Filipino food is renowned throughout the world for its bold flavor combinations, with sweet, salty, and sour tastes making appearances in a single dish. In addition to special spices and interesting flavors, Filipino cuisine features a lot of ingredients you may not have tried before. Below are a few common ingredients you’ll come across in many of these dishes.

5 Ingredients Common in Filipino Food

1. Jackfruit

This fruit, native to the Philippines, has some interesting characteristics that make it a vital component of many popular dishes. Ripe yellow jackfruit is often used in desserts and sweet dishes, while the green fruit has a great texture very similar to pulled pork.

2. Banana Leaves

The leaves of the banana tree are used to infuse baked dishes and desserts with a sweet, subtle flavor. You might find banana leaves in bibingka, or even used by as a plate in some settings.

3. Coconut

Coconuts are plentiful throughout the Philippines, so naturally it shows up in a lot of Filipino foods. Mature coconut milk is often used to sweeten desserts, and steamed coconut meat is featured in a variety of dishes.

4. Kabocha Squash

This delicious squash, found throughout the Philippines, can be found in a variety of dishes like pinakbet and many different soups. It can also be roasted and enjoyed as its own course.

5. On Choy

Also known as “water spinach,” on choy has a rich, crunchy texture and absorbs flavors really well. Because it doesn’t have a strong taste, on choy is often used in adobo, stews, and soups.
 

Widely known as the best Filipino restaurant in Maui, Plantation Grindz serves up a menu of traditional dishes with a modern twist. Whether you’re trying Filipino food for the first time or grew up on it, you’ll find something to love at this beloved local gem. Visit their website to browse their menu, or follow their Facebook to learn more about Filipino food. If you have any questions, give them a call at (808) 873-3663 or drop by anytime to find your new favorite restaurant.