6 June, 2024
Filipino Food main image
Filipino Food main image
Eat & Drink

Curious About Filipino Food? 10 Must-Try Filipino Dishes In Hong Kong

6 June, 2024
Filipino Food main image

Have you been craving something new and exciting? Team Sassy, with our very own Filipino foodies, has got you covered with insider tips on the must-try Filipino food and restaurants in Hong Kong!

We’re lucky to be spoiled for choice with everything from fine dining to dim sum and hot pot restaurants in Hong Kong. Yet, Filipino food has often been overlooked –despite the presence of a large Filipino community here. But guess what? There’s been an awakening of interest in this delicious cuisine! If you’re curious about exploring the best of Filipino food in Hong Kong and unsure about what to order, you’re in the right place. Team Sassy proudly includes a couple of Filipinos, and we’re here to share our personal favourites and the tried-and-tested spots that are Filipino-approved.

Read More: Must-Visit Cha Chaan Tengs & Hong-Kong Style Restaurants


Filipino Food Adobo

Adobo – An essential Filipino dish with endless variations

Adobo, often crowned as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, is an absolute must-order at any Filipino restaurant. Imagine tender pork or chicken (seriously, both are amazing) marinated and slow-cooked in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The best part about this dish is that there are endless variations! If you like it soupy to drizzle over rice or drier with a caramelised finish, there’s an adobo out there just for you (don’t forget to ask for extra rice).  Adobo’s charm lies in its simplicity and the unique twist every cook adds, making it an exciting classic you simply can’t miss when sampling Filipino cuisine.

The best Filipino restaurants for adobo in Hong Kong

  • Foodtrip Bedana’s Filipino Restaurant – A family-run restaurant that’s well-loved for its authentic homecooked Filipino meals and heartwarming hospitality. www.facebook.com/BedanasFilipinoRestobar
  • Junels Restobar – Filipino restaurant and karaoke bar that provides a space for people to celebrate, socialise, and enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine. www.facebook.com/junelsrestobar

Filipino Food sinigang

Sinigang – A classic Filipino soup with the perfect blend of flavours

Is there anything better than a warm bowl of sinigang? This tangy soup is the ultimate Filipino comfort food and a must-try at any Filipino restaurant. The magic of sinigang is in its perfect mix of sour and savoury, making it both refreshing and satisfying. It’s usually cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onions, fresh veggies, and your choice of meat – shrimp and pork are the go-to options. In fact, Filipino families often compete to make the “sourest sinigang,” so you know you’re in for a treat!

The best Filipino restaurant for sinigang in Hong Kong

  • Dara – Homestyle Pampanga cuisine (a region dubbed as the “Culinary Capital Of The Philippines”), presented in a casual fine dining setting that retains traditional flavours. www.instagram.com/dara_hkg

Read More: The Best French Restaurants In Hong Kong – Where To Eat French Food


Filipino Food Sizzling Sisig

Sizzling Sisig – Versatile dish that’s beloved by Filipino food experts

If you’ve never tried sisig, the sizzling Filipino dish made from chopped pig’s face, chicken liver, diced onions, chili peppers, and a splash of tangy calamansi juice, you’re missing out! This textural delight was praised by Anthony Bourdain himself as the dish poised to conquer global taste buds – seriously, even sceptics fall in love at first bite. Plus, with variations like fish, tofu, or seafood for the health-conscious, there’s a version of this iconic Filipino food for everyone.

The best Filipino restaurant for sizzling sisig in Hong Kong

  • Barkada – Modern takes on classic Filipino food in a welcoming venue conceived by food influencer Jen Balisi and hospitality group Singular Concepts. www.barkada.hk

Filipino Food palabok

Palabok – A rich and flavourful festive favourite with superstitious roots

Does it really prolong your life? Filipinos like to say that eating palabok could lead to a longer life, but whether or not that’s true, it’s still definitely worth every bite! Inspired by Chinese cuisine, palabok features rice noodles covered in a rich, shrimp-infused gravy, topped with a combination of hard-boiled eggs, crispy chicharon (deep-fried pork rinds), tinapa flakes (smoked fish flakes), whole shrimp, and scallions. It’s basically a flavour explosion you don’t want to miss! Often enjoyed during festive gatherings, it pairs perfectly with a cold beverage and great company.

The best Filipino restaurants for palabok in Hong Kong

  • Siony’s Lutong Bahay – Founded by Siony, a figure in Hong Kong’s food scene for over thirty years, bringing the concept of lutong bahay (home-cooked dishes) to both Hongkongers and Filipinos. sionyslutongbahay.oddle.me
  • The Port LKF – Popular after midnight, this bar surprisingly serves decent Filipino food alongside its lively nightlife. www.openrice.com

Read More: The Best Vietnamese Restaurants In Hong Kong


Filipino Food Tapsilog

Tapsilog – Signature Filipino breakfast that satisfies all cravings

Did you know that Filipinos eat rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Enter tapsilog, the Filipino food experience that will make you fall in love with breakfast all over again. Tapsilog is a delicious blend of tapa (beef), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg). This hearty dish is the most popular among the silog family, featuring pan-fried beef tapa served alongside fragrant garlic rice and a sunny-side-up egg – the combination is pure bliss. It’s best enjoyed with a drizzle of vinegar or a side of atchara (pickled papaya).

