Taste the Language—Filipino Food Words You’ll Love
From sweet treats to savory classics, Filipino food isn’t just delicious it’s a great way for kids to learn Tagalog! Food words are often the first ones children remember, because they connect directly to things they enjoy, like snacks, family meals, or favorite street foods.
Here are a few fun Filipino food words and what they mean:
Kanin – Rice. A staple on every Filipino plate, often eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Adobo – A famous Filipino dish made with chicken or pork, simmered in soy sauce and vinegar.
Halo-halo – A colorful shaved ice dessert with fruit, beans, and milk—perfect on hot days.
Saging – Banana. Simple, sweet, and used in many snacks and desserts.
Pandesal – A soft bread roll that kids love for breakfast or snacks.
These words are not only useful in daily life but also open the door to exploring Filipino traditions. Learning the names of foods helps children feel more connected to the culture and makes them more curious at the dinner table.
Language programs like Dinolingo often include food-related vocabulary in songs, games, and lessons, turning meal time into learning time. When kids see pandesal on the table and know what to call it, it’s a small but meaningful language win.
Try These Fun Activities
Food Word Flashcards
Make simple flashcards with a picture of a Filipino dish on one side and the Tagalog word on the other. Mix, match, and snack!
Pretend Restaurant
Set up a pretend Filipino restaurant at home. Kids can take turns “ordering” dishes in Tagalog and serving them to guests or toys.
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