Filipino Christmas Recipes

What are our recommended Filipino Christmas Recipes ? Preparing for the holidays is as exciting as it is sometimes exhausting, but still always a joy to get into. Deciding what food to prepare for Christmas – a truly festive Filipino celebration many households search for easy Filipino Christmas food to simplify their Noche Buena while still keeping the table abundant and flavorful. The dishes in this list are a mix of traditional deeply rooted Filipino Christmas food traditions, the more modern versions, from savory favorites to sweet delicacies and festive beverages. These Filipino Christmas foods and drinks bring warmth, joy, and nostalgia to every holiday feast.

What are the popular Christmas foods in the Philippines? 

Noche Buena Filipino Christmas Food

When planning a holiday menu, exploring these top 10 Filipino Christmas dishes  ( and more! ) can help you create a festive yet traditional feast to feed you and your loved one, the whole family, or a big gathering. The internet is full of Filipino Christmas food ideas for party menus that are easy to prepare and are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. From traditional delicacies, to savory classics, or sweet holiday treats. These selections highlight the typical Filipino Christmas food that brings comfort, nostalgia, and celebration to every Noche Buena table. We hope you enjoy this list of Filipino Christmas Recipes as much as we do!

Beefy Pinoy Christmas food

For the meat lovers out there, these beef dishes add a hearty touch to any holiday spread, highlighting traditional Filipino food Christmas favorites. From the savory caldereta, mechado, saucy kare-kare, and more, these classic Filipino Christmas food choices bring rich flavors and comforting warmth to any gathering.

1. Beef Morcon

Beef Morcon ( or “Morcon Pampanga” ) is a fantastic choice for the Christmas season, it’s colorfully festive, flavorful, and delicious! The Filipino version of a meatloaf, filled with a mix of cheese, eggs, pickles, and more. This beautiful centerpiece will many any day feel special without being overly complicated to prepare. 

2. Beef Caldereta

Beef Caldereta is an excellent dish for the Christmas season. It’s rich, hearty, and saucy, making it a true comfort food for festive gatherings. Tender cooked beef simmered in a  blend of tomatoes, spices, and creamy liver spread, creating a  luxurious flavor that feels special and celebratory. This dish is sure to bring warmth to any Noche Buena feast.

Here are other Caldereta Recipes : 

3. Mechado

Mechado is a wonderful addition many look forward to seeing on the Christmas table. This meaty slow cooked tomato based dish brings a cozy, home-cooked feel to the holiday table. Rich in flavor,  comforting and festive—perfect for Noche Buena or any family gathering. 

4. Kare-Kare

A standout dish at every Christmas or party table. Kare-Kare is a delicious meaty meal mixed in with colorful vegetables, doused with a peanut based sauce that brings a festive warmth to the holiday table. This dish makes the whole table feel special and nostalgic, especially when paired with bagoong for that perfect balance.

5. Beef Asado

For those looking for a sweet-savory dish to add to the Christmas table, then this Beef Asado is for you. The rich flavors of this slow-cooked beef dish  pairs beautifully with warm rice or holiday side dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for Noche Buena. This recipe adds a cozy, homey touch to any celebration.

You can also try this pork version here : 

Pork Asado

Filipino Noche Buena food – Pork Recipes

Pork dishes are almost always the highlight of any Filipino Noche Buena. These dishes bring rich flavors and comforting warmth to the holiday table. From the classic crispy lechon to savory hamon and flavorful traditional adobo, these favorites remain traditional Filipino Christmas dishes enjoyed across generations. 

6. Embutido

Embutido is a fantastic choice for the Christmas season because it’s easy to make and prepare in advance, is budget-friendly, and always a hit with guests. A famous Filipino Christmas food enjoyed at every Noche Buena. It has a sweet-savory flavor, being a mix of ground pork, vegetables, and raisins. 

7. Filipino Christmas Ham Recipe

This Filipino Christmas Ham Recipe is the perfect gift to make, serve on the party table, or to sell for extra income this upcoming Christmas season. This Christmas classic delivers the ideal balance of salty and sweet that many Filipinos love.

