Tagalog Kitchen Utensils and Food Vocabulary

 

The Filipino kitchen — or kusina — is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather, meals are prepared with love, and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. Whether you’re traveling to the Philippines, learning Tagalog, or teaching your kids Filipino vocabulary, knowing the names of kitchen utensils, food items, and shopping terms will make your culinary experience richer and more enjoyable.

Kitchen Essentials (Mga Kasangkapan sa Kusina)

To cook like a Filipino, it helps to know the tools commonly found in a traditional or modern Filipino kitchen. These items are used daily to prepare everything from adobo to sinigang.

• Hurno – Oven
• Pridyeder – Refrigerator
• Sangkalan – Cutting board
• Gripo – Faucet
• Palayok – Clay pot/cooking pot
• Baso – Glass
• Ihawan – Grill
• Pitsel – Jug/pitcher
• Kalan – Stove
• Takip – Lid

These utensils are essential for Filipino cooking, whether you’re simmering soups, grilling meats, or preparing merienda.

Food Vocabulary (Pagkain)

Filipino cuisine is a flavorful blend of Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous influences. Here are key food terms to help you explore local dishes:

• Pagkain – Food
• Kanin – Rice
• Adobo – Meat stew cooked in soy sauce and vinegar
• Sinigang – Sour soup
• Lechon – Roasted pig
• Tinola – Ginger‑based chicken soup
• Sisig – Minced pork dish served sizzling
• Lumpia – Fried spring rolls
• Pancit – Stir‑fried noodles

These dishes are staples in Filipino homes and celebrations.

Shopping Vocabulary (Mga Salitang Gamit sa Pamimili)

Whether you’re buying ingredients at a wet market or shopping for souvenirs, these words will help you communicate with vendors.

• Pamilihan – Market
• Tindahan – Store
• Mamili – To shop
• Bumili – To buy
• Magbenta – To sell

Filipino markets are lively and colorful — knowing these words makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Useful Phrases (Mga Halimbawa ng Parirala)

Here are practical phrases you can use while shopping or ordering food:

• “Pabili nga po…” – I would like to buy…
• “Magkano po ito.” – How much does this cost.
• “Ano pong tinda ninyo.” – What do you have for sale.
• “Bayad po.” – Here is my payment.

These polite expressions help you interact respectfully with locals.

Start Your Culinary Adventure Today

Now that you’ve learned essential Tagalog vocabulary for kitchen utensils, food, and shopping, you’re ready to explore Filipino cuisine with confidence. Practice these words, try new dishes, and enjoy the warmth and flavor of Filipino food culture.

Happy cooking, happy shopping, and Maligayang Paglalakbay!  Enjoy your journey through the Philippines.