How does Filipino food fare for an outsider? “Tasting” and evaluating our cuisine through others’ palates can be interesting. It makes us appreciate how our food is heavily influenced by different sensibilities—from the rich cultures of our colonial past to travelers and traders that set foot on our land.
The Malayo-Polynesians brought one of our top fave staples—rice. Chinese traders bartered spices and ingredients for our kitchens, like soy sauce, fish sauce, and noodles, among many others. Our Spanish conquistadors introduced new cooking methods, like sautéing and braising, and pumped up kitchen flavors with the use of garlic, onion, other New World mainstays, like corn and potatoes.
The result? Melded flavors and cooking styles that have made Filipino food fare über rich, diverse, and constantly evolving. These food marriages have built for us a gastronomic identity so authentic, almost familiar, but still uniquely on its own plane.
In fact, Filipino food offers a wide spectrum of flavors that is hardly one-size-fits-all. Even our most famous fast-food chain brings on such a uniquely Filipino gastro experience that speaks of combined sensibilities, sparks curiosity, and is making a mark across the globe with sweet-style spaghetti, savory fiesta noodles, garlic fried rice, and some unique desserts you won’t find elsewhere.
In this rundown of clips, we see how our food tickles the taste buds of these Filipino food noobs. Watch and get hungry!
“Keith Eats Everything at Jollibee” (Try Guys)
Rice meals for breakfast is such a Filipino thing, make it even better with a serving of garlic fried rice, and you’ll ditch just having a cup of coffee to jumpstart your day. From juicy and tender meats, to refreshing drinks and sweet treats—Pinoy fast food hits the spot.
“My Picky Niece Try’s Jollibee for the First Time” | Happy Filipino History Month (Big Guy Appetite)
Even the pickiest eaters can’t get enough of how tasty Filipino flavors are—from noodles to desserts and everything in between—that’s 0 to 10 real quick!
“I am finally trying Jollibee!” (KingSchratz)
It’s literally a “winner, winner, chicken dinner” when you finally get what the hype is all about. One takeaway from this: Keep an open mind and you’ll likely get a perfect bite, every time.
“Eating Entire Jollibee Menu! Jollibee New York VS. Philippines Food Review” (Strictly Dumpling)
Ever considered making a Spotify playlist as an ode to the crunchiest pie crust and chicken skin? We do get crazy ideas when we fall in love—with food, right?
“Kids Try Jollibee” | Kids Try | HiHo Kids (HiHo Kids)
The prominent sweet flavor in some Filipino dishes like our sweet-style spaghetti is such a blockbuster for kids! We hit that sweet spot for these honest, young critics.
“Americans Eat Jollibee: Filipino Food Taste Test” (LouisYoutube)
Food always tastes better when shared, especially if it’s with your group of friends who are down for anything new to try. With Filipino food, it’s always a surprise.
“Trying Filipino Food for the First Time!” (Charles & Alyssa Forever)
It isn’t that hard to keep wanting for more authentic Filipino food after your first bite. From moist and tasty proteins and perfectly cooked, fluffy white rice, to the “purple colored desserts” and fresh fruit juices—our food shows the way from the tummy to the heart!
“NYC Strangers Try Sisig for the First Time, Fall in Love?!” (Xiaomanyc)
Sisig’s undeniable flavor profile and play of texture makes it one of the most loved Filipino pulutan (drinking grub). Well, the busy streets of NYC is the perfect spot to put this heavenly dish to the test—and pass with flying colors.
“People Try Dinuguan for the First Time” (BuzzFeed Video)
Sometimes you just got to dig in and not think of anything when trying food for the first time. Pleasant surprises are just around the corner, or in this case, in a bowl with white rice.
“Ultimate Filipino Food Feast in San Diego, California” (Gareth Leonard)
Start the day right by picking out breads in a bakery, then sit down for lunch to enjoy sinigang (tamarind soup), kare-kare (pork and peanut sauce stew), halo-halo (Filipino cold dessert with crushed ice, milk, and various sweetened toppings), some bibingka (rice cake), and lechon (roasted pig). Then eat that feast with your hands in a boodle fight. Now, that’s a classic Filipino feast you surely don’t want to miss.
