Growing up eating Filipino food all my life, I have been blessed. I get the flavor, culture, and essence of the Philippines through food and get to share it with my kids and others. So having the craving for Filipino foods often, I have created many healthy and wholesome ways to eat healthy Filipino foods and make the recipes with relatable, nutritious ingredients.

Many of these are my easy go-to Filipino dinners and one pot meals in our home. Loaded with protein, clean broths, lots of veggies (oh my gulay!), and simple seasonings…explore the list and see which one you’ll be making today. Let’s go!

Chicken Tinola with Chayote & Greens

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TINOLA Chicken and Chayote Soup

Savory chicken broth is simply infused with ginger, the chicken is super fall-off-the-bone tender, and the greens are beautiful slices of chayote squash (also called sayote), and vibrant watercress or moringa leaves(also called malungay). Enjoy this traditional Filipino soup.

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• Why it’s healthy: This classic tinola soup is made with lean chicken, ginger (anti-inflammatory), chayote (low-calorie, high-fiber), and leafy greens like malunggay or watercress.
• Extra health option: Use skinless chicken breast and increase the greens (add spinach or kale) to boost fiber and reduce fat.

Natural Chicken Sinigang Soup

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Healthy, Tasty, All Natural Chicken Sinigang

Chicken Sinigang is so yummy with tomatoes for a tangy broth. All natural ingredients, fork tender chicken, and veggie broth make this a very healthy version and gluten free.

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• Why it’s healthy: Made-from-scratch with vegetable or chicken broth, no MSG-packed mix, and full of vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, and string beans. Easy to make!
• Extra health option: Swap part of the white rice sides for cauliflower rice to lower the carbs.

Authentic Beef Sinigang

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Natural Beef Sinigang : Sinigang na Baka

A famously loved Filipino sour soup (not really sour, but incredibly amazing) using all wholesome ingredients. Enjoy from scratch beef bone-broth combined with flavor boosts of fresh pressed tamarind and full of vegetables to create a healthy, easy one-pot meal that can be eaten anytime.

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• Why it’s healthy: Uses homemade bone broth for richness and nutrients, plus has LOTS of veggies.
• Extra health option: Skim off any fat rising to the surface when the broth cools, so you keep a lighter, more nutrient-dense soup. The broth cools clear! It’s truly delicious and very healthy.

Pork Sinigang (All-Natural)

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Natural Pork Sinigang (Sinigang na baboy)

No packets and all natural. Pork sinigang is the best quintessential Filipino soup that has savory and sour elements with tamarind, tomatoes, and greens. The meat is fork tender and the flavor is so comforting and satisfying. No wonder this is lauded as one of the world's best soups.

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• Why it’s healthy: Uses real pork shoulder and lots of vegetables in a no-packet, additive-free sour broth. It’s packed with protein, skim the fat off the top of the soup, load the veggies…and this is not only flavorful, but healthier than canned soups that are loaded with sodium and additives.
• Extra health option: Reduce the amount of pork and increase vegetables (okra, radish, greens) to make it more veggie-forward.
• Looking for a seafood version…then try the sinigang with shrimp.

Easy Pinakbet (Vegetable Stew)

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Easy Pinakbet with Kabocha Squash (Filipino Vegetable Stew)

One of the best Filipino comfort foods with a superfood mix of Asian vegetables and Kabocha Squash, taken next level with umami flavor and savory sauce.

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• Why it’s healthy: Does this need an explanation? You are almost eating a literal rainbow of vegetables in this dish, and it’s so tasty…you will probably eat more veggies than you expect (I know I do).
  • It’s a colorful medley of squash, bitter melon (bitter gourd), eggplant, long beans—all nutrient-rich. These are powerful superfoods!
• Extra health option: Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water to maintain flavor while reducing sodium, and skip the shrimp paste and just use salt as the seasoning for a lower-sodium option.

Natural BEST Ginataang Kalabasa with Shrimp

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Ginataang Kalabasa with Shrimp

Healthy and jammed with flavor! Butternut squash is a star in a lip-smacking coconut milk stew with garlic, ginger, and onion. Add green beans and the most tender shrimp. Be cozy with this one pot delight.

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• Why it’s healthy: This is my favorite dish of many! Butternut squash (beta-carotene, fiber) plus green beans and lean shrimp stewed in coconut milk for plant-based healthy fat.
• Extra health option: Use light coconut milk or thin the coconut milk with more broth to cut saturated fat.
  • You can reduce or eliminate the shrimp if you like. It will be equally satisfying.

