7 Classic Pinoy food finds for an epic salu-salo at SM

Nothing brings a Filipino family together quite like the aroma of freshly cooked food waiting on the dining table. With the Independence Day celebration this June, it’s the perfect excuse to skip the kitchen duties, take a break from cooking, and just treat the whole family or squad to the dishes we all grew up loving.

Here are seven classic Filipino dishes worth swiping for to celebrate our heritage this month.

DECK: These Filipino favorites are ready to make your feast even better!

Nilagang Bulalo from Gerry’s Grill

Is it even a proper Pinoy celebration without a steaming bowl of soup at the center of the table? Gerry’s Grill serves up a classic Nilagang Bulalo, starting at ₱615, that is guaranteed to warm you up from the very first sip. Every single order is freshly cooked, giving you that clear, comforting broth packed with tender beef, greens, and corn that tastes like home.

Kare-Kare Beef and Trip from Mesa

If you’re looking for something rich and celebratory, Mesa’s Kare-Kare and Tripe is an absolute must-order. Imagine having tender beef, chewy ox tripe, and crisp, fresh vegetables all smothered in a thick, ultra-creamy peanut sauce. It’s served with their signature savory bagoong alamang to perfectly balance out the sweetness. You can grab a medium size for ₱625 if it’s just for a small group or go big with the large size for ₱935 for the whole barkada.

Klasikong Taho from Taho Story

Who says taho is only for early mornings when the vendor walks past your street? Taho Story is bringing back all the childhood nostalgia with their Klasikong Taho starting at ₱180. It makes for a perfect, sweet afternoon pick-me-up snack featuring silken tofu, rich arnibal, and chewy sago pearls. Want to see how satisfying smooth it looks before ordering. Check out this reel to get a glimpse of the classic goodness.

Chicken Inasal & Pork BBQ Family Fiesta from Mang Inasal

When the hunger pangs hit hard, Mang Inasal always answers the call with the ultimate salu-salo spread. Their Chicken Inasal & Pork BBQ Family Fiesta for ₱949 is practically made for gatherings. This massive platter comes loaded with 3 pieces of their famous Chicken Inasal Paa large (also available in pecho), 6 pieces of savory Pork BBQ paired with a rich peanut sauce, a generous Java Rice Platter to tie it all together. Prices may vary per location, but the satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed.

Garlic Baby Squid in Olive Oil from Lasa BBQ

Looking for something a little lighter but packed with intense flavor? Lasa BBQ delivers a coastal classic with a modern twist through their Garlic Baby Squid in Olive Oil. They take fresh, tender baby squid, marinate it to perfection, and sauté it beautifully with rich garlic confit and premium olive oil. Grab a solo serving for ₱415, and enjoy a garlic-infused seafood treat that pairs perfectly with extra rice.

Frozen Drinks from Dunkin’

Leave it to Dunkin’ to transform our favorite traditional Filipino merienda staples into ice-cold blended perfection. This season, you can beat the tropical heat with their brand-new frozen drinks line featuring the Halo Halo for ₱165 and the creamy Mais Con Yelo for ₱115. They are sweet, refreshing, and the absolute ideal cooler to wash down your heavy holiday lunch while keeping the festive Pinoy spirit alive.

Cebu Best Dried Mangos from Kultura

Finally, you can’t end a local food trip without a little sweet treat to munch on. Kultura offers the iconic Cebu Best Dried Mango (80g) for just ₱159. Crafted using a decades-old family recipe, these snacks are made from the sweetest Philippine mangoes (or Manila Mango, as global fans call it). It is a quick snack to keep in your pantry or the perfect pasalubong for your loved ones.

Why stress over meal prep when you can have all these local culinary treasures in just one swipe? Celebrate your independence from kitchen chores today and let the feasting begin! Download SM Malls Online app to discover delicious Pinoy Finds this month.