The Best Philippine Pork Dishes According to TasteAtlas’ Top 100 in the World
SHARE THIS:
TasteAtlas’ “Top 100 Pork Dishes in the World” showcases the most highly rated pork dishes across various countries, as voted by their audience. These rankings highlight authentic local dishes known for their flavor and cultural significance, from lechón in the Philippines to Chinese char siu. The list celebrates regional variations, cooking styles, and ingredients, reflecting the global love for pork in all its delicious forms.
The Ultimate List of Must-Try Pork Dishes Around the Philippines
The world’s diverse cuisines each hold unique culinary treasures, but few can compare to the cultural significance and flavors of pork dishes. Pork is a staple protein in many cultures and regions, inspiring iconic recipes that delight food lovers. Here, we explore some of the best-rated pork dishes in the Philippines recognized globally, celebrating the flavors, cooking techniques, and heritage that make each of them special.
Here are the pork dishes that made the Top 100 in the World according to TasteAtlas:
1) Lechon
The newly cooked all-time favorite, the popular, delicious, crispy, roasted whole pig or Lechon Baboy on banana leaf [Photo courtesy: Lisyl Songco | Getty Images]Lechon is a beloved dish featuring a whole pig roasted over charcoal until the skin is perfectly crispy and the meat tender. Typically served during celebrations and special gatherings, lechón is seasoned with local herbs and spices, with variations across regions. This iconic dish is often paired with liver sauce, adding a savory-sweet element that enhances the rich, smoky flavor of the meat. Celebrated as a centerpiece of Filipino feasts, lechón reflects the country’s communal spirit and love for flavorful food. (Global Ranking: 1 in Southeast Asia, 15 in the World)
2) Lechon Kawali
Freshly cooked Lechon kawali or pan-fried chopped crispy pork belly. [Photo courtesy: Jun Pinzon | Getty Images]A popular Filipino dish made by deep-frying pork belly until it achieves crispiness on the golden-brown crust while remaining juicy inside. Seasoned with salt and spices, the Lechon Kawali is first boiled until tender, then cooled before frying, which ensures its perfect texture. Often served with a side of liver sauce or spiced vinegar, lechon kawali is known for its rich flavor and crunchy skin, making it a staple in Filipino households and a favorite comfort food. (Global Ranking: 4 in Southeast Asia, 34 in the World)
3) Bicol Express
Bicol Express featuring pork belly with coconut milk and chilis [Photo courtesy: ALLEKO | Getty Images]Bicol Express is a spicy Filipino dish from the Bicol region, known for its bold flavors and creamy texture. Made with pork, it’s cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce and flavored with shrimp paste, garlic, and ginger. Fresh green chili peppers are essential, giving the dish its signature heat, though it can be adjusted for spice tolerance. Bicol Express perfectly balances creaminess and spiciness, embodying Bicolano cuisine’s love for flavorful, fiery dishes that highlight local ingredients. (Global Ranking: 5 in Southeast Asia, 35 in the World)
4) Sisig
Chopped prok or pig face, Sisig, served with egg, chilis, and calamansi on a sizzling plate. [Photo courtesy: Jun Pinzon | Getty Images]Sisig is a beloved Filipino dish from Pampanga, known for its savory, crispy texture and bold flavors. Traditionally made with chopped pig’s face, ears, and liver, sisig is grilled, seasoned with onions, and often served sizzling. It’s typically seasoned with calamansi (Filipino lime), chili, and sometimes a raw egg mixed in for added richness. Sisig’s blend of tangy, spicy, and crunchy elements makes it a popular bar food and appetizer, and it’s often enjoyed with rice or as a pulutan (snack) with drinks. (Global Ranking: 8 in Southeast Asia, 46 in the World)
5) Inihaw na Liempo
Liempo, or pork belly, is a Filipino favorite cooked on a small charcoal grill at the backyard. [Photo courtesy: Michael Edwards | Getty Images]The pork is typically seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, giving it a savory and slightly tangy flavor. Inihaw na Liempo is a popular Filipino grilled dish featuring marinated pork belly. After marinating, the pork is grilled over charcoal until it becomes beautifully charred and smoky, often served with a side of soy sauce and vinegar for dipping. This dish is a favorite during family gatherings and barbecues, embodying the essence of Filipino outdoor cooking and communal dining. (Global Ranking: 10 in Southeast Asia, 62 in the World)
6) Adobong Baboy
Pork Adobo is made special when its cooked at home showed with vinegar, soy sauce, pepper corns, and bay leaf. [Photo courtesy Liudmyla Chuhunova | Getty Images]Adobong baboy is a classic Filipino dish made with pork marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. The pork is simmered until tender, allowing it to absorb the rich, tangy flavors of the marinade. This dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Adobong baboy is beloved for its simplicity and depth of flavor, reflecting the heart of Filipino home cooking and tradition. (Global Ranking: 11 in Southeast Asia, 63 in the World)
7) Binagoongan
A Filipino pork stew sautéed in spices, and then cooked with shrimp paste. [Photo courtesy: Vanjo Merano | Speedy Recipe]Binagoongan is a flavorful Filipino pork dish, typically simmered in a rich sauce of shrimp paste (bagoong), tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The shrimp paste lends a unique umami flavor, while the pork is cooked until tender, absorbing the vibrant tastes of the sauce. Often garnished with fresh chili peppers for added heat, binagoongan is commonly served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and savory meal that highlights the essence of Filipino cuisine. (Global Ranking: 14 in Southeast Asia, 79 in the World)
8) Crispy Pata
Crispy pata is a deep-fried pork leg known for its irresistible crunch and succulent meat often served with a dipping sauce made from vinegar and soy sauce. [Photo courtesy: Public Domain Pictures | Pixabay]Crispy pata is a popular dish in the Philippines consisting of deep-fried pig’s trotter (front leg) that is known for its crunchy skin and tender meat. The pork is usually boiled first to make it tender and then marinated in a blend of spices before being deep-fried to achieve its signature crispiness. Often served with a side of soy-vinegar dipping sauce or a special liver sauce, crispy pata is a favorite at festive gatherings and special occasions, showcasing the indulgent flavors of Filipino festive flavor. (Global Ranking: 15 in Southeast Asia, 90 in the World)
ALSO READ: 10 Cebuano Breakfast Meals to Jumpstart Your Day
These iconic pork dishes in the Philippines are a testament to the rich and diverse ways that culture approach cooking and flavor. Whether it’s the crispy, roasted perfection of lechon, the acquired taste of bagoong (shrimp paste), and dining experience of Filipinos during celebrations or gathering, each dish showcases the love and tradition behind every bite.
Are you ready to explore these dishes yourself? Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the unique tastes that make these pork dishes beloved worldwide. For a full list of the Top 100 Pork Dishes in the World, you can explore the complete rankings, descriptions, and origins directly on the TasteAtlas website.
Which of these iconic Philippine pork dishes have you tried? Share your experience with us on social media using #CebuFinest, #UltimateCebuExperience, and #CebuEatsPork, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) to feature your favorite pork dish!
Photo credits: Binagoongan from Speedy Recipe; other photos from Getty Images, Pixabay, and Canva