If you grew up in a Filipino home, you already know — mealtime isn’t complete without a delicious ulam and a fresh serving of hot rice! Whether it’s a saucy dish, a hearty soup, or a crispy fried favorite, ulam is the star of every Filipino table.
So how did I come up with these top 15, you might ask? Well, I know some of you will not agree with this list — and that’s totally okay! Every Filipino kitchen has its own favorite ulam, and every family has their own way of cooking them.
This list is based on the dishes that I personally grew up with, the ones I still cook for my family today, and the classics that always show up on the table whether it’s a regular weekday or a laid-back Sunday lunch. These are the kind of ulam that make you reach for extra rice without even thinking!
What is “Ulam” in Filipino Cooking?
In simple words — ulam is the main dish that goes with rice. It can be anything from meat, fish, veggies, or even a simple fried egg, as long as it’s paired with rice. Filipinos don’t really say “main course” — we just ask, “Anong ulam natin?” and that’s the heart of every meal.
Now, let’s get to the classics!
Top 15 Classic Filipino Ulam Recipes You Need to Try
Pork Adobo is one of the most loved Filipino dishes. Pork belly is simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and pepper until tender and flavorful. The sauce is salty, tangy, and perfect for pairing with lots of hot rice. This is the kind of ulam that never gets old!
Sinigang na Baboy is a sour soup made with pork, tamarind, and mixed vegetables like sitaw, kangkong, and labanos. The asim-sarap broth makes every meal extra satisfying. It’s the perfect dish for rainy days or when you’re craving something light but tasty. Best served with rice and patis with sili on the side!
Chicken Tinola is a light and healthy soup packed with ginger flavor. Chicken is boiled with papaya and malunggay, making the broth warm and comforting. It’s simple but super tasty, especially during cold or rainy days. This ulam will always remind you of home!
Beef Kare-Kare is a thick peanut stew served with vegetables like sitaw, eggplant, and pechay. The creamy sauce is rich and goes perfectly with bagoong on the side. Every bite is a mix of soft beef and tasty peanut flavor. It’s a real Filipino feast on any table!
Paksiw na Bangus is a sour and savory fish dish made with vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pepper. The bangus soaks up all the flavors and becomes super tender. It’s simple, healthy, and always perfect with steamed rice. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy bangus!
Pork Menudo is a tomato-based stew loaded with pork, liver, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s saucy, sweet, and savory all in one bite. This dish is a Filipino favorite for regular meals or special occasions. Best enjoyed with plain rice to soak up all that sauce!
Bistek Tagalog is Filipino-style beef steak cooked with soy sauce, calamansi, and onions. The beef is tender and juicy, while the sauce is salty and tangy. It’s simple but full of flavor, especially when served with garlic rice. One of the easiest and most loved beef dishes!
Laing is made from dried gabi leaves slow-cooked in coconut milk with chili and shrimp paste. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with rich flavor. This dish is perfect when paired with fried fish or grilled meat. A true Bicolano favorite that’s loved all over the country!
Lechon Kawali is deep-fried pork belly with super crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Every bite gives you that crunchy outside and soft inside combo. Best served with spiced vinegar or liver sauce for dipping. A must-try for all pork lovers!
Pritong Tilapia is a simple fried fish that’s crunchy outside and soft inside. It’s budget-friendly, easy to cook, and always masarap with toyomansi or suka. Pair it with rice and some kamatis for a classic Filipino lunch. Sometimes, simple dishes are the best!
Pork Giniling is a quick and easy ulam made with ground pork, potatoes, carrots, and green peas cooked in tomato sauce. It’s tasty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days. You can even top it with fried egg for extra sarap! A true Filipino home-cooked favorite.
Ginisang Monggo is a hearty mung bean stew cooked with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and pork bits. Sometimes, you’ll find it with malunggay or ampalaya for extra flavor. It’s healthy, filling, and always masarap with rice. A comforting ulam perfect for any day!
Pinakbet is a tasty mix of vegetables like ampalaya, eggplant, okra, sitaw, and kalabasa cooked with pork and bagoong. It’s salty, healthy, and full of gulay goodness. Best paired with rice and sometimes a crispy fried fish on the side. A classic ulam you’ll never get tired of!
Afritadang Manok is a chicken stew cooked in tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. This dish is simple but always feels special. Best served with a big plate of hot rice!
Inihaw na Liempo is grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and sugar. The meat is smoky, juicy, and full of sweet-savory flavor. Best enjoyed with spiced vinegar or toyomansi for dipping. A real crowd-pleaser at any Pinoy meal!
