Not Your Typical Filipino Fare: 22 Must-Try Seafood Dishes

Filipino cuisine is rich in seafood dishes that are sure to tickle your taste buds. From the sour and savoury Sinigang na Pritong Isda to the creamy and spicy Hipon sa Aligue, Filipino seafood dishes offer a unique and delicious culinary experience. Some of these dishes may not be as well-known as other Filipino favourites like adobo and pancit, but they are worth a try.

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll want to explore the world of Filipino seafood dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy and salty like the Crispy Tahong or a creamy and hearty seafood dish like the Mutya Ng Cavite, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the not-so-usual yet delicious Filipino seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. So come on and dive into the world of Filipino seafood cuisine with us!

Buntaa – Get a taste of Butuan with this unique crab dish! Buntaa features fresh coconut and crab fat stuffing, cooked in spiced coconut milk for a flavour explosion.

Dumaguete Express – Surf and turf gets a Pinoy twist with Dumaguete Express! Enjoy fish, prawns, and squid in a savoury coconut milk sauce, topped with crispy pork and fresh coconut strips.

Sinigang na Pritong Isda – Upgrade your sour soup game with Sinigang na Pritong Isda! This dish features twice-cooked fish and vegetables in a tamarind-infused broth for a tangy and flavourful experience.

Baby Squid Rice – Take your taste buds on a new adventure with Baby Squid Rice! This fried rice is seasoned with fermented sautéed squid and salted egg, then topped off with bagoong for a unique flavour.

Copycat Wok Inn Squid – Discover the best squid recipe with Copycat Wok Inn Squid! Enjoy lightly coated, deep-fried squid stuffed with chives, served with a savoury and sweet sauce.

Lelot Paro – Holy Week just got more delicious with Lelot Paro! This Filipino rice porridge features prawns, giving a seafood twist to the traditional arrozcaldo.

Ciento Quince – Spice up your taste buds with the extinct heritage dish Ciento Quince! This dish features crabs, shrimps, mussels, raw jackfruit, and tons of chillies in a coconut milk base.

Caldo Puch – Take a trip to Barcelona with the family heirloom recipe, Caldo Puch! Featuring pork, chicken breast, squid, shrimp, clams, and bacon in a tomato-based sauce, this arrozcaldo alternative is sure to please.

Crispy Shrimps Binondo Style – Experience the crunch and flavour of Crispy Shrimps Binondo Style! These deep-fried baby shrimps with shells are coated with a spicy salt and pepper seasoning.

Sinuteng Baby Squid – Satisfy your garlic craving with Sinuteng Baby Squid! This dish features baby squid sautéed in garlic and olive oil, seasoned with paprika, bay leaf, calamansi juice, and black pepper.

Mutya Ng Cavite – Dive into the ocean’s bounty with Mutya Ng Cavite! This rich and creamy soup features fish, mussels, prawns, and crabs cooked in a luscious cream sauce, reminiscent of chowder.

Crispy Crablets – These tiny, deep-fried wonders are the ultimate seafood snack! Crispy Crablets are baby crabs with a shell just as delicate as their flavour, making them an irresistible treat.

Hipon sa Aligue – Dive into a creamy, crab-infused paradise with Hipon sa Aligue! This Filipino dish features juicy prawns smothered in a sauce made with crab fat, coconut cream, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.

Gambas con Kabute – Get ready to spice up your life with Gambas con Kabute! This flavourful dish features succulent prawns and mushrooms drenched in a gravy made with roasted prawn shells and a ton of garlic.

Binukadkad na Isda – Take a crispy, crunchy bite out of Binukadkad na Isda, a classic Filipino dish of butterflied and deep-fried fish. This dish is so satisfying, you’ll want to lick your fingers clean!

Tinapa Spaghetti – Filipino comfort food meets Italian pasta in Tinapa Spaghetti! This hearty dish combines the smoky flavours of tinapa (smoked fish) with salted duck eggs, chicharon, and a rich tomato-based sauce.

Squid Sisig – Healthy eating never tasted so good! Squid Sisig is a mouth-watering alternative to traditional pork sisig. Finely chopped squid is quickly cooked on a hot plate, then dressed in mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon.

Kinunot – Transport your taste buds to the Bicol province with Kinunot, a traditional Filipino dish made with flaked stingray, moringa leaves, and chilies cooked in a spiced coconut cream sauce. This dish is a unique and unforgettable culinary adventure.

Crispy Tahong – Crispy Tahong is the ultimate party snack! These deep-fried mussels are crispy and addictive, perfect for pairing with a cold beer or as a delicious viand with rice.

Spicy Tuyo Pasta with Kesong Puti and Sundried Tomatoes – Prepare your taste buds for a flavour explosion with Spicy Tuyo Pasta with Kesong Puti and Sundried Tomatoes! This Filipino-inspired dish features spaghetti noodles in a salty and savory sauce made with tuyo (dried fish), kesong puti (soft white cheese), and sundried tomatoes.

Spanish Style Tuyo Sardines – Why settle for store-bought Spanish sardines when you can make your own at home? Spanish Style Tuyo Sardines is an easy and delicious recipe that requires no pressure cooker. You’ll never go back to the store-bought kind again!

Aligue and Prawn Pasta – Take your love for pasta to the next level with Aligue and Prawn Pasta! This dish is a perfect fusion of Filipino and Italian cuisine, featuring spaghetti noodles smothered in a rich and creamy sauce made with crab fat and succulent prawns.