If you’ve ever visited the Philippines, you’ll know very well the sound of street vendors calling “Tahoooooo”! Served as a delicious breakfast or a treat at any other time of day, Taho is made of layers of lush silken tofu, rich sweet syrup and pops of tapioca pearls. It is traditionally served warm, but can also be eaten cold. I made mine using boba pearls, purchased at my local Asian grocer, because I love the drama of those big pearls, but you can also use traditional tapioca pearls or even sago.

This combination of pork mince with onion, tomatoes, carrots, capsicum and peas is a wonderful meal, high in protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre. It’s a comforting dish often served during special occasions but is also enjoyed as an everyday meal due to its ease of cooking and the balance of the rich sauce with fresh vegetables and meat.

This colourful Filipino-inspired rice noodle salad with spicy maple cashews is a packed with flavour and nutrients. This salad is loaded with nutrient-rich veggies like red cabbage, which provides antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins for immune support and inflammation reduction. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, promoting eye health, while red capsicum adds a burst of vitamin A and C, enhancing skin health and boosting immunity. The maple cashews add a delicious satisfying crunch along with healthy fats, vitamin E and protein.

Adobo is often considered the national dish of the Philippines, and this healthier version maintains all the bold notes while reducing calories. By using skinless chicken breast and replacing traditional rice with cauliflower rice, I have created a lighter dish that’s still incredibly satisfying. The chicken is cooked in a tangy, savoury sauce made with apple-cider vinegar, wheat-free tamari and garlic — hallmark flavours of Filipino cuisine.

Buko Pandan is a beloved Filipino dessert that combines the refreshing flavours of young coconut (buko) and pandan leaves. This lighter version reduces the sugar content and incorporates chia seeds for added nutrition. The result is a creamy, fragrant dessert that’s perfect for warm days or as a light end to a meal. The green colour from the pandan gives it a vibrant appearance, while the coconut provides a tropical twist. This dessert is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits from the coconut and chia seeds.

Sinigang na Isda is a classic Filipino soup that perfectly embodies the cuisine’s love for sour flavours. This lighter version uses fish instead of meat, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste. The soup is packed with vegetables like okra, eggplant and water spinach, providing a variety of nutrients. The sour broth, typically made with tamarind, is not only delicious but also aids in digestion. This comforting soup is perfect for cooler days and is a great way to introduce yourself to Filipino cuisine.

This coconut leche flan is a wholesome twist on the traditional Filipino dessert. By using coconut milk instead of condensed milk, it’s dairy-free and enriched with healthy fats, while pure maple syrup and coconut sugar provide natural sweetness. Eggs contribute a healthy dose of protein to this dessert, while raspberries provide a burst of antioxidant benefits.

Pickled mango or Atsarang Mangga is a tangy and refreshing Filipino dish that is typically enjoyed as a side dish or condiment. It pairs well with a variety of savoury dishes, particularly grilled chicken, fish, prawns and rice dishes. Made from green mangoes, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this pickled treat supports immune health and skin vitality.

This Filipino Chicken Rice Noodles recipe is a quick and delicious meal that’s loaded with flavour. Tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli noodles come together in a sweet and salty sauce. Simple, wholesome and full of flavour — this dish is a must-try!

This dessert is a pastry filled with a slightly sweet almond based custard and topped with apple. With notes of vanilla and maple, this is a blend of textures
and flavours. The richness of the frangipane, the juiciness of the apples, and the crispness of the spelt shortcrust pastry all come together in a deliciously rustic treat.

Salty, sweet, creamy and crispy — this tart has it all. The sweetness of caramelised leeks, with the salty, umami hint of miso, nestled in a bed of creamy rich ricotta and all held together in a crispy, golden pastry. Perfect for brunch, a picnic, a light supper, or eating in its entirety — you choose.

This gluten-free pear and almond galette is a delicious, wholesome dessert. Sweet, juicy pears are rich in fibre and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immune health. Almonds provide heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein and vitamin E, which offers antioxidant protection. Their monounsaturated fats help lower bad cholesterol, while the protein provides amino acids to support muscle growth and repair.