8. Lechon

The answer to “what is the most popular food at Christmas ?”. Lechon is the unbeatable star during every christmas season – or big gatherings. Crispy skin, rich aroma, with juicy, flavorful meat that’ll make any celebration feel extra special!

Here are similar yet still easy to do at home options : 

9. Sisig

Sisig is an easy addition to add to the Christmas table. This recipe brings a spicy, savory, and deliciously addicting flavor to the holiday spread. Whether made with pork, chicken, or even tofu, its zesty blend of aromatics, chillies, and calamansi offers a festive kick that guests love. Sisig adds a fun, crowd-pleasing touch that makes any Noche Buena memorable.

Here are more Sisig options : 

10. Pork Adobo 

Pork Adobo is a wonderfully classic choice for the Christmas season. It’s well-loved, with this dish always bringing comfort and familiarity to the holiday table. A reliable dish that’s easy to prepare in large batches and even tastier the next day. Adobo adds a homey touch that beautifully complements any Christmas feast.

Here are other Adobo Recipes : 

Chicken – Filipino Food Ideas for Christmas

Chicken dishes are a staple during the holidays. Comforting and always satisfying making it suitable to serve during both intimate gatherings and big celebrations. Far from the classic glazed chicken, Filipino chicken recipes are often roasted, grilled, or simmered in coconut sauce because most of these recipes have passed down through generations. Making these nostalgic Filipino Christmas Recipes ( Noche Buena Filipino Christmas food recipes) adds warmth and variety to every festive table.

11. Lechon Manok sa Kawali

Lechon Manok is the simpler but still delicious alternative to (pork) lechon. Delicious lechon style flavored chicken without the long cooking time.The outcome is always crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for those looking for a budget friendly festive yet easy holiday dish.

12. Chicken Leg Hamonado

Perfectly sweet and savory, Chicken Leg Hamonado is a tender slow cooked dish that  brings a festive flair to any holiday. Chicken caramelized with a pineapple glaze, beautifully plated and presented on the Noche Buena table. This dish  adds a touch of holiday sweetness that everyone is sure to enjoy.

13. Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is another great choice for the Christmas season. Smoky, tangy, and savory, this dish brings something exciting and unique to the holiday table. This quick air-fried version offers a delicious festive burst of Filipino flair that guests instantly love.

14. Pininyahang Manok with Gata

Pininyahang Manok with Gata is a creamy coconut milk-based chicken dish sweetened with pineapples creating a festive blend of flavors perfect for holiday. Easy to prepare yet delightfully indulgent, it adds a bright, tropical Filipino touch to the table.

15. Sopas

After all these meaty dishes on this Filipino Christmas Recipes list, sometimes you just want a dish to warm you up. Sopas is  the ultimate comfort food for chilly holiday nights. Warm, creamy broth filled with vegetables, pasta, and shredded chicken. Serve as a light meal, or to pair with many of the delicious dishes on the Noche Buena table.

Seafood Filipino dishes for Christmas

Seafood dishes bring a fresh and flavorful twist to holiday celebrations. These dishes often offer a lighter festive option alongside richer meals you can find on the Christmas table. Whether it’s shrimp, crab, or Filipino fish recipes, these seafood favorites remain part of many cherished Filipino Christmas traditions food enjoyed across generations. 

16. Pompano Fish Recipe

Pompano fish recipes are perfect for the Christmas season because this delicate fish has a nice buttery flesh and mild flavor – which makes it versatile and easy to cook whether baked, steamed, or grilled. Pompano absorbs festive seasonings beautifully and pairs well with almost anything. 

Here are our other Yummy Pompano dishes :

17. Pork Shrimp Shanghai

Pork Shrimp Shanghai adds a nice crunchy texture in this list of Christmas favorites. A savory, flavorful, shrimp filling wrapped in a wrapper, then fried until crispy and golden. This delicious treat is easy to make, fun to eat, and always a hit with guests

18. Sinigang na Hipon

Sinigang na Hipon is a tangy, comforting yet refreshingly balanced soup that’s a combination of plump shrimp, vegetables, and an addition of a souring agent like tamarind powder, or sinigang mix. Giving the Noche Buena spread a soothing, heartwarming, homestyle touch.

