Adobo is made from chicken, pork, squid (pusit) or vegetables stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns and bay leaf. It is believed that this dish was derived, and then, Filipinized from the Spanish adobado, a more complicated preparation soaked in garlic and oil.

Lumpia also known as spring rolls in English is filled with vegetables and meat. This dish tastes great when served with soy sauce, vinegar or a slightly sweet sauce.

The lightly boiled, slightly sour soup known as sinigang makes a tasty dish when it is served with rice. It is cooked using souring agents like unripe guavas, tamarind leaves and flowers, kamias and tomatoes. There are also different varieties of sinigang, sinigang na isda (sour vegetable soup with fish) and sinigang na baboy (sour vegetable soup with pork).

Bistek, or beef and onion rings braised in soy sauce. This dish is what one would call beef steak, Filipino-style – with a touch of soy sauce creating yet another popular dish.

Lechon (litson), almost guaranteed to be seen at fiesta occasions. Lechon is a suckling pig, slowly roasted over hot coals to make it crispy and tasty. Lechon is often served with a thick liver sauce, simmered with vinegar, sugar and herbs.