.”
14. Embutido
English Equivalent: Filipino meatloaf Meaning: Ground pork meatloaf with eggs and vegetables Example: “The Filipino meatloaf is steamed and then sliced for serving.”
15. Longganisa
English Equivalent: Filipino sweet sausage Meaning: Sweet or garlicky pork sausage Example: “I love Filipino sweet sausage for breakfast with rice.”
Seafood Dishes
16. Sinigang
English Equivalent: Sour soup with meat or seafood Meaning: Tamarind-based sour soup with vegetables Example: “The sour soup with pork and vegetables is my comfort food.”
17. Pakbet/Pinakbet
English Equivalent: Mixed vegetable stew with shrimp paste Meaning: Vegetable medley flavored with fermented shrimp paste Example: “The mixed vegetable stew includes bitter melon and eggplant.”
18. Laing
English Equivalent: Taro leaves in coconut milk Meaning: Taro leaves cooked in spicy coconut milk Example: “The taro leaves in coconut milk is a Bicolano specialty.”
19. Bicol Express
English Equivalent: Spicy pork in coconut milk Meaning: Pork cooked in coconut milk with chilies Example: “The spicy pork in coconut milk is very hot and creamy.”
20. Ginataang Hipon
English Equivalent: Shrimp in coconut milk Meaning: Shrimp cooked in coconut milk with vegetables Example: “The shrimp in coconut milk has squash and string beans.”
21. Escabeche
English Equivalent: Sweet and sour fish Meaning: Fried fish in sweet and sour sauce Example: “The sweet and sour fish is garnished with bell peppers.”
22. Pesang Isda
English Equivalent: Fish and vegetable soup Meaning: Clear fish soup with ginger and vegetables Example: “The fish and vegetable soup is light and healthy.”
23. Inihaw na Bangus
English Equivalent: Grilled milkfish Meaning: Grilled whole milkfish stuffed with tomatoes and onions Example: “The grilled milkfish is served with soy sauce and calamansi.”
24. Daing na Bangus
English Equivalent: Dried salted milkfish Meaning: Butterflied and salted milkfish, usually fried Example: “For breakfast, I’m having dried salted milkfish with rice.”
25. Kilawin
English Equivalent: Fish ceviche Meaning: Raw fish “cooked” in vinegar and citrus Example: “The fish ceviche is marinated in vinegar and lime juice.”
Chicken Dishes
26. Tinola
English Equivalent: Chicken ginger soup Meaning: Clear chicken soup with ginger and green papaya Example: “The chicken ginger soup has malunggay leaves and chili peppers.”
27. Chicken Inasal
English Equivalent: Grilled marinated chicken Meaning: Chicken marinated in annatto and spices, then grilled Example: “The grilled marinated chicken is served with garlic rice.”
28. Chicken Adobo
English Equivalent: Vinegar-braised chicken Meaning: Chicken braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic Example: “The vinegar-braised chicken is tender and flavorful.”
29. Chicken Curry
English Equivalent: Filipino-style chicken curry Meaning: Chicken in coconut curry sauce with potatoes Example: “The Filipino-style chicken curry is milder than Thai curry.”
30. Rellenong Manok
English Equivalent: Stuffed whole chicken Meaning: Deboned chicken stuffed with ground pork and vegetables Example: “The stuffed whole chicken is a special occasion dish.”
Vegetable Dishes
31. Gado-gado
English Equivalent: Mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce Meaning: Blanched vegetables with peanut dressing Example: “The mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce is refreshing.”
32. Ensaladang Talong
English Equivalent: Grilled eggplant salad Meaning: Grilled eggplant with tomatoes and onions Example: “The grilled eggplant salad is dressed with fish sauce.”
33. Ginisang Monggo
English Equivalent: Sautéed mung bean soup Meaning: Mung beans cooked with vegetables and meat Example: “The sautéed mung bean soup is traditionally eaten on Fridays.”
