Filipino food features a unique blend of Asian, Spanish, and American influences. With a characteristic sweetness that contrasts with salty, sour, and spicy notes, this cuisine’s versatile flavors make it delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are a handful of dishes to try the next time you dine in, order takeout, or schedule catering services from a Filipino restaurant.

What Filipino Foods Should You Try First?

1. Pancit

Pancit is a classic noodle dish served at Filipino restaurants. It’s popular at family gatherings and birthday feasts since it’s easy to prepare in large portions. It features noodles cooked in a mixture of broth, fish sauce, and soy sauce and sautéed with sliced vegetables and meats.

2. Adobo

Adobo is a well-known and widely beloved Filipino staple, featuring chicken or pork marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and chili peppers. The meat is typically stewed or pan-fried and served with a side of rice to soak up the rich sauce. 

3. Lumpia

Lumpia is the Filipino take on egg rolls and makes for an excellent appetizer or snack between lunch and dinner. These egg rolls consist of thinly sliced meat and vegetables rolled up in clear wrappers, deep-fried, and served with sweet and sour sauce for dipping. 

4. Dinuguan

Dinuguan, also known as “chocolate meat,” showcases pork cooked in pig's blood, vinegar, garlic, onions, and chili peppers. This rich and savory dish tastes especially delicious when served with puto, or sweet rice cakes, which balance the flavors.

When you’re craving mouthwatering Filipino food, stop by Da Ultimate Grindz Hawaii. This Filipino restaurant serves adobo, pancit, lumpia, dinuguan, and other classic dishes to hungry patrons throughout Waipahu, HI. Call (808) 888-3872 to place an order for takeout or schedule event catering. Visit the website to browse their menu and learn more about daily specials.