Filipino food is a melting pot of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. It's savory, sour, sweet, and incredibly comforting.

Must-Try Dishes

• Adobo: Pork or chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. The national dish.
• Sinigang: A sour tamarind soup usually with pork or shrimp.
• Lechon: Roasted suckling pig with unparalleled crispy skin.
• Kinilaw: Filipino ceviche, raw fish cured in vinegar and citrus.

Don't worry if you crave home comforts. Major cities and tourist hubs have excellent Italian, Japanese, and American restaurants. And yes, you can find good bread and cheese if you know where to look.