34. Tortang Talong
English Equivalent: Eggplant omelet Meaning: Grilled eggplant dipped in beaten eggs and fried Example: “The eggplant omelet is a simple but satisfying dish.”
35. Adobong Kangkong
English Equivalent: Braised water spinach Meaning: Water spinach cooked adobo-style with vinegar and soy sauce Example: “The braised water spinach is a healthy side dish.”
Noodle Dishes
36. Pancit Canton
English Equivalent: Stir-fried wheat noodles Meaning: Thick wheat noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat Example: “For the birthday party, we’re serving stir-fried wheat noodles.”
37. Pancit Bihon
English Equivalent: Stir-fried rice vermicelli Meaning: Thin rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables Example: “The stir-fried rice vermicelli is colored with annatto.”
38. Pancit Palabok
English Equivalent: Rice noodles with shrimp sauce Meaning: Rice noodles topped with thick shrimp and pork sauce Example: “The rice noodles with shrimp sauce are garnished with eggs and chicharron.”
39. Pancit Malabon
English Equivalent: Thick rice noodles with seafood sauce Meaning: Thick rice noodles with rich seafood-based sauce Example: “The thick rice noodles with seafood sauce originated from Malabon City.”
40. Lomi
English Equivalent: Thick egg noodle soup Meaning: Fresh thick noodles in savory broth with meat and vegetables Example: “The thick egg noodle soup is perfect for rainy days.”
Soup and Stews
41. Nilaga
English Equivalent: Boiled beef soup Meaning: Clear beef soup with vegetables Example: “The boiled beef soup has cabbage, potatoes, and corn.”
42. Pochero
English Equivalent: Spanish-style meat and vegetable stew Meaning: Beef and pork stew with chickpeas and vegetables Example: “The Spanish-style meat and vegetable stew is served with rice.”
43. Batchoy
English Equivalent: Pork organ noodle soup Meaning: Noodle soup with pork organs, crushed pork rinds, and eggs Example: “The pork organ noodle soup is a specialty from Iloilo.”
44. La Paz Batchoy
English Equivalent: Iloilo-style pork noodle soup Meaning: Specific version of batchoy from La Paz, Iloilo Example: “The Iloilo-style pork noodle soup has fresh egg noodles.”
45. Molo Soup
English Equivalent: Pork dumpling soup Meaning: Clear soup with pork-filled wontons Example: “The pork dumpling soup is garnished with scallions.”
Desserts and Sweets
46. Halo-halo
English Equivalent: Mixed shaved ice dessert Meaning: Layered dessert with shaved ice, beans, fruits, and ice cream Example: “The mixed shaved ice dessert is perfect for hot weather.”
47. Leche Flan
English Equivalent: Caramel custard Meaning: Steamed custard with caramelized sugar topping Example: “The caramel custard is a popular dessert for special occasions.”
48. Biko
English Equivalent: Sweet sticky rice cake Meaning: Glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar Example: “The sweet sticky rice cake is topped with latik.”
49. Suman
English Equivalent: Steamed rice cake Meaning: Glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves and steamed Example: “The steamed rice cake is served with brown sugar or latik.”
50. Bibingka
English Equivalent: Rice cake with cheese Meaning: Spongy rice cake topped with cheese and salted egg Example: “During Christmas, we eat rice cake with cheese from street vendors.”
51. Taho
English Equivalent: Soft tofu with syrup and pearls Meaning: Soft silken tofu with brown sugar syrup and tapioca pearls Example: “The vendor sells soft tofu with syrup early in the morning.”
52. Mais con Yelo
English Equivalent: Corn with shaved ice and milk Meaning: Sweet corn kernels with shaved ice and condensed milk Example: “The corn with shaved ice and milk is a refreshing snack.”
53. Ginataang Bilo-bilo
English Equivalent: Rice balls in coconut milk Meaning: Glutinous rice balls cooked in sweetened coconut milk Example: “The rice balls in coconut milk have sweet potato and jackfruit.”
