Get Your Appetite Ready 21 Delicious Filipino Appetizers to Make at Home

Filipino cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavours, and nowhere is that more evident than in its appetizers. From crispy and savory to tangy and refreshing, Filipino appetizers are packed with delicious flavours that will leave your taste buds tingling. In this post, we’ll explore 21 mouth-watering Filipino appetizers that are sure to whet your appetite and introduce you to the unique and diverse world of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Filipino food or a curious newcomer, get ready to discover a range of dishes that showcase the best of Filipino flavours and culinary traditions

Baked Tahong – Indulge in a tantalizing treat for your taste buds with these baked mussels, cooked to perfection and infused with a savory garlic butter cheese sauce. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavours and textures, with the soft and tender meat of the mussels complementing the crispy and crunchy topping that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a romantic dinner, or simply craving a delicious seafood dish, these baked tahong are sure to impress.

Bopis – A classic Filipino appetizer that features minced pork lungs and heart sautéed with onions, garlic, and chili peppers, then simmered in a tangy and flavourful annatto coloured sauce. This dish is known for its bold and intense flavours, as well as its tender and slightly chewy texture. Bopis is a popular appetizer that can be found in many Filipino households and restaurants and is often enjoyed as a beer or liquor pairing. If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavours and looking to explore the diverse world of Filipino cuisine, be sure to give Bopis a try and experience the unique and unforgettable flavours of this classic dish.

Calamares – Enjoy a crispy and delicious twist on classic calamari rings with these golden-fried calamares. The light and crispy batter perfectly coats the tender and juicy squid, creating a mouth-watering appetizer that is perfect for sharing. Served with a side of tangy and flavourful dipping sauce, these calamares are a great choice for a quick snack, an appetizer for a larger meal, or even a late-night treat. It’s hard to stop at just one!

Camaron Rebosado – Dive into a scrumptious plate of Camaron Rebosado, a Filipino favourite appetizer that features jumbo shrimp coated in a light and airy batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. These delicious little bites are full of flavour and texture, with the juicy and succulent shrimp contrasting with the crunchy and satisfying crust. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, these Camaron Rebosado are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a night in with friends.

Champinones al Ajillo – Immerse yourself in the rich and complex flavours of Champinones al Ajillo, a classic Spanish-inspired appetizer that features sautéed mushrooms infused with garlic and herbs. Each bite of these tender and flavourful mushrooms is a burst of earthy goodness, with the garlic and herbs enhancing the savory umami flavour of the mushrooms. Served on a sizzling hot skillet with a slice of crusty bread, these Champinones al Ajillo are a perfect appetizer that will transport your taste buds to the Filipino Spanish era.

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Chicharon Bulaklak – If you’re looking for a truly unique appetizer experience, look no further than Chicharon Bulaklak. This Filipino delicacy features deep-fried pork intestines that are crispy and crunchy on the outside and deliciously meaty and flavourful on the inside. The combination of textures and flavours is truly unforgettable, with the savory and slightly salty taste of the chicharon perfectly complementing the crispy and slightly chewy texture of the intestines. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, Chicharon Bulaklak is a must-try appetizer for adventurous eaters.

Copycat Wok Inn Sipa – Bring the delicious taste of Filipino style dim sum into your home with this homemade version of Sipa, inspired by the famous Wok Inn restaurant. These little meatballs are made with a flavourful combination of ground pork, vegetables, and spices, and are wrapped in a crispy and satisfying pastry before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce, this Copycat Wok Inn Sipa appetizer is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Gambas – Savour the succulent and juicy flavours of Gambas, a Spanish-inspired appetizer featuring jumbo shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil. The tender and flavourful shrimp is elevated by the aromatic garlic and the fruity, slightly bitter flavour of the olive oil, creating a dish that is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Served on a sizzling hot skillet and accompanied by a slice of crusty bread, this appetizer is perfect for sharing.

Kinilaw – Experience the bold and refreshing flavours of Kinilaw, a classic Filipino appetizer that features raw fish or seafood marinated in a tangy and citrusy mixture. The acidic marinade, made with vinegar, lime or calamansi juice, and a variety of spices and herbs, tenderizes and ‘cooks’ the fish or seafood, giving it a unique and delicious taste that is unlike anything else. Served with a side of sliced onions and chili peppers, Kinilaw is a light and refreshing appetizer that is perfect for summer or any time of the year.

Kwek Kwek – Get ready to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and satisfying snack with Kwek Kwek, a popular Filipino street food made of hard-boiled quail eggs coated in a bright orange batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. These little egg bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavour and texture, with the soft and creamy egg yolk contrasting with the crispy and slightly spicy crust. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, Kwek Kwek is a must-try for anyone who loves a good snack.

Lumpia – Indulge in a crunchy and savory treat with Lumpia, a Filipino version of spring rolls that are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from ground meat and vegetables to cheese and even sweet fillings like banana and jackfruit. These crispy and satisfying rolls are perfect for sharing, and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal. Served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, Lumpia is a versatile and delicious appetizer that will never go out of style.