The best Filipino restaurants for tapsilog in Hong Kong

  • iiUncles – A Thai and Filipino grab-and-go shop in Central run by two “uncles” that serves up breakfast sets like Tapsilog with the warmth and care of family. www.instagram.com/iiuncles
  • Tambayan – Casual, open-air Filipino eatery that provides a lively “hangout” spot reminiscent of the city’s dai pai dong. www.facebook.com/tambayan.hkg

Chicken Inasal – Filipino food that takes marinating to a whole new level

Chicken inasal is a Filipino street food classic, and not just any grilled chicken – we’re talking a full-on aromatic experience here! The chicken gets completely doused in a marinade of garlic, ginger, coconut vinegar and lime before getting skewered up and grilled to absolute perfection. Just imagine sinking your teeth into that tender and juicy meat with a hint of charred goodness – you can practically hear the sizzle!

Sassy Tip: Eat it with your hands for the most authentic experience – it’s messy, but oh-so-worth it!

The best Filipino restaurant for chicken inasal in Hong Kong

  • Chi-Khan Inasal – Serving up halal, smoky, crave-worthy chicken inasal coupled with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. www.facebook.com/chikhaninasal

Read More: Halal Food In Hong Kong – Halal-Certified Restaurants & Eateries With Halal Meat Options


Filipino Food Kare kare

Kare Kare – A classic stew that highlights texture and depth in Filipino food

Although its origins are shrouded in mystery, Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino food staple. This ultra-thick stew, traditionally made with oxtail, is infused with ground peanuts and thickened with rice flour, resulting in a velvety sauce. The highlight of Kare-Kare isn’t just the meat; it’s also loaded with veggies like banana blossoms, string beans, and eggplant, adding layers of texture (the first spoonful feels like a warm hug).

Sassy Tip: The best way to enjoy Kare-Kare is to serve it with a generous heap of rice and a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for that perfect salty punch.

The best Filipino restaurant for kare kare in Hong Kong

  • Holy Gaw – A modern Filipino restaurant in Wan Chai that sets itself apart by offering fusions of Pinoy cuisine while retaining its cultural identity. www.facebook.com/HolyGaw

Filipino Food dinuguan

Dinuguan – A bold stew that’ll earn you bragging rights

For the ultra-adventurous, Dinuguan is a Filipino food experience you won’t forget! This blood stew might sound intimidating at first, but one taste will win you over. It’s made with tender pork slices sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a rich pork blood sauce with a splash of vinegar – think of it as The Philippines’ answer to black pudding. If you do end up trying this, let us know, and we’ll definitely applaud you!

The best Filipino restaurant for dinuguan in Hong Kong

Read More: The Best Michelin-Recommended Cheap Eats In Hong Kong – New Bib Gourmand Restaurants & More


Filipino Food halo halo

Halo Halo – A sweet, colourful medley that’s perfect to cool down with

The hot weather in the Philippines calls for a refreshing treat, and what better way to cool down than with a popular cold dessert? We can definitely relate to that in Hong Kong! Enter Halo-Halo. This dessert brings together seemingly random ingredients – shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and even ube ice cream – all drizzled with creamy milk and topped with delights like leche flan and ube halaya. The name ‘Halo-Halo’ literally means ‘mix-mix’ in Tagalog, and that’s exactly what you do: mix it all up to enjoy a colourful, sweet medley that harmonises into a delightful treat.

The best Filipino restaurant for halo halo in Hong Kong

  • Cinta-J Restaurant & Lounge – Well-known Wan Chai restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine and features live music performances. www.facebook.com/Cinta.J.HK

Filipino Food leche flan

Leche Flan – The Filipino way to end a meal

Any Filipino can relate to the sheer joy of seeing Leche Flan at a family gathering. Unlike its European cousin, crème caramel, Leche Flan relies on evaporated and condensed milk for its denser texture. The secret is to enjoy each bite slowly to fully appreciate the silky texture and caramel sweetness. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a topping for Halo-Halo, this dessert is the perfect way to end any meal.

The best Filipino restaurant for leche flan in Hong Kong

  • 42nd Davis – A fully Filipino-owned and staffed restaurant in Kennedy Town that offers both Italian and Filipino food options. 42nddavis.oddle.me

Read More: The Best Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong – Gelato, Soft-Serve & More


Main image courtesy of Barkada via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Liudmyla Chuhunova via Getty, image 2 courtesy of Dara via Instagram, image 3 courtesy of sj_unsplash via Unsplash, image 4 courtesy of Eiliv Aceron via Unsplash, image 5 courtesy of junpinzon via Getty, image 6 courtesy of junpinzon via Getty, image 7 courtesy of Sri widyowati via Getty, image 8 courtesy of Andrei Kravtsov via Getty, image 9 courtesy of Hendra Su via Getty, image 10 courtesy of Imad 786 via Unsplash.

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