54. Ube Halaya
English Equivalent: Purple yam pudding Meaning: Purple yam cooked into a thick, sweet pudding Example: “The purple yam pudding is a vibrant dessert.”
55. Maja Blanca
English Equivalent: Coconut corn pudding Meaning: Thick pudding made from coconut milk and corn kernels Example: “The coconut corn pudding is topped with cheese and corn.”
Street Food and Snacks
56. Balut
English Equivalent: Duck embryo egg Meaning: Fertilized duck egg incubated for 14-21 days Example: “The duck embryo egg is considered an aphrodisiac.”
57. Isaw
English Equivalent: Grilled chicken intestines Meaning: Cleaned and grilled chicken or pork intestines Example: “The grilled chicken intestines are dipped in vinegar sauce.”
58. Adidas
English Equivalent: Grilled chicken feet Meaning: Marinated and grilled chicken feet Example: “Street vendors sell grilled chicken feet as bar food.”
59. Betamax
English Equivalent: Grilled pork blood cubes Meaning: Coagulated pork blood cut into squares and grilled Example: “The grilled pork blood cubes got their name from their shape.”
60. Helmet
English Equivalent: Grilled chicken head Meaning: Seasoned and grilled chicken head Example: “The grilled chicken head is a popular beer match.”
61. Kwek-kwek
English Equivalent: Orange-battered quail eggs Meaning: Deep-fried quail eggs in orange batter Example: “The orange-battered quail eggs are served with sweet and sour sauce.”
62. Tokneneng
English Equivalent: Orange-battered chicken eggs Meaning: Deep-fried chicken eggs in orange batter Example: “The orange-battered chicken eggs are larger than kwek-kwek.”
63. Fishball
English Equivalent: Deep-fried fish balls Meaning: Ground fish formed into balls and deep-fried Example: “The deep-fried fish balls are served with sweet or spicy sauce.”
64. Kikiam
English Equivalent: Chinese-style sausage roll Meaning: Ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd skin Example: “The Chinese-style sausage roll is steamed then deep-fried.”
65. Squidball
English Equivalent: Deep-fried squid balls Meaning: Ground squid formed into balls and deep-fried Example: “The deep-fried squid balls have a chewy texture.”
Breakfast Items
66. Tapsilog
English Equivalent: Beef jerky, egg, and rice breakfast Meaning: Combination of tapa (beef jerky), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg) Example: “The beef jerky, egg, and rice breakfast is served all day.”
67. Longsilog
English Equivalent: Sausage, egg, and rice breakfast Meaning: Longganisa, sinangag, and itlog combination Example: “I ordered the sausage, egg, and rice breakfast at the café.”
68. Tocilog
English Equivalent: Sweet pork, egg, and rice breakfast Meaning: Tocino, sinangag, and itlog combination Example: “The sweet pork, egg, and rice breakfast is very popular.”
69. Bangsilog
English Equivalent: Milkfish, egg, and rice breakfast Meaning: Bangus, sinangag, and itlog combination Example: “The milkfish, egg, and rice breakfast features dried fish.”
70. Cornsilog
English Equivalent: Corned beef, egg, and rice breakfast Meaning: Corned beef, sinangag, and itlog combination Example: “The corned beef, egg, and rice breakfast is affordable and filling.”
Beverages
71. Buko Juice
English Equivalent: Fresh coconut water Meaning: Natural water from young coconuts Example: “Fresh coconut water is very refreshing on hot days.”
72. Sago’t Gulaman
English Equivalent: Tapioca and gelatin drink Meaning: Iced drink with tapioca pearls and gelatin strips Example: “The tapioca and gelatin drink is sweetened with brown sugar.”
73. Barako
English Equivalent: Strong Filipino coffee Meaning: Local coffee variety known for its strong flavor Example: “Strong Filipino coffee is grown in Batangas province.”
74. Salabat
English Equivalent: Ginger tea Meaning: Hot ginger drink, often with honey Example: “Ginger tea helps with colds and sore throats.”
