Restaurants in the Philippines are growing in popularity; some are even booked months in advance. Filipino cuisine has been hailed as the "next big thing" by food experts and restaurant trend forecasters for years. They appear to be right at last, if somewhat belatedly. Here are 12 of the best foods from the Philippines that you must try!

Lechon

Lechon, the national dish of the Philippines, is regarded as one of the best Filipino delicacies to serve at celebrations and is popular across Europe and South America. A suckling pig is cooked over hot coals and packed with a plethora of herbs and spices, including pepper, spring onions, star anise, lemon grass, and laurel leaves. It is always presented on festive or ceremonial occasions. This famous Filipino meal is wonderful even without any sauce.

Sinigang

The sour soup known as sinigang, which is warm and soothing, is a beloved dish from the diverse Filipino food culture. Meat and vegetables are boiled in a sour broth for this dish. Tamarind, tomatoes, or other sour fruits are used to augment the sourness. Onions, chilies, and fish sauce are also used in the recipe. It is one of the most well-liked meals in the Philippines.

Longganisa

Longganisa is a smoked pork sausage with a spicy flavor. Chefs prepare them using a variety of spices and seasonings, giving them distinctive flavors you won't find anywhere else. You may even get sausages that have saltpeter, paprika, and brown sugar. Sausage comes in two primary varieties. Longganisa de Recado is a spicy, flavorful sausage. Longganisa Hamonado is a sweeter sausage with brown sugar or dried fruits. You can eat a sausage on its own or as part of a larger meal. Chefs slice the sausage and serve it with fried rice and veggies for breakfast.

Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a beloved dessert in the Philippines. Shaved ice is combined with kaong (sugar palm), banana, gelatin, beans, halaya (purple yam), macapuno (sticky coconut strips), sago, and whatever fruit is in season to make this "mix mix" dessert. Leche flan, condensed or evaporated milk, and ube ice cream are usually always used to top this dessert. Halo-halo is like nirvana in a cup during the sweltering summer.