Dubai might be a melting pot of international cuisines, but Filipino food definitely deserves a top spot on your must-try list. It’s vibrant, comforting, and absolutely full of flavour. From savoury stews to colourful desserts, for all of you who’re still waiting to have your first bite, I’ve rounded up the top Filipino dishes you need to try first. Ready to dig in? Keep reading for all the delicious details, and stay till the end to find out the best Dubai restaurants that are serving up these hearty dishes.
Also read: Celebrate Curry Week In Dubai At The Noodle House With This Can’t-Miss Offer
Top 5 Filipino Dishes
1) Adobo
Adobo is the epitome of what Filipino comfort food is. Meat (chicken or pork) braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and bay leaf until the flavours go deep and a little sticky. It’s simple, soulful and pairs perfectly with plain rice. Exactly the kind of plate you want after a long day. In Dubai you can find adobo at Filipino restaurants like Max’s (they’ve even got Adobo Ribs on the menu), and local spots such as Adobo Nation have been praised for their take on it.
2) Sinigang
If you haven’t tried a tamarind soup before, sinigang will win you over. It’s a sour, warming broth usually made with tamarind (and sometimes tomato), loaded with vegetables and served with pork, beef, or prawns. It’s bright, tangy and strangely addictive. Perfect on a cooler evening or as a palate-cleanser after fried dishes. Max’s and other Filipino restaurants in Dubai have highly rated sinigang options on their menu.
3) Kare-Kare
Kare-kare is best described as a Filipino peanut stew. A silky peanut-based sauce with slow-cooked beef/ox tail (or other proteins) and a pile of vegetables. Always served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side to cut through the richness. It’s indulgent, unique and ideal for sharing. You’ll spot kare-kare on mainstream Filipino menus in Dubai.
4) Lechon Kawali
If crispy pork crackling is your weakness, lechon kawali will obliterate your cravings. The pork is boiled until tender, then deep-fried until the skin is gloriously crisp. Some Dubai spots specialise in whole roasted or deep-fried lechon and lechon-style platters. Restaurants like Lamesa feature lechon items on their menus and there are specialist lechon sellers (many offer takeaway/delivery across Dubai). Many places also serve lechon kawali-style dishes as an a la carte favourite. Perfect to share.
5) Halo-halo
Dubai summers demand a proper cold treat – enter halo-halo. This “mix-mix” dessert layers shaved ice, condensed/evaporated milk, sweet beans, jelly, ube (purple yam) or ice cream, and leche flan. The texture and colour combo is half the fun. For a fast, reliable fix, Chowking (multiple branches across Dubai and in many malls) is famous for its halo-halo. It’s colourful, playful and hugely satisfying after a savoury meal.
Where To Find These Top Dishes In Dubai
- Max’s Restaurant (multiple outlets) — dependable Filipino classics (adobo, sinigang, kare-kare). Great for a sit-down family-style meal.
- Chowking — fast-casual, widely available across malls. Famous for halo-halo and quick Filipino favourites. Good for a treat on the go.
- Lamesa — for lechon-style dishes and lechon kawali. Several vendors do takeaway/delivery across Satwa, Karama and Deira.