Manga at Bagoong – Take your taste buds on a journey to the Philippines with this classic appetizer of Manga at Bagoong, featuring slices of green mango served with a side of bagoong, a salty and savory fermented shrimp paste. The tangy and slightly sour taste of the green mango perfectly balances the umami flavour of the bagoong, creating a unique and refreshing taste that is both complex and satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of sour and salty flavours or just looking to try something new, Manga at Bagoong is a must-try appetizer.

Nilasing Na Hipon – Get ready to elevate your shrimp game with Nilasing Na Hipon, a Filipino appetizer that features shrimps marinated in a mixture of beer and spices before being battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The beer marinade not only infuses the shrimp with a delicious flavour but also helps tenderize the meat, making it incredibly juicy and succulent. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, Nilasing Na Hipon is a perfect appetizer for parties, game nights, or any time you want to impress your guests with a delicious and unique dish.

Panara – Panara is a delicious Filipino appetizer that features deep-fried wonton wrappers filled with a flavourful mixture of bottle gourd, succulent shrimp, aromatic onions, and garlic. The crispy and crunchy wonton wrappers give way to a tender and juicy filling, creating a satisfying texture that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, vegetables, or both, Panara is a dish that is not to be missed. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and unique appetizer to share with friends and family, consider giving Panara a try and experience the delicious flavours and textures of Filipino cuisine.

Pulutok – Pulutok is a savory Filipino appetizer that features minced pork lungs cooked in a flavourful mixture of vinegar, capsicums, garlic, onions, and chilies until it is dry and stewed to perfection. The result is a unique and bold flavour that is not for the faint of heart but is sure to impress those who love bold and spicy dishes. With its satisfying texture and bold flavours, Pulutok is a must-try for those looking to explore the rich and diverse world of Filipino cuisine. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a dish that will tantalize your taste buds, give Pulutok a try and experience the bold and unique flavours of this classic Filipino appetizer.

Salpicao – Satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavourful appetizer with Salpicao, a classic Filipino dish that features tender and juicy strips of beef sautéed with garlic, butter, and a variety of spices and herbs. The dish is named after the Spanish word ‘salpicar’, which means to splash or sprinkle, as the beef is often cooked with a splash of wine or vinegar, giving it a tangy and rich flavour. Served with a side of rice or bread, Salpicao is a perfect appetizer for anyone who loves a good steak or a hearty and flavourful dish.

Siomai – Get ready to indulge in a classic and popular Filipino-Chinese appetizer with Siomai, a type of steamed dumpling that is typically filled with ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables, and flavoured with a variety of sauces and spices. These little bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavour and texture, with the juicy and savory filling contrasting with the soft and chewy wrapper. Served with a side of soy sauce, chili oil and calamansi, Siomai is a perfect appetizer for anyone who loves a good dim sum or a tasty and satisfying snack.

Sisig – Experience the bold and explosive flavours of Sisig, a Filipino dish that features chopped and seasoned pork parts, typically head, liver, and cheeks, sautéed with garlic, onions, and a variety of spices and herbs. The dish is often served on a sizzling plate, accompanied by a raw egg, giving it a rich and indulgent taste that is both flavourful and satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of pork or just looking for something spicy and savory, Sisig is a must-try appetizer.

Sweet and Spicy Dilis – Get ready to satisfy your cravings for a snack that is both sweet and spicy with Sweet and Spicy Dilis, a popular Filipino dish that features small anchovies coated in a mixture of sugar, chili, and garlic before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. These little bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavour and texture, with the sweet and savory coating contrasting with the salty and crunchy fish. Served with a side of vinegar or dipping sauce, Sweet and Spicy Dilis is a perfect appetizer for anyone who loves a good snack with a bit of a kick.

Tokwat Baboy – Experience the simple yet satisfying taste of Tokwat Baboy, a Filipino appetizer that features deep-fried tofu cubes and boiled pork ears marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. The dish is often served with a side of chopped onions and chili peppers, giving it a refreshing and spicy taste that is both simple and delicious. Tokwat Baboy is a perfect appetizer for anyone who loves a good combination of flavours and textures.

Ukoy – Satisfy your cravings for a crispy and flavourful snack with Ukoy, a Filipino fritter made of shrimp, vegetables, and a batter made of shredded squash or yam. These little fritters are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavour and texture, with the crunchy and slightly sweet batter contrasting with the juicy and savory filling. Served with a side of vinegar or dipping sauce, Ukoy is a perfect appetizer for anyone who loves a good crispy and tasty snack. Whether you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic fritter or just love the flavours of shrimp and vegetables, Ukoy is a must-try appetizer.

Overall, whether you’re a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetables, Filipino cuisine offers a wide range of appetizers that are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavour and texture. From the classic and popular dishes like Lumpia and Siomai to the unique and flavourful creations like Pulutok and Kinilaw, there is always something new and exciting to discover in the world of Filipino appetizers. So, next time you’re in the mood for a snack or looking for something to whet your appetite, try one of these delicious and satisfying appetizers and experience the bold and explosive flavours of Filipino cuisine.