Filipino dishes lead among world’s best

Chicken inasal secured the 40th position ranking released by TasteAtlas. (Wikimedia)

On April 22, three beloved Filipino dishes, Chicken inasal, Sinigang, and Adobong manok  have gained fresh international recognition after appearing in the latest April 2026 rankings released by TasteAtlas on their website.

In the global list of the world’s best dishes, Chicken Inasal, the Philippines’ signature grilled chicken known for its smoky flavour and distinctive annatto-based marinade secured the 40th position. Originating from the city of Bacolod, the dish is widely celebrated for its balance of citrus, garlic and spice, typically grilled over charcoal and served with rice and dipping sauces. In the same ranking, it also emerged as the highest-ranked chicken dish in Southeast Asia.

Another Filipino favourite, Adobong Manok, a savoury chicken stew prepared with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns was listed 7th among Southeast Asia’s best chicken dishes. Often regarded as one of the Philippines’ most recognisable comfort foods, adobo is known for its simple ingredients and rich, tangy flavour that has become a defining feature of Filipino home cooking.

Meanwhile, Pork Sinigang, the country’s iconic sour soup traditionally flavoured with tamarind and simmered with vegetables such as kangkong, radish and eggplant, claimed 52nd place in the worldwide ranking. The dish is widely appreciated for its refreshing balance of sour and savoury notes, making it a staple in many Filipino households.

The recognition was welcomed by the Philippines Department of Tourism which said such accolades help strengthen the global profile of Filipino gastronomy. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay noted that the country’s cuisine reflects its culture, heritage and creativity, while also serving as a key pillar of cultural tourism. 

Moreover, she affirmed that global attention towards Filipino food can open new opportunities across the culinary ecosystem. Farmers, food producers, chefs and small business owners all stand to benefit from the growing appreciation of Filipino cuisine, as demand for authentic dishes and ingredients continues to expand internationally.

The recognition also comes during Filipino Food Month in April. The celebration was also marked internationally when the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) hosted a special event on April 17 at its Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe), highlighting Filipino cuisine, local ingredients and their significance within sustainable agrifood systems. 

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