The Philippines isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its stunning landscapes; it’s an explosion of flavor for your taste buds! Beyond iconic dishes like adobo and sinigang, the archipelago boasts a treasure trove of incredible food products in the Philippines that are perfect for snacking, gifting, or bringing a piece of Filipino culinary sunshine back home.
But with so many delicious options, where do you even begin? We’ve taken on the delicious task of ranking some of the best and most beloved Filipino food products to guide your gastronomic adventures. Consider this your ultimate shopping list!
Here are our top picks, ranked for your reading (and eating) pleasure:
See also: The Top 7 Must Haves Every Traveler Needs
#12. Crunchy Banana Chips
Simple yet incredibly addictive, Filipino banana chips are a classic. Thinly sliced saba bananas are fried to a perfect crisp and often lightly sweetened with a sugar glaze or honey. They are a healthier alternative to potato chips and offer a delightful crunch.
- Why they’re great: Satisfyingly crunchy, naturally sweet, great for on-the-go snacking.
- Popular Brands: JoJoo, Tropics, Good Sense.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, pasalubong centers, local markets nationwide.
#11. Boy Bawang (Cornick)
No list of Filipino snacks is complete without Boy Bawang! These crunchy, garlic-flavored corn nuts (cornick) are a national obsession. They come in various flavors like garlic, adobo, chili cheese, and hot garlic, offering an intense savory kick.
- Why it’s great: Super crunchy, intensely flavorful (especially the garlic!), highly addictive, and very affordable.
- Popular Brands: KSK Food Products (the original Boy Bawang).
- Where to Buy: Convenience stores, supermarkets, sari-sari stores everywhere.
#10. Otap & Barquillos
These are delicate, crispy heritage biscuits. Otap is an oval-shaped puff pastry biscuit, sprinkled with sugar, known for its crumbly texture. Barquillos are thin, sweet, crispy rolled wafers, sometimes flavored with ube or pandan. Both are perfect with coffee or as a light snack.
- Why they’re great: Light, crispy, subtly sweet, a taste of Filipino tradition.
- Popular Brands: Shamrock (for Otap, especially from Cebu), De Ocampo (Barquillos).
- Where to Buy: Pasalubong centers (especially in Cebu for Otap), supermarkets, specialty bakeries.
#9. Pastillas de Leche
These are soft, sweet milk candies made primarily from carabao (water buffalo) milk and sugar. They can be plain, coated in sugar, or have added flavors like ube or langka (jackfruit). The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply divine.
- Why they’re great: Creamy, milky, delicately sweet, a beloved traditional Filipino candy.
- Where to Buy: Pasalubong shops, local markets (especially in provinces known for them like Bulacan and Nueva Ecija), some supermarkets.
#8. Piaya
Originating from Negros Occidental, Piaya is an unleavened flatbread filled with a sweet, gooey muscovado sugar mixture. It’s grilled until slightly crisp on the outside, with a warm, molasses-like filling. Some versions also include ube or mango.
- Why it’s great: Unique texture contrast (crisp exterior, chewy interior), rich muscovado flavor, a taste of the Visayas.
- Popular Brands: BongBong’s, Merci (both popular Bacolod brands).
- Where to Buy: Pasalubong centers (especially those specializing in Bacolod products), some supermarkets.
#7. Tablea (Pure Cacao Blocks)
For a truly authentic Filipino hot chocolate (“sikwate”), you need tablea. These are pure, roasted cacao beans ground and formed into blocks or discs. Whisked into hot water or milk, they create a rich, intense, and slightly bitter chocolate drink – the perfect comfort beverage.
- Why it’s great: Pure, unadulterated cacao flavor, makes incredible hot chocolate, supports local cacao farmers.
- Popular Brands: Many artisanal and local brands exist. Look for those from Davao or Batangas.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, local markets, specialty coffee/chocolate shops, pasalubong centers.
#6. Spiced Local Vinegars (e.g., Sukang Pinakurat)
Filipino cuisine loves its vinegars! Beyond the standard white vinegar, look for unique spiced versions. Sukang Pinakurat is a fermented coconut sap vinegar infused with chilies, garlic, onions, and other spices, offering a fiery, tangy kick perfect for grilled meats, chicharon, or as a dipping sauce.
