Filipino Breakfast Recipes
Start your morning the Filipino way — hearty silog meals, fresh pandesal, and warm champorado. Breakfast in the Philippines is a full meal, not just a snack.
The Art of Filipino Breakfast
Filipinos take breakfast seriously. Unlike the toast-and-cereal approach common in Western countries, a Filipino almusal (breakfast) is a substantial meal featuring protein, garlic fried rice, and a fried egg. These "-silog" combos are so popular that dedicated "silogan" restaurants serve them from dawn to midnight. The word "silog" comes from "sinangag" (garlic fried rice) and "itlog" (egg) — the two constants in every Filipino breakfast plate.
The Silog Family Explained
Every silog = Protein + Sinangag (garlic rice) + Itlog (fried egg)
Tapsilog
The king of Filipino breakfasts — sweet cured beef tapa with garlic fried rice (sinangag) and sunny-side-up egg.
Longsilog
Sweet Filipino longanisa sausage paired with garlic rice and fried egg. Quick, savory, and satisfying.
Chicken Adobo Flakes
Leftover adobo shredded and pan-fried until crispy. The best way to repurpose last night's ulam.
Beef Tapa
Sweet and garlicky cured beef slices pan-fried to caramelized perfection. The star of any tapsilog.
Ensaymada
Soft brioche-like bread topped with butter, sugar, and grated cheese. A festive morning indulgence.
Bibingka
Warm rice cake with salted egg and cheese. A Christmas morning tradition enjoyed year-round.
Filipino Breakfast Tips
Perfect Sinangag
Use day-old refrigerated rice for the best garlic fried rice. Cold rice separates better and gets crispier in the pan. Fry minced garlic in oil first until golden, then toss in the rice.
Sunny-Side-Up Egg
The Filipino fried egg has crispy edges and a runny yolk. Use plenty of oil and high heat. The yolk is meant to be broken over the garlic rice like a sauce.
Sawsawan (Dipping Sauce)
Every silog meal needs a dipping sauce. Mix vinegar with soy sauce, chopped onion, and chili. This cuts through the richness of the meat and rice.