Introduction
Ulam, a term used in Filipino cuisine, refers to the main dish served alongside rice. Integral to the culinary landscape of the Philippines, ulam encapsulates a rich array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that reflect the archipelago’s diverse cultural heritage. Meals in the Philippines are typically centered around rice, which serves as a source of sustenance and, when paired with ulam, creates a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Traditional ulam can vary widely depending on regional influences, availability of local ingredients, and family traditions. From savory stews to grilled meats, the different varieties of ulam not only offer variety but also provide a glimpse into the daily lives and values of those who prepare them. As Filipino cuisine gains international recognition, the interest in ulam has surged, particularly as food enthusiasts seek to explore authentic tastes and recipes representative of the Philippines.
In 2025, the fascination with Filipino food is expected to intensify, prompted by the global trend of exploring diverse culinary traditions. This year highlights a unique opportunity for both home cooks and food lovers to discover the resilience and richness that define Filipino ulam. Embracing ingredients such as fish sauce, tamarind, and coconut milk, the dishes reflect a blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes, making them appealing to a wide audience.
The forthcoming section will illuminate the top 15 Filipino ulam recipes everyone is eager to try, showcasing their distinct characteristics and flavor profiles. This selection serves as a testament to the adaptability and creativity found within Filipino cooking and invites readers to experience the rich tapestry of flavors that define these beloved dishes.
The Importance of Ulam in Filipino Meals
Ulam, which translates to “viand” in English, holds a pivotal role in Filipino cuisine, serving as the centerpiece of most meal structures. Traditionally, a Filipino meal consists of rice paired with a variety of ulam, comprising both meat and vegetables. This combination not only satisfies hunger but also encapsulates the essence of Filipino culinary culture, where food is more than sustenance; it is a medium for connection and celebration.
Family gatherings, whether during daily meals or special occasions, prominently feature ulam, reflecting its significance in communal dining practices. During festivities such as birthdays, Christmas, and town fiestas, the presence of ulam is often abundant, showcasing a wide array of flavors and cooking techniques. The communal aspect of dining is highlighted as family members gather around the table to share dishes that have been carefully prepared, often invoking nostalgia. Each family often has heirloom recipes for creating their beloved ulam, passed down through generations, which adds to the emotional weight of these meals.
The importance of ulam extends beyond mere food; it is interwoven into the cultural fabric of the Philippines. It signifies hospitality, with families taking pride in offering a diverse selection of home-cooked dishes to guests. In regional and community celebrations, ulam serves as a representation of local traditions and flavors, connecting individuals to their roots. The act of sharing ulam fosters camaraderie and strengthens familial bonds, making it a vital part of the Filipino dining experience. Thus, as one explores and appreciates the diverse range of ulam recipes, they are not just uncovering dishes but also a rich heritage that is cherished by Filipinos around the world.
Top Cooking Techniques for Filipino Ulam
Cooking Filipino ulam involves a variety of techniques that are essential for creating flavorful and texturally appealing dishes. Among these methods, sautéing, braising, and stewing stand out as foundational techniques, each playing a crucial role in shaping the overall culinary experience of ulam.
Sautéing is a popular technique in Filipino cooking, primarily used to enhance the flavor of ingredients through quick cooking in a small amount of oil. This method is frequently employed in recipes such as Adobo and Sinigang. In Adobo, meat, typically chicken or pork, is sautéed to develop a deeper umami flavor before being braised in vinegar and soy sauce, resulting in a tender and richly flavored dish. Similarly, in Sinigang, vegetables and proteins are briefly sautéed to extract their natural juices, which contribute to the soup’s overall flavor profile.
Braising is another key technique highlighted in Filipino cuisine. This method involves cooking food slowly in a bit of liquid, allowing flavors to meld together while ensuring tenderness. A prime example of braising in Filipino ulam is Kare-Kare, a rich oxtail stew made with peanut sauce. In this dish, the slow cooking process imparts an incredible depth of flavor to the meat and vegetables, resulting in a hearty meal that is often served with a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).
Stewing is closely related to braising but generally involves cooking ingredients fully submerged in liquid. This technique is prominently used in dishes like Pochero, a hearty stew that combines meat, vegetables, and often bananas. The stewing process allows the ingredients to mingle, creating a comforting dish where flavors unite harmoniously. Each of these cooking techniques, when applied correctly, elevates traditional Filipino ulam recipes, ensuring a delightful balance of taste and texture that garners appreciation at the dining table.
1. Humba Royale 2025 (Sweet Braised Pork)
Why it’s trending: Humba went viral this year after a wave of online debates about its “authentic” version.
Ingredients: 1 kg pork belly, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, 5 cloves garlic (crushed), 1 onion (sliced), 2 pcs bay leaf, 1 tsp peppercorn, 1/4 cup banana blossoms
Instructions: 1. Sear pork belly until lightly browned. 2. Add garlic, onion, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer without stirring for 5 minutes. 3. Pour pineapple juice, sugar, bay leaf, and peppercorns. 4. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until tender. 5. Add banana blossoms and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.
2. Creamy Bicol Express 2025
Why it’s trending: Spicy coconut dishes are making a comeback on TikTok food challenges.
