Filipino food has been influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous traditions. It is known for its bold, savoury, and slightly sweet taste profile. Filipino food brings people together through communal feasts like the boodle fight, where food is served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. Popular dishes include Bulalo (a rich bone marrow soup), Chicken Inasal (a perfectly marinated and grilled delight), and Chicken Sisig (a tangy and savoury sizzler). Every dish tells a story of heritage, family, and celebration.
The use of fresh ingredients also highlights the abundance of seafood, meats and vegetables in the country. Overall, Filipino food is not just about nourishment; it’s an experience that brings people together, celebrating shared traditions and family ties.
There are approximately 700,000 Filipinos living and working in the UAE, and bulk of them are in Dubai. The Emirates also host a large number of restaurants that cater to this sizeable population. Let us look at some of the best Filipino restaurants serving good food in Dubai.
Kooya Filipino Eatery
Located in Marina Promenade, Kooya puts a welcome twist on traditional Filipino dishes. Be sure to try their kare kare, chicken inasal, bone marrow, and garlic rice when you are here. The lemongrass iced tea complements the meal well. The carefully designed interiors transport one to the Philippines. It is a good place to try out Filipino food, especially if you are not from the country.
Zaiqey
True to its name, Zaiqey amalgamates flavours in a delightful setting. The restaurant specialises in Filipino food and serves cuisines from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Africa. Their signature Filipino dishes include boodle, bulalo, chicken inasal, and sisig. Bubble tea complements the rich meal. The place, conveniently located opposite Burjuman Mall, is ideal for a Filipino meal with friends and family or celebrating events over good food, as the family hall can accommodate 80 people. The nearby metro station and ample public parking around is an added advantage.
Fili Lasa
The restaurant, located in Deira, serves authentic Filipino cuisine. Customers particularly like its seafood fried rice, beef adobo ribs, chicken barbeque, and schezwan noodles. It is a lively place to enjoy your meal.
Loyola
Deira has a sizable Filipino population and multiple restaurants were established to serve the growing population. Loyola, too, is in Deira but claims to be the largest one for Filipino food in Dubai. The recommended dishes here include cajun seafood, pancit, shrimps, and fried rice.
Chibog
Another authentic Filipino restaurant that also serves party trays is the Chibog in JLT. Among the food they offer, chicken sisig (creamy and flavourful), dynamite shrimps (fresh and crispy), beef pares, and their barbeque ribs stand out. The place is a little small though.
There’s no dearth of Filipino food in Dubai, but the restaurants highlighted in this blog not only offer good quality pinoy dishes but come with tastefully done interiors. Enjoy some of the best Filipino fare here with your friends and family. Don’t forget to check out their top-selling dishes!