- Why it’s great: Adds a complex, spicy, and tangy dimension to food, a unique Filipino condiment.
- Popular Brands: Pinakurat (the original), various other artisanal brands.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, local markets (especially in the Visayas and Mindanao for Pinakurat), some pasalubong shops.
#5. Polvorón
This is a beloved Filipino shortbread-like treat made from toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, and butter. It’s incredibly powdery and crumbly, melting in your mouth. Popular variations include those with pinipig (toasted pounded young rice), cashews, or ube.
- Why it’s great: Unique powdery texture, sweet and milky, a nostalgic childhood favorite for many Filipinos.
- Popular Brands: Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, ChocoVron, HOP (House of Polvoron).
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, bakeshops, pasalubong centers, department store food sections.
#4. Chicharrón (Pork Rinds)
Filipino chicharrón is the ultimate crispy, savory indulgence. These deep-fried pork rinds (and sometimes pork belly) are incredibly crunchy and flavorful. While available everywhere, Carcar in Cebu is particularly famous for its version. Often enjoyed with a spiced vinegar dip.
- Why it’s great: Supremely crunchy, rich and savory, incredibly addictive, perfect with beer or as a snack.
- Where to Buy: Pasalubong centers (especially Carcar chicharon from Cebu), specialty stalls in markets, some supermarkets. Look for freshly packed local varieties.
#3. Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam – Commercially Packaged)
Ube (purple yam) is a uniquely Filipino ingredient, and Ube Halaya is its most glorious form. This sweet jam is made from boiled and mashed purple yam, coconut milk, butter, and sugar. While homemade is amazing, commercially packaged versions are readily available and make excellent gifts or ingredients for desserts.
- Why it’s great: Unique and delicious earthy-sweet flavor, vibrant purple color, versatile (eaten on its own, with bread, or as a dessert ingredient).
- Popular Brands: Good Shepherd (Baguio – though often needs to be consumed faster), various brands in jars available in supermarkets.
- Where to Buy: Supermarkets, pasalubong centers, specialty stores.
#2. Philippine Coffee Beans
The Philippines has a rich coffee heritage, with regions like Batangas (for the strong Barako liberica), Sagada, Benguet, Bukidnon, and Davao producing excellent arabica, robusta, and liberica beans. Buying whole beans allows you to experience unique local flavors back home.
- Why they’re great: Supports local farmers, offers unique flavor profiles distinct from other origins, a growing specialty coffee scene.
- Popular Brands/Sources: Look for beans from specific regions or roasters like Kalsada Coffee,SGD Coffee, Bo’s Coffee (retail packs), Hineleban Farms.
- Where to Buy: Specialty coffee shops, supermarkets, pasalubong centers, direct from farms or local roasters.
#1. Dried Mangoes
Undeniably the king of Filipino food products for pasalubong! Philippine mangoes, particularly anay (carabao) mangoes, are considered among the sweetest in the world. When dried, they become a chewy, intensely sweet, and tangy treat that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.
- Why they’re #1: Iconic Filipino product, universally loved, perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess, excellent shelf life, easy to transport.
- Popular Brands: 7D Mangoes, Profood Cebu (Philippine Brand), Guadalupe Dried Mangoes.
- Where to Buy: EVERYWHERE! Supermarkets, convenience stores, pasalubong centers, airport shops, local markets.
Honorable Mentions:
- Ding Dong Mixed Snacks: Another popular savory snack mix with corn bits, peanuts, and peas.
- SkyFlakes Crackers: An iconic, plain but versatile cracker, a staple in many Filipino households.
- Calamansi Concentrate: For making a refreshing Filipino lemonade or adding a citrusy zing to dishes.
Tips for Buying Filipino Food Products:
- Check Expiry Dates: Especially for items with shorter shelf lives.
- Sealed for Freshness: Ensure packaging is intact, especially if you’re taking them overseas.
- Consider Your Baggage: Some items, like bottled vinegars or multiple large packs, can add weight.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Especially for items like chicharon or tablea, to ensure quality.
The world of food products in the Philippines is vast and incredibly rewarding to explore. Whether you’re after sweet treats, savory snacks, or unique ingredients, you’re sure to find many new favorites.
What are your favorite Filipino food products? Did we miss any you think deserve a top spot?
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