Best Filipino side dishes (11 Amazing Dishes to Try)
Finding good side dishes to pair with your Filipino main courses can be tough. But never fear, I’m here to help! This guide will share a few of our favorite Filipino side dishes that will elevate your meal.
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Growing up, my mom always made sure that we had a variety of Filipino side dishes to go with our main course.
She believed that it was important to have a well-rounded meal and that each dish should complement the others. Plus, she firmly believed that the side dish that you choose to serve with your food makes or breaks the dish. As a result, I grew up enjoying a wide variety of flavors and textures in my food.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own Filipino feast, here are a few of my favorite side dishes.
Best Filipino side dishes
- Poqui Poqui
- Atchara
- Latik
- Puto cheese
- Lumpia
- Pan de Sal
- Garlic fried rice
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Adobo mushrooms
- Kalabasa fritters
Poqui Poqui
Poqui poqui is a Filipino side dish that is traditionally served for breakfast or dinner. It is made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and fish sauce.
This side dish is vegetarian-friendly and is often served with rice or bread. It is a filling and healthy dish that can be easily made at home.
Poqui poqui is a great way to incorporate eggplant into your diet, and it is a delicious and healthy alternative to other side dishes such as rice or potatoes. However, it can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish.
Atchara
Atchara is a Filipino side dish made from unripe green papaya that has been pickled in vinegar, sugar, and spices.
It is typically served as a condiment or dipping sauce with grilled meats, and its sweet, spicy, and sour flavors make it a perfect complement to many dishes. The unripe papaya gives Atchara a crunchy texture, while the vinegar and sugar provide a refreshing sweetness.
Atchara is also relatively easy to make at home, and it can be stored in the fridge for months. If you are looking for a unique side dish to serve at your next party or potluck, Atchara is a delicious option that is sure to please your guests.
Latik
Latik is a popular Filipino side dish made from grated coconut. The coconut is simmered in water until it forms a thick paste, then left to cook until it becomes lightly browned.
Latik is often used as a dessert topper or served alongside sweet dishes. It has a toasted coconut flavor and is deliciously sticky and sweet. It is also a good source of healthy fats and fiber.
Because it is high in fat, latik should be consumed in moderation. However, when used as a side dish or topping, latik can add an extra boost of flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Puto cheese
Puto cheese is a traditional Filipino snack that is similar to a muffin. It is made with flour (or rice), baking powder, sugar, and salt. The batter is then steamed until it is light and fluffy.
Puto cheese is often served as a side dish with savory dishes such as chicken adobo or kaldereta. It is traditionally made with white cheddar cheese, but other cheeses such as mozzarella or cream cheese can also be used.
It is a good side dish because it is light and airy, and it pairs well with savory dishes. It is also a good source of calcium and protein.
Lumpia
Lumpia is a type of Filipino spring roll that is both crispy and crunchy. It is filled with either shrimp or pork and often includes celery for added crunch. The fillings are then wrapped in a thin pastry wrapper and deep-fried until golden brown.
Lumpia makes an excellent side dish because it is both tender and crunchy. The pastry wrapper is delicate and crispy, while the fillings are juicy and flavorful.
Lumpia can be served with dipping sauces such as vinegar or soy sauce, or enjoyed on their own. It is a delicious way to add some crunch to your meal.
Pan de Sal
Pan de Sal is a type of Filipino bread roll that is traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a snack. The rolls are soft and fluffy, with a slightly sweet flavor. Pan de Sal is typically served with coffee, tea, or chocolate milk. While it is commonly eaten plain, Pan de Sal can also be dipped in soup or used to make sandwiches. In addition to being a delicious food, Pan de Sal is also a nutritious side dish. The bread is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and protein. As a result, Pan de Sal makes an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy option.
Garlic fried rice
Garlic fried rice is a popular Filipino side dish that is quick and easy to make. It is traditionally made with rice, garlic, vegetables, and oil. Scallions and salt are also often added for flavor.
Garlic fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different main courses. It is also a good way to use up leftover rice. In addition, the leftovers reheat well, so it is often made in large batches and eaten throughout the week.
Overall, garlic fried rice is an affordable, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that should be part of every Filipino kitchen repertoire.
Coleslaw
Who doesn’t love coleslaw? It is shredded raw cabbage and carrots, often mixed with mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It can also include pineapple, red onions, green peppers, and other ingredients.
It is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.
Coleslaw is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served with fried chicken or pork. The sweetness of the pineapple and the crunch of the cabbage add a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the fried meat. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C.
The best way to enjoy coleslaw is to chill it in the fridge for an hour or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cabbage a chance to soften slightly.
Cucumber tomato salad
Cucumber tomato salad is a light and refreshing side dish that is popular in the Philippines. It is made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, and dressed with a vinegar-based vinaigrette.
Cucumber tomato salad is a good side dish because it is light and refreshing. The vinegar-based vinaigrette dressing is not too heavy, and the cucumbers and tomatoes add a crunchy texture to the salad.
The salad is also very easy to make and can be made ahead of time so that it is ready to serve when needed. Plus, it complements any Filipino meal quite well.
Adobo mushrooms
Adobo mushrooms are a fantastic vegetarian side dish that is popular in Filipino cuisine. They are typically made with baby portobellos, which are first cooked in a mixture of onion, garlic, and soy sauce. Once the mushrooms are tender, they are usually served over rice or pasta.
This dish is not only delicious, but it is also healthy and easy to make. Plus, it is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Kalabasa fritters
Kalabasa fritters are a type of fried vegetable mix popular in the Philippines. The fritters are made with Kalabasa, also known as Philippine pumpkin, and other vegetables such as eggplant, squash, and carrots.
They are usually sweet, with a hint of saltiness, and make a great snack or side dish. They can be served plain or with dipping sauces such as vinegar or soy sauce. Plus, they are a healthy option because they are not deep-fried and are made with fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide has helped you to find some delicious and nutritious Filipino side dishes that will elevate your meal.
All of the dishes listed above are easy to make and affordable, so they are perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to add some flavor to their dinner. Make sure you try out these recipes and see for yourself how delicious they can be!
Best Filipino side dishes (11 Amazing Dishes to Try)
Ingredients
- Poqui Poqui
- Atchara
- Latik
- Puto cheese
- Lumpia
- Pan de Sal
- Garlic fried rice
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Adobo mushrooms
- Kalabasa fritters
Instructions
- Choose your preferred Filipino side dish recipe to serve with meal
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish
- Enjoy