Filipino street food is making a huge splash in the food world. Its incredible combination of flavours and textures is captivating taste buds everywhere. Renowned chefs like Budgie Montoya are showcasing their skills, while traditional favourites continue to win over hearts. And it's not just traditional favourites that are winning hearts – now, even London has its very own Filipino BBQ and street food restaurants. So let’s get ready to be hooked on these mouth-watering dishes straight from the Philippines.
What is Filipino food like?
Filipino food is a diverse and flavourful cuisine, characterised by its use of herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, onion, chilli peppers, and coconut milk. From mouth-watering meats and seafood to a rainbow of vegetables, Filipino cuisine has it all.
The rise in popularity
Filipino food is becoming a hit all over the world, and it's not hard to see why. This cuisine blends different flavours and influences to create delicious and one-of-a-kind dishes that food lovers can't resist. And in the UK, this newfound popularity is largely thanks to Budgie Montoya, a talented Filipino chef who's been spreading the word about his country's food on a global scale.
With his amazing culinary skills, Montoya has managed to transform Filipino street food from a simple snack to a gourmet delicacy. His efforts have not only sparked a greater demand for Filipino cuisine, but also brought well-deserved recognition to its unique flavours. From his appearances on shows like Great British Menu, to his own pop up store Sarap, Montoya's talent has taken these dishes to a whole new level.
What makes Filipino cuisine unique?
Filipino food has the best mix of textures and flavours. You'll get a little bit of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy all in one mouth watering bite. And the range of textures will impress you too. From the satisfying crunch of crispy pata (fried pork knuckles) to the tender and chewy adobo (meat braised in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), you'll find something that suits your cravings perfectly.
Unexpected glazes and sauces
Another unique aspect of Filipino cuisine is its use of unexpected glazes and sauces! These are often made from a combination of different ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, coconut milk, and calamansi (Philippine lime), adding a depth and richness to the dishes.
And let's not forget about the 7up! This sweet and tangy soda is often used as a marinade or glaze for meats, giving traditional Filipino dishes a delicious twist. It’s unusual, but it just works.
What are the best Filipino foods to try?
Deep fried pork belly (lechon kawali)
You haven't had true Filipino cuisine until you've tried lechon kawali. This crispy and mouth-watering deep fried pork belly dish is made by boiling the pork belly with flavourful spices, then frying it to perfection. The result? A crispy skin that gives way to tender and juicy meat. And for an extra burst of flavour, don't forget to dip it in soy sauce or vinegar.
Chicken Adobo (meat stewed in soy sauce and vinegar)
This famous mouth-watering dish features tender chicken marinated in a flavourful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. The best part? The meat is slow cooked until it's oh-so-tender and served with the aromatic marinade as a dipping sauce. You can even try our own adobo wings at APOY.
Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls)
These Filipino spring rolls are a seriously tasty staple. Picture this: a thin, crepe-like wrapper filled with all sorts of goodies like meat, veggies, and even fruits. You can enjoy lumpia as an appetiser or make a meal out of it, and the best part is that they're usually served with a sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
Garlic fried rice (sinangag)
Sinangag, the ultimate garlic fried rice! It's a classic in Filipino cuisine, made by stir-frying rice with heaps of garlic and a dash of deliciousness like onions or scallions. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a tasty side dish to amp up any main course.
Sweet potato (kamote)
Filipino cuisine isn't complete without sweet potato, also known as kamote. This ingredient is a true multitasker, perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes. Venture into any street food stall and you'll discover delightful fried sweet potatoes covered in irresistible caramelised brown sugar.
Chicken feet (adidas)
Ever tried chicken feet in Filipino cuisine? This beloved dish is called "adidas". These little guys are cooked up in a delicious savoury sauce and served as an appetiser. Don't be intimidated if you've never had chicken feet before, trust us - it's a must-try!
Rice cakes (puto and bibingka)
Filipino cuisine has the best desserts too. These mouth-watering rice cakes are no exception. Puto is a delicious steamed rice cake that can be enjoyed sweet or savoury. And if you're a fan of baked treats, bibingka is a must-try - it's a rice cake topped with butter, cheese, and even salted duck eggs! These traditional Filipino sweets are known for their soft and chewy texture, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Fried egg dishes (torta and longganisa)
No list of must-try Filipino dishes would be complete without mentioning fried eggs. Torta is a type of omelette made with ground meat and vegetables, while longganisa is a sweet and savoury sausage often served with garlic fried rice and eggs for breakfast. These simple yet comforting dish combinations are beloved by many Filipinos and are often a go-to option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Rice noodles (pancit)
Last but not least is the Filipino staple dish, pancit. This dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables and meat, often topped with calamansi (Filipino lime) and soy sauce for added flavour. With its combination of textures and flavours, pancit is a perfect representation of Filipino street food - simple yet bursting with deliciousness.
Try authentic Filipino food for yourself at APOY London
Filipino food is becoming increasingly popular for its flavourful and unique dishes. Its hearty cuisine has something for everyone.
It’s no wonder that Filipino food is on the rise in the UK, with restaurants dedicated to Filipino BBQ and streetfood popping up all over the country! We owe a huge thanks to chef Budgie Montoya for bringing this delicious cuisine into more people’s lives.
So why don’t you celebrate your newfound love of this spicy cuisine by checking out Budgie’s Filipino restaurant in London? APOY Filipino BBQ and street food restaurant is the go-to place for ultimate Filipino comfort foods.
With a dining experience like no other, and if you do visit, don’t forget to share your favourite eats with us on our social media channels!