panlasang pinoy

Filipino Food vs. Other Southeast Asian Cuisines: What’s the Difference?

Filipino vs Southeast Asian Food

Let’s play a quick game. Close your eyes and picture Southeast Asian food. What comes to mind? Maybe the bright herbs of Thai basil and lemongrass, the fiery punch of Vietnamese pho, or the coconut-rich curries of Malaysia. Now, where does Filipino food fit into that mix? If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. …

Read more

Filipino Food Culture: What Makes It So Special?

Filipino Food Culture

Picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, and your entire family is crammed around a table piled high with steaming rice, tangy stews, fried spring rolls, and a whole roasted pig. Plates are passed, laughter erupts, and someone’s aunt insists you take a third serving of pancit because “it’s good for you.” This isn’t just a meal—it’s …

Read more

The History of Filipino Food: Spanish, Chinese & Indigenous Influences (And How They Collide Deliciously)

History of Filipino Food

Picture this: You’re at a potluck with a lechon (crispy roast pig), a platter of pancit (stir-fried noodles), and a bowl of kinilaw (ceviche-style fish). It’s a feast that feels familiar, but also… not. That’s because Filipino food isn’t just Filipino. It’s a time capsule of centuries of trade, colonization, and cultural mashups—like a culinary …

Read more

Top 10 Filipino Food Dishes You Must Try (And Where to Find Them)

best filipino food dishes

Have you ever craved something new—a meal that’s both comforting and a total flavor adventure? Let’s talk about Filipino food. Imagine tender meats simmered in tangy sauces, crispy bites dipped in sweet-sour dressings, and desserts so vibrant they belong on Instagram. Filipino cuisine is like that friend who’s always up for a good time: warm, …

Read more

Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe: The Best Version You’ll Ever Try

Chicken Adobo recipe - masarap

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug from the Philippines, it’s chicken adobo. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a salty-sweet sauce with garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s the kind of meal that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate—and honestly, no one would blame you. …

Read more

Lumpia: The Filipino Spring Roll Loved Around the World

Filipino lumpia in the middle

What Is Lumpia? (Origins & History) Let’s start with the basics: lumpia is the Filipino spring roll you’ve probably seen at potlucks, food festivals, or even on your favorite cooking show. Imagine a crispy, golden wrapper hugging a savory filling of meat, veggies, or even sweet bananas. But where did it come from? The story …

Read more

Atchara (Pickled Papaya)

It’s finally barbecue season! Though I can use the oven to make Pork Barbecue all-year round, the sight and smell of cooking on the grill makes it more enjoyable to eat. What’s even more palatable is when those flame-kissed meats are served with a side of Atchara (Pickled Papaya). Pickled vegetables, particularly Atchara, are the …

Read more

Easy Baked Pork Chops

My family loves the flavor combination of lemon juice and soy sauce. We prefer the sour and salty combo over the sweet and salty, in savory dishes. The likes of Sinigang are always welcome any day.  Unlike in the Philippines where we have thinly cut bone-in pork chops (which I love), the ones I find …

Read more

Ginataang Kalabasa at Kale (Squash and Kale in Thick Coconut Gravy)

I love coconut milk! It’s just so versatile that it goes from sweet to savory yet still maintains its character. Kakanin (Filipino native delicacies) is never the same without it and dishes like our Filipino Chicken Curry and Ginataan can’t be complete without its star ingredient, the all-around coconut milk. Growing up in the Philippines, …

Read more

Ham and Potato Soup

With all the excitement of having ham during the holidays, I’m left with a huge chunk that I portion for later use. It’s the best kind of leftover though because it freezes beautifully and is so versatile….there’s no shortage of ways to prepare it. That’s why I don’t mind buying a bigger ham because I …

Read more

Let's be friends!

Let's socialize and talk about Filipino food. Choose your favorite social channels below. Follow or Subscribe. See you there! Salamat po!