Ingredients: 1/2 kg pork belly (sliced), 2 cups coconut milk, 1 cup coconut cream, 5 pcs green chilies (sliced), 3 tbsp bagoong alamang, 1 onion (chopped), 5 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions: 1. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. 2. Add pork and cook until browned. 3. Mix in bagoong and stir for 3 minutes. 4. Pour coconut milk, simmer until pork softens. 5. Add chilies and coconut cream. Cook until thick and creamy.
3. Viral Adobo Flakes Rice Bowl
Why it’s trending: A TikTok favorite, turning leftover adobo into crispy rice toppings.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover adobo, 1 tbsp oil, garlic rice, fried egg
Instructions: 1. Shred leftover adobo meat. 2. Pan-fry until crispy and golden brown. 3. Serve over garlic rice with fried egg on top.
4. Crispy Chicken Inasal
Why it’s trending: Bacolod’s favorite street food with a crispy twist.
Ingredients: Chicken quarters, calamansi, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, lemongrass, and annatto oil
Instructions: Marinate overnight, grill until smoky, then air-fry for extra crispiness.
5. Sinigang sa Mangga 2025
Why it’s trending: The new mango-based sour broth is taking over foodie vlogs.
Ingredients: Pork ribs, green mango, kangkong, sitaw, gabi, tomatoes, onions, fish sauce
Instructions: Boil pork with onions and tomatoes, add mango slices for a natural sour kick, then finish with vegetables.
6. Tofu Sisig
Why it’s trending: Healthier, budget-friendly alternative to pork sisig.
Ingredients: Fried tofu, onions, chilies, soy sauce, calamansi, mayonnaise
Instructions: Fry tofu, chop finely, toss with seasonings, and serve sizzling.
7. Sweet & Spicy Tinolang Manok
Why it’s trending: A modern twist on the classic tinola — sweet-spicy balance inspired by Korean flavors.
Ingredients: Chicken, papaya, malunggay, chili flakes, ginger, garlic, fish sauce
Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add chicken, pour broth, simmer, then add papaya and malunggay.
8. Garlic Butter Shrimp 2025
Why it’s trending: Perfect for quick 15-minute recipes, now viral on Instagram.
Ingredients: Large shrimp, butter, garlic, calamansi, soy sauce, chili flakes
Instructions: Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp, season, and cook until glossy.
9. Kare-Kare with Truffle Paste
Why it’s trending: Fusion dining — traditional kare-kare enhanced with truffle aroma.
Ingredients: Oxtail, peanut butter, bagoong, truffle paste, sitaw, talong, pechay
Instructions: Boil meat until tender, add peanut sauce, mix in truffle paste, serve with bagoong.
10. Spam and Egg Teriyaki Ulam Bowl
Why it’s trending: Quick comfort food for WFH employees.
Ingredients: Spam, eggs, teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds, steamed rice
Instructions: Fry spam, glaze with teriyaki, serve with egg and rice.
11. Bangus Ala Pobre
Why it’s trending: A rich garlic-fried milkfish perfect for lunch.
Ingredients: Bangus, garlic, soy sauce, calamansi, butter
Instructions: Fry bangus, pour garlic butter sauce, and serve hot.
12. Chicken Pastil Wraps
Why it’s trending: Mindanao-inspired shredded chicken rice wraps are making waves on reels.
Ingredients: Chicken, soy sauce, garlic, banana leaves, cooked rice, chili oil
Instructions: Shred chicken, wrap in banana leaves with rice, and pan-toast.
13. Spicy Laing Carbonara
Why it’s trending: A creamy pasta twist on the classic Bicolano laing.
Ingredients: Dried gabi leaves, coconut milk, chili, pasta, cheese
Instructions: Cook laing separately, toss with pasta and cheese.
14. Lechon Belly Rolls
Why it’s trending: Social media favorite for special occasions.
Ingredients: Pork belly, lemongrass, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce
Instructions: Roll pork belly with herbs, bake until skin turns crispy.
15. Ube Leche Flan Cake
Why it’s trending: Instagram-famous dessert fusion of 2025.
Ingredients: Ube cake batter, leche flan mixture, caramelized sugar
Instructions: Layer cake batter and leche flan, bake, then chill before serving.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As we explore the vibrant culinary landscape of Filipino cuisine, it becomes evident that ulam recipes play a central role in the dining experiences of many. These traditional dishes not only provide nourishment but also reflect the rich culture and history of the Philippines. With the increasing globalization of food culture, the popularity of Filipino ulam has grown significantly, intriguing food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The unique blend of flavors and the use of fresh ingredients make these recipes appealing for people seeking new gastronomic adventures.
In 2025, as more individuals turn to home cooking, the opportunity to experience authentic Filipino flavors at home is more accessible than ever. By trying out these 15 ulam recipes, readers can engage with a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. Cooking these dishes serves not just as a means of satisfying hunger but as a pathway to connect with family heritage and shared memories around the dining table.
We encourage our readers to step into the kitchen and experiment with these recipes. Sharing your own experiences, adaptations, and favorite moments brought about by cooking Filipino ulam can foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. As you savor the distinct tastes of dishes like adobo, sinigang, and paksiw, take the opportunity to explore the narratives behind each recipe, their regional variations, and how they may differ from one household to another.
Ultimately, embracing Filipino ulam recipes is an invitation to explore a colorful cultural tapestry through food. We hope this inspires home cooks to delve into the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines and celebrate this dynamic cuisine by not only cooking but sharing and cherishing the experience with others.