A Taste of Authentic Filipino Food in Singapore

Missing the cultural culinary wonderland of a holiday overseas? Come along on a trip to the Philippines as we try out a full course of the tastiest bites from the Philippines — right here in the lion city!

— Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon, 11 July 2021

Filipino food consists of a wondrous mix of influences from not only Spanish, but also Chinese and even American cuisines. (Image Credit: Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon)

When it comes to Filipino food places in Singapore, one of the first names that might come to mind would be Jollibee. However, the food of the Philippines is more than just the well-renowned Chickenjoy and its accompanying sauce. While many Filipino dishes are inspired by Spanish cuisine, the heart of Filipino cooking is actually the home-cooked touch. According to home-cook Ms Judith Lozano who also runs the online business focusing on selling homemade bakes ‘Eat, Bake & Crave’, “Every food is a comfort food served and cooked by moms in many Filipino houses”. Over time, different ethnic groups made their versions of the dishes creating a flavour uniquely suiting their taste. No two creations are exactly the same and that’s the charm in it. Even here in Singapore, it can be said that cuisine differs quite a bit from that of their country of origin to suit the Singaporean palate.

Today I’ve invited two other Singaporean teens, Lok Yiu and Sherlyn Sim, along with a fellow Filipino, Maryse Lorenzo to try out a full course of Filipino cuisine.

Pandesal, whose name translates from Spanish as ‘salt bread’, is commonly called the national bread of the Philippinesdue to being a staple in Filipino’s diets for generations, while Ensaymada has an extra touch of flavour with the generous topping of cheese and buttery cream. (Image Credit: Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon)

First up are delicious bakes handmade by Ms Lozano — Pandesal and Ensaymada. Fun fact: Pandesal and Ensaymadaare commonly eaten as breakfast, or even as a snack during the day, along with Kape (coffee).

Both breads were extremely soft and fluffy, with a slight sweetness and just enough warmth which Maryse commented to be ‘heart-warming and a taste of home’. While the Pandesal was loved for its fluffy texture and simple yet delicious flavour, Ensaymada earned the hearts of Lok Yiu and Sherlyn who commented that the buttery cream and cheese added another depth of flavour to the bread reminiscent of butter-sugar buns, with Sherlyn even taking a few pieces home after the visit.

Yum Factor: 4/5

If you love delicious, juicy roast pork with crispy skin, you’re sure to love Lechon. This Lechon dish in particular was served with the famous Mang Tomas sauce, which is an all-purpose blend of pork liver, water, sugar, vinegar, breadcrumbs and spices, which is used in countless dishes in the Philippines. (Image Credit: Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon)

Next up on the menu are the mains: Lechon and Lechon Sisig from Lechon Republic in Novena which specialises in dishes made from Lechon (roasted pork). A similar dish which might be familiar to most of us here in Singapore would probably be Suckling Pig.

Despite the time between cooking and the food’s arrival at the our tables via delivery, the Lechon retained its juicy bite and delightfully crispy skin. Paired with the slightly sweet Mang Tomas, it was like a match made in heaven as the Mang Tomas kept the sinfully rich Lechon from becoming too overwhelming. The tough crispy skin, however, might make the lechon difficult to eat for some people, said Maryse.

It is, however, possibly a perfect late night snack (if you ignore the sinful juiciness of the fat paired with the perfectly roasted skin).

“Sisig is definitely comfort food material… but eating it makes it a bit overwhelming and yet like… I still want more?” said Sherlyn.

Yum Factor: 4.5/5

Buko Pandan — a dish made with cubes of jelly, young coconut, and sweet pandan-flavoured cream — and Halo Halo, which is similar to the Ice Kachang and often topped with Ube (purple yam) ice cream and Leche Flan (caramel custard). (Image Credit: Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon)

What better way to end off the review than with the stars of the show: the desserts. In their sweet and refreshingly cold goodness came the Buko Pandan and Halo Halo from Max’s Restaurant in Orchard Road.

While the Buko Pandan can come off as being a little too sweet, the jelly and coconut bits were refreshing. And, as expected, Halo Halo was the fan favourite of the day — especially with the sweetness combined with the red and white beans being the highlight for Lok Yiu who doesn’t usually enjoy sweet foods.

Yum Factor: 5/5

After much discussion, here is the final ranking of all the dishes we tried today. Of course, all the dishes were delicious and definitely ‘must-trys’ for anyone curious about trying Filipino cuisine. (Image Credit: Kimberley-Jilliane Caleon)

On the experience, Maryse said, “It was like being back in my grandmother’s house.”

From simple staples to hearty mains and delectable desserts, there is a dish for anyone in Filipino cuisine. All you have to do is try it out. Ms Lozano said: “We all love food and always share things over food. Finding joy in a dish is something that brings people together as well. Explore and try different cuisines and you will be surprised at what you will discover.”