Must-Try Filipino Dishes with a Japanese Twist

The Philippines and Japan, two island nations with rich culinary traditions, might seem worlds apart. But what happens when these two vibrant cultures collide in the kitchen? 🚀 The result is a fascinating fusion of flavors, textures, and techniques that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to explore some must-try Filipino dishes with a delightful Japanese twist! Prepare for a culinary adventure that bridges the Pacific. 🌏

Adobo with a Miso Glaze

Adobo, often considered the Philippines' national dish, gets a umami boost from Japanese miso. The traditional soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns are combined with a rich miso paste to create a complex and savory marinade. Imagine tender chicken or pork, infused with the familiar adobo flavors, enhanced by the salty-sweet depth of miso. It's a revelation! ✅

How to Make It:

• Marinate your choice of protein (chicken or pork) in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and a generous dollop of miso paste for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.


• Braise the meat in the marinade until tender.


• Reduce the sauce to a luscious glaze.


• Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!

Sinigang Ramen

Sinigang, the Philippines' signature sour soup, gets a Japanese makeover as a comforting bowl of ramen. The tangy tamarind broth, traditionally filled with meats and vegetables, is transformed into a flavorful ramen soup base. Think of the warmth of ramen broth meeting the refreshing sourness of sinigang. It’s an unexpected but incredibly satisfying combination.

Key ingredients for the Japanese twist:

• Ramen noodles for that perfect slurp.


• Soft-boiled egg (ajitama) for creamy richness.


• Nori seaweed for a hint of the ocean.

Leche Flan Sushi

Leche Flan, the creamy Filipino custard dessert, takes on a playful new form as sushi. This creative fusion involves shaping the flan into bite-sized rolls, mimicking the appearance of traditional sushi. The sweetness of the flan contrasts beautifully with the slightly savory nori seaweed wrapper. It's a dessert sushi that's both visually stunning and utterly delicious! 🍣

Presentation is key! Slice the flan rolls neatly and arrange them artfully on a plate. Serve with a sprinkle of matcha powder for an extra touch of Japanese flair.

Ube Mochi

Ube, the vibrant purple yam that's become a Filipino culinary icon, finds a perfect partner in Japanese mochi. These chewy rice cakes are infused with ube flavor and color, creating a delightful treat that's both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. 💡 Imagine the soft, slightly sweet taste of ube combined with the satisfying chewiness of mochi. These are perfect for snacking or a light dessert.

Halo-Halo Parfait with Matcha Ice Cream

Halo-halo, the quintessential Filipino shaved ice dessert, gets an upgrade with the addition of Japanese matcha ice cream. The combination of sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and shaved ice is elevated by the slightly bitter and earthy notes of matcha. The creamy matcha ice cream adds a sophisticated touch to this beloved Filipino treat.

Going Further

• Experiment with other Filipino-Japanese fusions. Try adding adobo flakes to onigiri (rice balls) or using pandan extract in Japanese castella cake.


• Visit Filipino and Japanese restaurants in your area for inspiration and to discover more fusion dishes.


• Share your creations online! Use the hashtag #FilipinoJapaneseFusion to connect with other food enthusiasts.

The world of Filipino-Japanese fusion cuisine is a fascinating playground of flavors and textures. These must-try dishes are just the beginning. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own culinary masterpieces! What Filipino dish would you like to see given a Japanese twist? Let us know in the comments below! 👇