Easy Filipino Chicken Adobo (White Meat Stir-Fry)

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Filipino Chicken Adobo STIR-FRY with ONLY WHITE MEAT

This ALL white meat, chicken breast adobo stir fry is delicious, tender, easy, and so fast to make! Once the meat has marinated, it's a fast chicken dinner. Chicken adobo stir fry is the best way to enjoy the flavors of Filipino chicken adobo with healthy white meat and little oil.

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• Why it’s healthy: This one is SO good and so easy to make. My kids even love it. Uses all-white meat (chicken breast), very little oil, and authentic adobo flavors in a quick stir-fry.
• Extra health option: Use low-sodium soy sauce plus half the usual sugar to reduce sodium and added sugar.

Adobong Talong (Eggplant Adobo, Vegan)

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Eggplant Adobo (Adobong Talong Recipe)

Eggplant adobo is a vegan and healthy version of classic Filipino adobo. Low sodium soy sauce and vinegar, plus the traditional Filipino seasonings, transforms eggplant into a restaurant-worthy adobo dish.

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• Why it’s healthy: Plant-based, meat-free, uses eggplant, low-sodium soy sauce, and vinegar for flavor.
• Extra health option: Add shiitake mushrooms for extra umami and a boost of B vitamins and minerals.

Tofu Sisig (Vegan)

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Golden Crisp TOFU SISIG (VEGAN)

This tofu sisig recipe is truly a vegan Filipino style dish and so lip-smacking yummy. Eat it all! It's healthier and easy to make.

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• Why it’s healthy: Crispy tofu replaces meat, it’s fast, NO mayo, and packed with savory flavor + texture.
• Extra health option: Use air-fried tofu to reduce oil usage and increase crispiness without frying.

Crispy Tortang Talong (Smoked Eggplant Omelette)

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Crispy Tortang Talong (Smoked Eggplant)

Crispy Tortang Talong, or smoked eggplant omelette, is a beloved Filipino dish featuring eggplant cooked over flame, dipped in egg, then pan fried with crispy panko breading. This recipe brings together authentic flavors with contemporary techniques to create a crisp, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

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• Why it’s healthy: Eggplant is smoky, rich in fiber and antioxidants, and the dish is pan-fried (not deep-fried) for a lighter finish.
• Extra health option: Use whole-wheat panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs and egg whites to cut calories and boost fiber.

Easy Healthy Vegetarian Pancit Bihon

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Easy Healthy Vegetarian Pancit

A fully satisfying vegetarian recipe with little fat and lots of flavor. Thin rice noodles whip up in ten minutes with mirepoix and veggie broth for a lovely, basic pancit recipe that anybody can do.

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• Why it’s healthy: Uses light rice noodles and a vegetable broth base, no heavy meats, making it a low-fat, veggie-first dish.
• Extra health option: Load in extra vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, or snap peas for more fiber and nutrients.

Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad (Ensalada ng Kamatis at Pipino)

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Crisp Cucumber Tomato Salad: Ensaladang Pipino at Kamatis

This Filipino cucumber tomato salad is a zesty, bright, and healthy mix of simply crunchy cucumber, sweet tomato, and onion dressed with a simple vinegar mix. The perfect side accompainiment to grilled and fried dishes.

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This side dish is always at the table and quite the staple for dinner time. It’s a crisp and refreshing salad made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette that takes minutes to make.

It’s really nutritious and goes so well with proteins and any grilled foods. I love it because it’s a very easy way to eat wholesome, nutrient dense food almost everyday without even noticing it.

• Why it’s healthy: Low in calories, high in fiber, rich in vitamins A and C, and hydrating.
• Extra health boost: Sprinkle chia seeds or hemp seeds for added omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants.

Super Simple Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)

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Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)

This side dish is so fragrant, savory, and full of crispy garlic goodness that takes your leftover rice to the next level. Try garlic fried rice with your breakfast eggs or as a side to fish and grilled meats. Only few ingredients!

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• Why it’s healthy: Uses leftover rice to reduce waste, garlic and ginger for flavor, and minimal oil. Lower in calories than regular or packaged fried rice. Tons of flavor.
• Extra health option: Use brown rice or mixed grain rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and slow carbs.

Mung Bean Soup (Ginataang Monggo) without Ham Recipe

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Vegan Ginataang Monggo (Coconut Milk Mung Bean Recipe)

Ginataang monggo stands out as a quintessential Filipino comfort food, distinguished by its unique combination of mung beans gently simmered in rich and seasoned coconut milk.

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A comforting Filipino classic, mung bean soup is made with mung beans, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and leafy greens. You can keep it vegan by skipping the meat or adding tofu.

• Why it’s healthy: This recipe uses no animal fat and it’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium, making it filling and nutrient-dense.
• Extra health boost: Stir in malunggay (moringa) or spinach for added vitamins and antioxidants.

