The word adobo may bring to mind Spanish cuisine; however, while the word is Spanish, the cooking method is decidedly Filipino. As in most warm climates, early people in the Philippines looked for methods of preserving their food, choosing to stew meats in vinegar to aid them in lasting longer. When the Spanish colonized the area in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, they termed the process adobo, similar to their process of marinating or seasoning meats. Today, the indigenous process remains popular in the Philippines and refers to meat, seafood and vegetables marinated and stewed in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce (a hint at the Chinese influences) and garlic. The Filipino comfort food is typically made with chicken; chicken adobo, or adobong manok, is the unofficial national food of the country. Pork (adobong baboy) is also popular. Traditional seasonings include bay leaves and black peppercorns. The cooking process leaves the meat flavorful, tender and tangy, accompanied by fluffy white rice. Through the years, variations increased in popularity. The basic staples — vinegar (either coconut, rice or cane), soy sauce, garlic — must remain to be considered adobo, but from there the recipe may be adapted to unique taste preferences. Some people prefer to fry the meat post-stewing to add a crispy texture to the dish. Coconut milk mellows the sauce, while incorporating sugar and honey adds a teriyaki-like sweetness to the marinade. Ginger and onion may be added to the common seasoning mix of bay leaves and black peppercorns, and fruits such as pineapple, banana and mango sometimes garnish the dish. Regional variations of the dish high in protein, iron and Vitamin A also exist. In Cavite, mashed pork liver substitutes for chicken or pork. In Batangas, annatto seasoning is added, giving the dish an orange hue. Cooks in Laguna include turmeric, while the south popularized the coconut milk version. Visitors to the Philippines should be sure to sample all the varieties of adobo available. After starting with chicken, consider these other options: adobong baka, prepared with beef; adobong pugô, with quail; adobong hipon, the shrimp version; or adobong labong, with bamboo shoots. More adventurous eaters may order adobong sawâ, palakâ or kamaru. Not for the faint of heart, these preparations use snake, frog and crickets.
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 25, 2025This London Afternoon Tea Honors Art and Japanese Techniques
Feeling peckish? If you’re lucky enough to be in England’s capital, head to Rosewood London’s Mirror Room, where a fabulous new afternoon tea menu has been introduced, featuring a selection of Japanese-inspired savories and delectable art cakes curated by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins. It’s inspired by artist and printmaker Katsushika Hokusai, widely regarded as one of Japan’s most celebrated creatives and known for works including the woodblock print series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1830–1832) and The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831).
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
Apr 25, 20255 Spa Escapes for Mother’s Day
Book a fabulous spa getaway for the mother in your life. Check out these five properties offering serene spa experiences.
Daily
Apr 25, 2025The Luxury Collection Expands to Halifax, Canada
Marriott’s The Luxury Collection continues its expansion in Canada with the opening of Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax. This new landmark on the Atlantic lies in the historic Queen’s Marque district, and features 109 stylish guestrooms and suites.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 24, 2025Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa Announces Commitment to Regenerative Tourism, New Experiences
The 105-room Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa launched a Legacy of Regeneration, an operation-wide commitment to regenerative tourism that builds on its heritage as one of Costa Rica’s original eco resorts.
Art Meets Mixology in Washington, D.C., at Allegory
Daily
Apr 23, 2025Explora Journeys Launches Explora Club
Daily
Apr 23, 2025eFlyer Reviews
Apr 23, 2025Hilton Lake Como Review
Lake Como is in the midst of a renaissance as a destination, and just an hour north by train from Milan, Hilton Lake Como embodies the way past, present, form and function can coexist in harmony. As a whole, this modern luxury property taps into the town’s legacy as a textile producer.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
eFlyer News
Apr 23, 2025AmaWaterways Launches Newest Ship, “AmaSintra”
AmaWaterways welcomes AmaSintra, the newest ship to its fleet. The new ship embarked on its inaugural voyage along the Douro River in Portugal on April 17, and marks the brand’s third luxury river cruise ship on the Douro.
ShareThis