Filipino cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. From savory dishes like adobo to sweet treats like halo‑halo, Filipino food reflects the country’s diverse culture and love for hearty meals. Learning the Tagalog words for food helps you navigate local menus, understand recipes, and connect more meaningfully with Filipino family and friends.
This guide introduces essential Tagalog food vocabulary along with example sentences to help you use these words confidently.
Essential Tagalog Food Vocabulary
Here are 32 common Tagalog words for food and ingredients:
Pagkain – food
Tinapay – bread
Almusal – breakfast
Pananghalian – lunch
Hapunan – dinner
Keso – cheese
Itlog – egg
Isda – fish
Sabaw – soup
Karne – meat
Asukal – sugar
Pagkaing gawa sa gatas – dairy
Mantikilya – butter
Hamon – ham
Prutas – fruit
Gulay – vegetable
Keyk – cake
Tsokolate – chocolate
Harina – flour
Asin – salt
Paminta – pepper
Banilya – vanilla
Pandesal – bun
Kendi – candy
Mustasa – mustard
Toyo – soy sauce
Ketsap – ketchup
Merienda – snack
Atsara – pickle
Gulaman – jelly
Tuyong prutas – dried fruit
Talaba – oyster
Example Sentences Using Tagalog Food Words
“Ako ay nagluluto ng nilagang baka.”
I am cooking beef stew.
“Ako ay kumakain ng tinapay para sa almusal.”
I eat bread for breakfast.
“Gusto kong kumain ng mainit na pandesal na may mantikilya.”
I like eating a hot bun with butter.
“Ako ay mahilig magluto gamit ang mantikilya.”
I like cooking with butter.
“Gusto kong kumain ng keso at tinapay.”
I like to eat cheese and bread.
“Ako ay nagluluto ng pritong manok para sa hapunan.”
I am cooking fried chicken for dinner.
“Ako ay nagluto ng itlog para sa almusal.”
I cooked eggs for breakfast.
“Ako ay bumibili ng sariwang isda sa palengke.”
I buy fresh fish at the market.
“Gusto kong kumain ng masusustansyang pagkain.”
I like to eat healthy food.
“Ang mga prutas ay masustansya at malinamnam.”
Fruits are nutritious and delicious.
Tips for Mastering Tagalog Food Vocabulary
Immerse Yourself
Use Tagalog food words in daily conversations to help them stick.
Learn Visually
Watch Filipino cooking shows or recipe videos to hear the words used naturally.
Cook Filipino Dishes
Reading Tagalog recipes is a fun and practical way to expand your vocabulary.
Use Learning Tools
Flashcards, apps, and online resources make memorization easier and more enjoyable.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure
Learning Tagalog food vocabulary opens the door to a richer appreciation of Filipino cuisine. With this guide, you’re ready to explore new flavors, understand recipes, and enjoy deeper cultural connections. Dive into the world of Filipino food — and enjoy every delicious moment.