Filipino Ulam
The heart of Filipino meals - ulam dishes served with steaming white rice, bringing families together every day.
About Filipino Ulam
In Filipino cuisine, "ulam" refers to the main dish that accompanies rice - and rice is always the star of the meal. Ulam can be anything from simple fried fish to elaborate stews, but it must have strong, bold flavors to complement the plain rice. The variety is endless: sour soups like Sinigang, savory adobo, spicy Bicol Express, or rich Kare-Kare. Every Filipino family has their go-to ulam recipes that define home cooking.
Chicken Adobo
The national dish of the Philippines
Kare-Kare
Peanut-based oxtail stew
Lechon Kawali
Crispy deep-fried pork belly
Beef Caldereta
Rich tomato-based beef stew
Sisig
Sizzling pork sisig
Bicol Express
Spicy pork in coconut milk
Tinola
Ginger chicken soup
Sinigang na Baboy
Sour tamarind pork soup
Ulam Cooking Philosophy
Rice is Life
Ulam is designed to be eaten with rice. The flavors should be bold enough to season each spoonful of rice.
Sauce Matters
Good ulam has plenty of sauce or sabaw to mix with rice. Don't skimp on the liquid.
Family Style
Ulam is served family-style in the center of the table, with everyone sharing from the same dish.