75. Calamansi Juice
English Equivalent: Philippine lime juice Meaning: Juice from small citrus fruits native to the Philippines Example: “Philippine lime juice is served with ice and sugar.”
Regional Specialties
76. Sisig
English Equivalent: Chopped pork face on sizzling plate Meaning: Grilled and chopped pig’s face served on hot plate Example: “The chopped pork face on sizzling plate originated in Pampanga.”
77. Lechon Kawali
English Equivalent: Deep-fried pork belly Meaning: Pork belly boiled then deep-fried until crispy Example: “The deep-fried pork belly is served with liver sauce.”
78. Crispy Pata
English Equivalent: Deep-fried pork knuckles Meaning: Whole pork leg deep-fried until crispy Example: “The deep-fried pork knuckles are served with soy-vinegar dip.”
79. Bagnet
English Equivalent: Ilocano crispy pork belly Meaning: Pork belly boiled, dried, then deep-fried Example: “Ilocano crispy pork belly is a specialty from Northern Philippines.”
80. Pinakbet Ilocano
English Equivalent: Northern-style vegetable stew Meaning: Vegetable stew with bagoong (fermented fish paste) Example: “Northern-style vegetable stew uses local vegetables and fermented fish.”
Soups and Broths
81. Bone Marrow Soup
English Equivalent: Bulalo Meaning: Clear soup with beef bones and marrow Example: “Bone marrow soup is simmered for hours to extract flavor.”
82. Chicken Macaroni Soup
English Equivalent: Filipino-style chicken soup with pasta Meaning: Chicken soup with elbow macaroni and vegetables Example: “Filipino-style chicken soup with pasta is served at parties.”
83. Misua Soup
English Equivalent: Thin wheat noodle soup Meaning: Delicate wheat noodles in clear broth Example: “Thin wheat noodle soup is often served to sick people.”
84. Sopas
English Equivalent: Filipino-style chicken macaroni soup Meaning: Creamy chicken soup with macaroni and vegetables Example: “Filipino-style chicken macaroni soup is comfort food for many.”
85. Binignit
English Equivalent: Sweet root vegetable stew Meaning: Mixed root vegetables and fruits in coconut milk Example: “Sweet root vegetable stew is eaten during Holy Week.”
Fermented and Preserved Foods
86. Bagoong
English Equivalent: Fermented fish or shrimp paste Meaning: Salty paste made from fermented fish or shrimp Example: “Fermented fish paste is used as a condiment and seasoning.”
87. Patis
English Equivalent: Fish sauce Meaning: Clear liquid from fermented fish Example: “Fish sauce is the most common seasoning in Filipino cooking.”
88. Burong Isda
English Equivalent: Fermented fish with rice Meaning: Fish fermented with rice and salt Example: “Fermented fish with rice is eaten with vegetables.”
89. Alamang
English Equivalent: Fermented tiny shrimp Meaning: Small shrimp fermented with salt Example: “Fermented tiny shrimp is used in pinakbet and other dishes.”
90. Tuyo
English Equivalent: Dried salted fish Meaning: Small fish dried and salted for preservation Example: “Dried salted fish is a common breakfast food with rice.”
Unique Filipino Concepts
91. Kamote Cue
English Equivalent: Deep-fried sweet potato on stick Meaning: Sweet potato coated in brown sugar and deep-fried Example: “Deep-fried sweet potato on stick is sold by street vendors.”
92. Banana Cue
English Equivalent: Deep-fried banana on stick Meaning: Saba banana coated in brown sugar and deep-fried Example: “Deep-fried banana on stick is a popular afternoon snack.”
93. Turon
English Equivalent: Fried banana spring roll Meaning: Banana and jackfruit wrapped in spring roll wrapper and fried Example: “Fried banana spring roll is served with latik or ice cream.”
94. Camote Tops
English Equivalent: Sweet potato leaves Meaning: Young leaves and shoots of sweet potato plant Example: “Sweet potato leaves are sautéed with garlic and onions.”
