If you’re lucky enough to wake up to a Filipino breakfast spread, you know you’re in for a treat. After all, Filipinos surely know how to start their day.
From the aroma of garlic-infused tapsilog to the comforting bowl of champorado that fills Filipino tables each morning, Filipino breakfasts are not only tasty but also very filling.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, look no further than these breakfast foods.
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Tapsilog
Tapsilog is essentially “tapa”(meat) mixed with “sinangang” (fried rice), and “itlog” (egg). The meat is often marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and garlic before being pan-fried to perfection.
The garlic fried rice is equally important since it provides a savory base for the dish. Meanwhile, the sunny-side-up egg on top adds another layer of richness, with its creamy yolk and crispy edges.
Recipe: Tapsilog
Pandesal
Filipino breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a warm and fluffy pandesal. This bread roll is a favorite of every Filipino household, and it’s easy to see why.
The crusty exterior makes way for a fluffy inside, making it the perfect accompaniment to any breakfast dish.
Whether it’s paired with margarine, peanut butter, or your favorite breakfast meat, a freshly baked pandesal is sure to make your morning better.
Pandesal is usually bought first thing in the morning at a local bakery or from street vendors who sell them door-to-door at the crack of dawn. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also make it yourself.
Recipe: Pandesal
Sinangag
Rice is a staple in Filipino cuisine, and it’s no different for breakfast. Sinangag, or garlic fried rice, is a simple yet satisfying breakfast food.
Cooked with garlic, oil, and leftover rice from the night before, this dish is a great way to use up your leftovers while still getting a tasty meal out of it.
Sinangag is often paired with a variety of breakfast meats, such as tocino, longganisa, or tapa, and a fried egg to create a complete breakfast meal.
Recipe: Sinangag
Arroz Caldo
Comforting and hearty, Arroz Caldo is a popular Filipino breakfast dish that’s perfect for a chilly morning.
This rice porridge is made with chicken, ginger, garlic, and turmeric, which gives it its distinctive yellow color. It’s often served with a hard-boiled egg, toasted garlic, and chopped scallions on top for added flavor and texture.
Arroz Caldo is not only delicious but also very filling, making it a great breakfast option for those who need to stay full until lunchtime.
Recipe: Arroz Caldo
Tuyo
This salty and flavorful fish is usually served with sinangag and a side of vinegar or calamansi.
It’s a common breakfast food, especially for those who live near the coast, where fresh seafood is abundant.
Tuyo is usually pan-fried until crispy, which gives it a smoky and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic fried rice.
It may not be for everyone, but for those who love it, tuyo is definitely hard to resist.
Recipe: Tuyo
Champorado
Craving for some chocolatey goodness in the morning? Then champorado is the breakfast food for you.
This sweet rice porridge is made with sticky rice, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, and sugar, giving it a rich and chocolatey flavor that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
It’s often topped with more evaporated milk or condensed milk, which adds creaminess to the already decadent dish.
This dish can be served on its own or with tuyo for a wonderful contrast of flavor.
Recipe: Champorado
Taho
If you live in the Philippines, you’ve probably heard the sound of the taho vendor’s call in the morning.
Taho is a popular Filipino breakfast food made from soft or silken tofu, sago pearls, and a sweet syrup made from caramelized brown sugar.
It’s a great source of protein and an amazing option for people who prefer something light and sweet.
Recipe: Taho
Tocino
This is a sweet and savory breakfast meat that is made from pork belly marinated in a sweet and salty mixture of sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Tocino is usually pan-fried until caramelized, which gives it a slightly crispy exterior and a juicy and tender interior, then served with garlic fried rice, a fried egg, and a side of sliced tomatoes for a balanced meal.
Recipe: Pork Tocino
Longanisa
By now, you’ve probably realized that Filipinos love eating meat for breakfast. Longanisa is no exception – it’s a sweet and savory sausage that’s usually enjoyed in the morning.
The sausage is usually long and thin, with a deliciously charred exterior when cooked.
Each bite of Longanisa offers an unforgettable balance of comfort with a distinct Filipino twist.
Recipe: Longanisa
Daing na Bangus
Daing na Bangus is a Filipino breakfast dish made from milkfish that’s been butterflied, marinated in vinegar, salt, and garlic, and then fried until crispy.
It’s best served with fried rice, sliced tomatoes, and a side of vinegar or calamansi for dipping.
Recipe: Daing na Bangus
Tortang Talong
Dubbed as the best egg dish in the world by TasteAtlas, Tortang Talong is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s made by grilling eggplant until it’s soft and tender, then peeling off the skin and smashing it down to create a flat surface.
The eggplant is then coated in a light egg batter and fried until golden brown. It truly transforms a simple vegetable into an incredible breakfast delight.
Recipe: Tortang Talong
Puto
Puto is a light and fluffy Filipino breakfast food that’s also eaten as a snack throughout the day.
This steamed rice cake is made with rice flour, sugar, and baking powder, and it’s often flavored with coconut milk for added richness.
Puto can be eaten plain or with a variety of toppings such as cheese (most popular), salted egg, or grated coconut.
Both adults and kids love this sweet and simple breakfast food which is perfect for those who prefer a light meal in the morning.
Recipe: Puto
Author Bio:
MJ de Castro is a columnist at Grit PH. MJ started her career as a writer for her local government’s City Information Office. Later on, she became a news anchor on PTV Davao del Norte. Now, she juggles writing professionally, her business centering on women’s menstrual health, and surfing.
