Language/Tagalog/Vocabulary/Food-and-Drinks
Introduction
Kumain na ba kayo? (Have you eaten?) One of the most common questions you will hear from Filipinos is about food. Filipinos are known for their love of food, and their cuisine is a melting pot of different flavors and influences from Spain, China, Malaysia, India, and other countries. In this lesson, you will learn some basic Tagalog words and phrases related to food and drinks. Whether you want to order in a restaurant or impress your Filipino friends with your knowledge of local food, this lesson is for you.
Food
Mga pagkaing Pilipino (Filipino food) is diverse and delicious. From adobo to sinigang, every region in the Philippines has its own specialties. Here are some common Filipino dishes and their Tagalog names:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| adobo | a-DO-bo | adobo (meat stewed in vinegar and soy sauce) |
| sinigang | si-NI-gang | sinigang (sour soup with meat, vegetables, and tamarind) |
| kare-kare | ka-RE-ka-RE | kare-kare (stew made with oxtail, peanut sauce, and vegetables) |
| lechon | le-CHON | lechon (roasted pig) |
| pakbet | PAK-bet | pakbet (mixed vegetables with shrimp paste) |
| sisig | SI-sig | sisig (chopped meat and liver usually served on a sizzling plate) |
Here are some common adjectives used to describe the taste and texture of food:
- Malinamnam - delicious
- Maanghang - spicy
- Maasim - sour
- Matamis - sweet
- Maalat - salty
- Makunat - chewy
- Malambot - tender/soft
Here is how you can ask for food in Tagalog:
- Gusto ko ng... - I want...
- Magkano ito? - How much is this?
- Pwede bang magpa-order? - Can I order?
- Ito na po ang bayad ko. - Here's my payment.
- Take-out, please. - Take-out, sana.
Drinks
Filipinos also love their drinks, especially during hot weather. Here are some common Filipino drinks and their Tagalog names:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| halo-halo | HA-lo-HA-lo | halo-halo (shaved ice with sweet beans, fruits, and milk) |
| sago't gulaman | SA-go't gu-LA-man | sago and gulaman (sweet drink with tapioca and jelly) |
| buko juice | BU-ko juice | coconut juice |
| san miguel beer | SAN mi-GUEL beer | San Miguel beer (popular Filipino beer) |
Here are some common phrases and expressions related to drinks:
- Saan po merong malapit na tindahan ng beer? - Where is the nearest beer store?
- Ilang bote ng beer ang kailangan natin? - How many bottles of beer do we need?
- Mayroon po bang tubig dito? - Do you have water here?
- Pa-order po ng halo-halo. - I'll have halo-halo.
- Salamat po. - Thank you.
Cultural Insight
Food is not only about taste and nourishment in the Philippines, but also about community, celebration, and identity. Filipinos love to gather around food, whether it's in a festive fiesta, a simple merienda, or a family gathering. Food is also an expression of creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Filipinos have a knack for turning scraps and leftovers into delicious meals, and for experimenting with new ingredients and flavors.