April is National Filipino Food Month, or “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino,” dedicated to preserving and promoting the Philippines’ culinary heritage.

Established in 2018 through Presidential Proclamation No. 469, the month-long observance honors the farmers, fishers, and cooks who sustain these traditions.

Filipino cuisine blends indigenous flavors with foreign influences. Spanish traders in the 16th century introduced stews and spices, while Chinese merchants brought noodles, soy sauce, and dumplings, which evolved into beloved Filipino dishes like pancit and siopao. The mid-20th-century “kamayan”—a communal meal eaten by hand—became a lasting symbol of camaraderie.

More than a meal, Filipino cuisine is a cultural experience. Each dish reflects the nation’s evolving yet enduring food culture. These 10 iconic dishes capture its essence:

1. Adobo – Considered the unofficial national dish, this savory, tangy stew of chicken or pork is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper before being simmered to perfection.

2. Kare-Kare – A rich peanut stew featuring oxtail, tripe, and vegetables like eggplant and banana blossoms, often paired with bagoong or fermented shrimp paste for an umami kick.

3. Sisig – Traditionally made from chopped pork jowl and ears, mixed with calamansi, onions, and chili, then served sizzling. Variations like milkfish (bangus) or tofu offer delicious alternatives.

4. Sinigang – A comforting sour soup with a tamarind base, featuring pork, shrimp, or fish, alongside vegetables like kangkong, radish, and okra, delivering a balance of tart and savory flavors.

5. Dinuguan – A savory stew made with pork and offal simmered in a rich, tangy pork blood sauce, often served with rice or puto (steamed rice cakes).

6. Bicol Express – A fiery coconut milk-based dish with pork and siling labuyo (chili peppers), originating from the Bicol region, known for its love of spicy flavors.

7. Chicken Inasal – A Visayan-style grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, and annatto oil, giving it a signature smoky and tangy taste.

8. Tortang Talong – A simple yet flavorful eggplant omelet, where grilled eggplants are dipped in beaten eggs and pan-fried to golden perfection.

9. Bulalo – A hearty beef shank soup with bone marrow, slow-cooked until tender and served with leafy greens and corn in a flavorful clear broth.

10. Lechon – A showstopper at Filipino celebrations, this whole roasted pig is cooked over an open flame until its skin is crispy and golden, often stuffed with lemongrass, garlic, and spices.

Filipino Food Month is a time to celebrate the depth and diversity of Filipino cuisine. Each bite offers a taste of history, culture, and tradition. Savor the flavors, share the experience, and embrace the stories behind every dish.