adobo is the unofficial dish of the Philippines and adults and kids love it alike. Marinated and braised protein (usually chicken or pork) usually in soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, and peppercorns that becomes a saucy, flavorful, and tender one-pot dish.

baboy pork

baka beef

bulalohans are establishments that are dedicated to the art of making bulalo soup.

busog full; my tummy is busog

ginataang Tagalog for protein stewed in coconut milk

gulay vegetables

gutom na ako I’m hungry

halo-halo Filipino ice cream sundae with shaved ice that is layered with jellies, sweet beans, condensed milk, ube halaya, coconut (buko) shreds, ube ice cream, leche flan, pinipig crisps, tapioca, and more! There are different versions but there should always be shaved ice, condensed milk, and the ice cream (usually ube) topping. My favorite!

higit pa more

hipon shrimp aka prawns

inihaw grilled and/or roasted

isda fish

itlog eggs

kain tayo Tagalog for Let’s eat

kamusta ka? Tagalog for how are you?

kumain eat

lechon roasted pig with very crispy skin

lumpia is a type of spring roll with “lumpia wrapper” that has a crispy, light, and thin texture. It has fillings like ground meat, banana and other fruits, ube, and various sweet/savory things. It is a perfect party appetizer. Usually deep fried or served fresh. Bring these to a gathering and everyone will appreciate you!

maalat salty

maganda Tagalog for beautiful. “You are maganda.”

magluto cook

mahal kita Tagalog for I love you.

mainit hot

malamig cold

Manila Mango really sweet and creamy mangoe when ripe. Very yellow in color and smaller in size. Similar look and taste to Ataulfo mango.

manok chicken

masarap yummy

matamis sweet oo yes, literally said oo like two letter o’s

merienda Tagalog for snack

oo (said exactly like O-O) means Yes in Tagalog

pabo turkey

paki please

pares like in beef pares meaning pairing

pato duck

pinirito fried

pulutan Tagalog for snack, but more specifically, with beer or alcoholic beverage

salamat thank you, one of the most important words

Sarap! Tagalog for Delicious!

serbesa beer

sili Filipino spicy, red chilis

sinangag is the Filipino word for garlic fried rice

sinigang Filipino “sour” soup made with souring agents such as tomato, guava, or unripe tamarind. This taste is sour, sweet, savory and has lots of umami and complex flavor made from very wholesome and simple protein and vegetables. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

sisig sizzling meat, fat, parts soy sauce, vinegar, and calamansi juice

tamarind is a popular fruit pod from Asia with a sour, puckery taste when it’s unripe, making it perfect for sinigang soup. When it’s ripe, it’s more sweet.

tapsilog breakfast food plate such as protein like meat, garlic rice, and fried egg; eaten for breakfast

Ube Purple yam from the Philippines. It is not taro and it is not purple sweet potato.

ulam food eaten with rice