She Strengthens

Discover the Flavors of the Philippines

A Culinary Journey

Filipino cuisine is a hidden gem, boasting a unique blend of flavors and ingredients from Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Spain. With its bold flavors and eclectic influences, it’s no wonder this cuisine is gaining popularity worldwide.

Appetizers and Sides

• Gluten-Free Lumpia: A lighter, Vietnamese-inspired twist on the traditional Filipino spring roll, using fresh rice paper rolls and savory pork-and-veggie filling.
• Filipino Beef Empanadas: Flaky pastry dough filled with juicy potato-and-beef mixture, baked to perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag): A flavorful breakfast staple in Asia, now adapted for lunch or dinner, with garlic and soy sauce adding a depth of flavor.

Soups and Salads

• Arroz Caldo: A comforting fish-based soup infused with jasmine rice, ginger, and fish sauce, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
• Green Mango Salad: A refreshing mix of green mango, cherry tomatoes, and savory shrimp paste, requiring no dressing thanks to its perfect balance of flavors.
• Pako Salad: A simple, fiber-rich salad featuring fiddlehead ferns, salted egg slices, and a light drizzle of dressing.
• Daikon and Tomato Salad: A super-refreshing, oil-free vinegar dressing brings together thinly shaved raw Japanese radish and juicy tomatoes.

Main Course

• Filipino Coconut Chicken Curry: A quick and aromatic curry made with sweet potatoes, taking only 30 minutes to prepare.
• Mechadong Baka (Filipino Beef Mechado): A hearty beef stew elevated by the sweet-and-sour flavor of calamansi juice, perfect for a comforting meal.
• Chicken Afritada with Pineapple: A Spanish-influenced dish featuring chicken and veggies simmered in a unique tomato sauce, garlic, and canned pineapple chunks.
• Pancit Palabok (Philippine-Style Noodles in a Prawn Gravy): A rich, shrimp-based gravy served over chewy rice noodles, often topped with hard-boiled eggs and grilled squid.
• Filipino Chicken Adobo: A classic dish featuring chicken marinated in a popular soy/vinegar/garlic mixture, accompanied by carrots and potatoes for added flavor.
• Filipino Spaghetti: A distinctly Filipino take on spaghetti, featuring ground pork, sliced hot dogs, and evaporated milk.

Desserts

• Champorado: A vegan, Mexican-inspired hot chocolate made with sticky rice, nondairy milk, and spices.
• Corn with Coconut Milk (Ginataang Mais): A creamy, chewy treat combining coconut milk, fresh corn, and short-grain rice, perfect for a warm or cold afternoon snack.
• Palitaw: Gluten-free dumplings made with rice flour, boiled, and coated in coconut flakes for a delightful snowball effect.
• Baked Banana Lumpia: A sweet, baked version of the popular lumpia, featuring a gooey banana-and-brown-sugar filling and store-bought egg roll or spring roll sheets.

The Verdict

Filipino cuisine offers a world of flavors, from savory to sweet, and we’ve curated a list of recipes that showcase its diversity without compromising on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to explore new flavors, these recipes will transport you to the Philippines without leaving your kitchen.