Unwrapped Lumpia Stir-Fry with Low Oil and No Frying

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Unwrapped Lumpia

This Filipino pork recipe is the best of lumpia, without rolling, no wrapper, no frying! A simple, healthier blend of ground pork, vegetables, and savory seasonings that is done in 15 minutes!

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A fresh and veggie-packed Filipino favorite and one of my favorite fast dinner ideas. Unwrapped Lumpia is made with cabbage, carrots, and protein of choice, lightly stir-fried with little oil.

• Why it’s healthy: High in fiber, packed with vitamins, naturally low in fat, and if you choose…plant-based protein keeps it filling.
• Extra health boost: Choose lean meat or pre-frozen tofu or mushrooms. Add in lettuce leaves and make it a wrap.

Vegan Sotanghon Soup (Glass Noodle Soup)

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Vegan Sotanghon Soup Recipe (glass noodle soup)

Vegan sotanghon soup is a favorite glass noodle recipe that will make you love vegan Filipino food! Versatile, healthy, loaded with flavor!

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A light and comforting soup made with glass noodles, vegetables like carrots and cabbage, and optionally tofu or mushrooms.

• Why it’s healthy: Low in fat, hydrating, high in fiber and plant-based protein, and easy on digestion. It’s a very nice soup for when you feel sick or want something comforting, but healthy.
• Extra health boost: Add leafy greens or malunggay at the end of cooking for extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Kinilaw na Tuna (Filipino Tuna Ceviche)

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Classic Kinilaw na Tuna Recipe

Classic tuna kinilaw is an easy recipe, loaded with zesty flavor and freshness that shouts sunny day recipe. It showcases a ginger, lemon, vinegar marinade that takes the raw tuna to "cooked" for a Filipino ceviche twist.

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Fresh tuna cubes marinated in vinegar, lemon lime, ginger, onions, and chili, served raw and refreshing.

• Why it’s healthy: Rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, low in fat, and packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs and citrus. Use sushi grade tuna.
• Extra health boost: Add avocado cubes or cucumber for healthy fats, fiber, and extra hydration.

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Bulalo Recipe (Collagen Soup Bone Stock)

This is an incredible Filipino soup that features spoon tender beef shanks, extra marrow bones, and a bone stock from scratch that makes a rich collagen soup. Few ingredients, simple, and very satisfying for the whole family.

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This is actual collagen soup. Clear and full of that yummy and nutrient-dense collagen that keeps the skin supple and joints feeling good. The broth, when cooled, will still be clear so you will see it’s low fat (or easy to skim any fat off) and yet tastes rich and delicious.

• Why it’s healthy: Rich in protein, collagen, and minerals from the bone marrow, plus nutrient-packed vegetables.
• Extra health boost: Add more vegetables without loosing the classic flavor.

Easy Tamarind Paste from Scratch

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Easy Tamarind Paste

Sour and sweet, tamarind paste will elevate any recipe with tangy and delicious flavor. Easy to make, stores well, and a must for unique dishes and beverages.

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I list this sauce or condiment because the packets at the Filipino food store to make sinigang are convenient because they already have the tamarind flavor in them, BUT they also have many additives. Tamarind paste is actually MUCH healthier and tasty to make. Not to mention, VERY easy to make to create stunning Filipino recipes.

• Why it’s healthy: Homemade tamarind paste means no additives or weird preservatives, and you control the tartness for soups like sinigang.
• Extra health option: Use this paste to flavor vegetable-based soups or stews instead of using sour seasoning packets.

Taho (Silken Tofu Snack)

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Filipino TAHO Dessert with Arnibal Syrup (Brown Sugar Syrup) and Tapioca Pearls

Silken tofu layered with an aromatic and comforting, warm brown sugar syrup, and topped with bouncy tapioca pearls makes this authentic Filipino dessert a craving for all times.

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Last but not least, don’t forget dessert. This nostalgic and quintessential classic Filipino treat is made with silken tofu, a light brown sugar syrup, and sago pearls.

You can easy control the sweetness by using natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or agave and it’s much healthier than commerical cakes, donuts, and pies.

I actually love this for kids because it is sweet, but loaded with protein and makes then appreciate tofu in all it’s forms.

• Why it’s healthy: High in plant-based protein and calcium, gentle on the stomach, and naturally low in fat.
• Extra health boost: Add chia seeds or fresh fruit for extra fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients.

These 20 Filipino healthy recipes show just how good-for-you, natural, nutritious, comforting, and easy Filipino food can be.

I grew up eating Filipino food everyday being raised solely by my Filipino mom, so I have a duty to honor the culture and food of Philippines.

So with a few simple swaps—like choosing lighter proteins, adding more vegetables, and reducing sodium—you can still truly enjoy traditional Filipino flavors without compromising on nutrition and authenticity.