95. Malunggay
English Equivalent: Moringa leaves Meaning: Nutritious leaves from the moringa tree Example: “Moringa leaves are added to soups and stews for nutrition.”
96. Kangkong
English Equivalent: Water spinach Meaning: Semi-aquatic leafy vegetable Example: “Water spinach is commonly sautéed with garlic and onions.”
97. Ampalaya
English Equivalent: Bitter gourd/melon Meaning: Bitter-tasting green vegetable Example: “Bitter gourd is believed to help control blood sugar levels.”
98. Sayote
English Equivalent: Chayote squash Meaning: Pear-shaped light green squash Example: “Chayote squash is added to chicken tinola soup.”
99. Patola
English Equivalent: Sponge gourd/luffa Meaning: Cylindrical green vegetable with ridged skin Example: “Sponge gourd is cooked in coconut milk with shrimp.”
100. Upo
English Equivalent: Bottle gourd Meaning: Long green gourd with white flesh Example: “Bottle gourd is used in soups and vegetable dishes.”
The Rich Heritage of Filipino Cuisine
Filipino food reflects the archipelago’s complex history and diverse cultural influences. Each dish tells a story of trade, colonization, adaptation, and innovation. Understanding these food names helps appreciate not just the cuisine but the Filipino people’s resilience and creativity in the kitchen.
Regional Variations
The Philippines’ 7,641 islands have created distinct regional cuisines:
Luzon: Known for dishes like sisig, kare-kare, and pinakbet Visayas: Famous for lechon, chicken inasal, and batchoy
Mindanao: Specializes in durian-based dishes, satti, and various Muslim-influenced foods
Cooking Techniques and Flavor Profiles
Filipino cooking emphasizes:
- Balance of flavors: Sweet, sour, salty, and umami
- Communal eating: Dishes meant to be shared
- Resourcefulness: Using every part of ingredients
- Preservation methods: Developed for tropical climate
Cultural Significance
Food in Filipino culture represents:
- Hospitality: Offering food to guests is essential
- Family bonds: Meals bring families together
- Celebration: Special dishes mark important occasions
- Identity: Each region takes pride in local specialties
Tips for Exploring Filipino Cuisine
- Start with familiar flavors: Try adobo or pancit first
- Be adventurous: Don’t shy away from unique ingredients
- Understand context: Learn why certain dishes are eaten at specific times
- Appreciate technique: Notice the balance of sweet, sour, and salty
- Share the experience: Filipino food is meant to be communal
Nutritional Wisdom
Traditional Filipino cuisine incorporates:
- Abundant vegetables: Many dishes are veggie-heavy
- Lean proteins: Fish and chicken are staples
- Fermented foods: Support digestive health
- Herbs and spices: Provide medicinal benefits
- Coconut products: Rich in healthy fats
Modern Filipino Cuisine
Contemporary Filipino chefs are:
- Elevating traditional dishes with modern techniques
- Highlighting indigenous ingredients previously overlooked
- Creating fusion dishes that honor tradition while innovating
- Promoting Filipino cuisine globally through restaurants and media
Preserving Culinary Heritage
Filipino food culture continues through:
- Family recipes passed down generations
- Community cookbooks documenting regional specialties
- Food festivals celebrating local cuisines
- Culinary schools teaching traditional techniques
- Social media sharing recipes and stories
The Future of Filipino Food
As Filipino cuisine gains international recognition, it’s important to:
- Maintain authenticity while allowing evolution
- Support local farmers and traditional ingredients
- Document recipes before they’re lost
- Educate younger generations about food heritage
- Celebrate diversity within Filipino cuisine
Filipino cuisine is more than just food—it’s a cultural expression that brings people together, tells stories of the past, and continues to evolve while honoring tradition. Whether you’re Filipino reconnecting with your heritage or a food enthusiast exploring new flavors, understanding these food names opens doors to deeper cultural appreciation and culinary adventure.
Have you tried any of these Filipino dishes? Share your experiences and favorite Filipino foods in the comments below!
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