Ready to take your tastebuds on a little trip to the Philippines? I’ve gathered 20 incredible Filipino appetizers and finger foods that are pure joy on a plate.
From golden crunchy lumpia to sizzling, savory sisig, these recipes are here to shake up your next party spread or lazy snack moment. I can't wait for you to try all that flavor!
1. Vegan Tokwa’t “Baboy” (Filipino Fried Tofu & “Pork”)
On the hunt for vegan friendly appetizers? Vegan tokwa’t baboy is exactly what you need.
This plant based take on the classic Filipino fried tofu and pork combo is a huge hit at street side kiosks and restaurants all over the Philippines. And it’s easy to see why: it’s absolutely delicious.
2. Buffalo Wings
Is there a better game night snack than buffalo wings? I don’t think so, especially these Filipino style ones. Also called Swiss wings, they’re meaty, tangy with vinegar, and a total staple on any appetizer spread.
3. Chicharon Bulaklak
Feeling a little adventurous? Chicharon bulaklak is calling your name.
This one isn’t for the faint of heart at the table, but if bold, unique eats are your thing, you have to give it a shot. It’s a Filipino classic where deep fried pork intestines bloom into a flower like shape, hence the name. Crunchy, savory, and completely memorable.
4. Filipino Style Sizzling Tofu
Need a vegetarian appetizer that still brings the sizzle? Filipino style sizzling tofu is here for you.
It swaps out the usual pork for extra firm tofu, cut into tiny squares, marinated, baked, and then sautéed with garlic, onion, pepper, and chili. All the flavor, zero meat.
5. Crispy Tenga
Still riding that bold wave? Let’s make crispy tenga.
Pig ears get boiled first, then deep fried until they reach that irresistible crunch. I know deep fried pig ears might sound a little out there, but in the Philippines they’re a true delicacy. So go on, get daring and show off your kitchen chops.
6. Beef Empanada
If you ask me, beef empanadas are handheld heaven. Each one hides a rich, meaty, savory filling inside the most incredible buttery, flaky crust.
They’re ridiculously good, I’m telling you. Pile a platter high for game night or a picnic with ice cold Mexican beers and watch them disappear in a flash.
7. Pork Siomai
Pork siomai are the Filipino spin on classic Chinese dumplings, and believe me, they are every bit as delicious. Wonton wrappers get filled with pork, a touch of shrimp, egg, and veggies, then steamed for about 20 minutes until perfectly tender. So simple and so satisfying.
8. Okoy
Next time you’re on the hunt for an easy party appetizer, okoy has your back. These crispy little fritters are lightly battered and loaded with shrimp and veggies. They’re delicious on their own, but dip them into a spicy vinegar sauce and they become next level amazing.
9. Lumpiang Togue
Lumpiang togue are Filipino vegetable spring rolls that are absolutely to die for. Stuffed with bean sprouts, carrots, green beans, pork, and shrimp, they hit that perfect combo of crisp veggies, savory meat, and flaky pastry. And hey, they’re packed with vegetables, so deep frying totally counts as a win, right?
10. Cheese Sticks
Calling all cheese lovers! These deep fried spring roll pastry sticks are oozing with soft, amazing cheese.
A quick dip in a simple mayo ketchup sauce takes them right over the top. They might be a newer face in Filipino street food, but they’re already crazy popular.
11. Ham and Cheese Bread Rolls
Ham and cheese bread rolls are a guaranteed win with any crowd. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist them, and I love that they’re so easy to throw together.
Just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes stand between you and these crunchy, golden beauties. That fried breadcrumb coating? The crunch is everything.
12. Lumpia Shanghai
If spring rolls and egg rolls have your heart, lumpia Shanghai will absolutely own it. These golden little pastry parcels are packed with ground chicken, water chestnuts, carrots, and green onions. They’re the ultimate finger food and so wildly addictive you’ll lose count of how many you’ve eaten.
13. Crispy Fried Calamari
Deep fried calamari is hands down my favorite way to eat squid. It’s crazy addictive, the kind of snack where you just keep reaching for one more.
Here’s the fun twist: instead of slicing the squid into rings, you batter and fry them whole. So cool, right?
14. Dilis
Dilis are crispy little fried anchovies that are dangerously snackable. You’ll find yourself reaching for handful after handful.
The anchovies get a light batter, then a quick deep fry, and you’ve got a hot appetizer ready in just 10 minutes. Pretty impressive, right?
15. Panara
Love wontons? Then panara are about to become your new best friend.
These Filipino wontons are stuffed with bottle gourd, shrimp, onion, and garlic, then fried to a gorgeous golden brown. The real magic happens when you dunk them in a tangy dip of vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi or banana ketchup. Utterly delicious.
16. Kwek-kwek
Kwek kwek are boiled quail eggs cloaked in a bright orange batter and fried to golden perfection. They’re just plain fun to eat, especially dunked in spicy vinegar or a sweet and spicy fishball sauce. I love threading them onto skewers for parties; it makes the whole dish feel extra festive and exciting.
17. Dynamite Lumpia
Dynamite lumpia are the ultimate party food, especially if you’ve got spice fiends in the crowd. Finger chili peppers are sliced into little boat shapes, stuffed with ground pork, wrapped in spring roll pastry, and fried until golden. They’re fiery, crunchy, and completely irresistible.
18. Atchara
Crisp, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing, atchara is Filipino pickled papaya that’s the perfect partner for barbecue. Its bright, briny flavor slices right through rich, salty meats, making every bite feel clean and extra enjoyable. A little side that makes a huge difference.
19. Sizzling Sisig
Sizzling sisig is that one dish your guests will be talking about for days. Juicy bits of pork mingle with onions and chili peppers, all tossed in a tangy, savory dressing that is just divine.
I love serving it hot on a metal plate, still crackling and popping. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and an instant party hit.
20. Kinilaw
Kinilaw is essentially the Filipino answer to ceviche, featuring raw fish soaked in a bright citrus dressing. Spanish mackerel or yellowfin tuna are the traditional picks, but any firm, fleshy fish will work.
A little heads up: because this is raw, you absolutely want the freshest fish you can find. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.