19. Relyenong Bangus

Relyenong Bangus is a flavorful stuffed fish recipe that combines savory, sweet, and tangy elements like soy sauce, calamansi, aromatics, peas, carrots, raisins, and many other seasonings. A festive standout that guests are sure to enjoy during Noche Buena, to give as gifts, or even to sell for extra income this upcoming holiday season.

20. Camaron Rebosado

Camaron Rebosado is a light, flavorful, shrimp dish coated in batter, then fried until it looks like delicious golden nuggets. Easy to pair with a lot of sauces especially with this homemade sweet and sour sauce. It brings a festive crunch to the Noche Buena table that’s loved by both kids and adults.

Pasta Christmas Recipe Philippines ( noodles )

Another hit during the holidays. Pastas and Noodle dishes ( Pancit ) are a great flavorful, and colorful alternative to plain old rice. These noodle recipes add  comfort and festivity to the Noche Buena table. Whether it’s sweet-style spaghetti, simple and creamy carbonara, or pancit misua, lomi, bihon, or more, these favorites remain part of the traditional Filipino food on Christmas enjoyed by families everywhere. 

21. Pancit

Pancit dishes are perfect for the Christmas season because many believe that noodles symbolize long life and good fortune. These recipes below are full of savory flavors, colorful toppings, and more! Easy to cook in large batches and versatile enough to change up to suit anyone’s budget. Pancit recipes are a great addition to any Noche Buena table. 

Here are more noodles to try :

22. Palabok

Palabok is a vibrant orange noodle dish that’s rich, savory, saucy, and overloaded with shrimp, chicharrón, and eggs on top, making it both feel both comforting and celebratory. Its bright colors and bold flavors make it perfect for  the Christmas season.

23. Lomi

Another option for a hearty broth to warm you up this season. Lomi is a dish made of thick hearty noodles, vegetables, meat, and a rich savory broth. It brings a cozy, home-cooked feel to any celebration. 

24. Filipino-style Spaghetti

Filipino-style Spaghetti is well known to many in and out of the Philippines for its sweet, savory, meaty, and nostalgic flair. Each bite instantly brings joy to any holiday gathering. This dish is a true Filipino favorite loved by both kids and adults, this festive pasta dish adds a fun, comforting touch to the Noche Buena table.

25. Filipino Carbonara

While not classic to many Filipino homes, it’s quite the popular alternative for those who love a creamy and cheesy white sauce rather than the classic red sauce. Filipino Carbonara is made of al dente noodles, smoky bacon, a rich creamy cheese sauce, making it irresistibly comforting and festive. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages

Traditional Filipino Christmas Food – Desserts

These traditional Filipino desserts bring sweetness and nostalgia to the Christmas table, and even any holiday celebration.From the classic bibingka, traditional puto bumbong, to creamy leche flan, these treats are among the most beloved Christmas recipes in the Philippines. Here are the essential Filipino Christmas food dessert options, that highlight the warmth and joy of the season. Check out the top Filipino Christmas food enjoyed during Noche Buena ( desserts ).

26. Bibingka  

Bibingka is well known for its soft, fluffy texture with a slightly smoky, buttery cheese topping that’ll  instantly evoke anyone’s holiday spirit. Traditionally enjoyed after Simbang Gabi, this beloved rice cake brings nostalgia and warmth to every celebration. 

Here a list of Bibingka options : 

27.  Cassava

Cassava is a delicious treat many look forward to in the incoming Christmas season. It’s rich, chewy, sweet with a  creamy topping making it a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings. Made from simple, comforting ingredients. These are not only served during the holidays but are considered festive treats to give or sell even after the holiday season.

28. Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is another Chtristmas treat everyone enjoys! Often eaten after Simbang Gabi. This vibrant purple, chewy buttery, coconut-rich snack is traditionally enjoyed warm topped up with muscovado sugar and grated coconut. Bringing in nostalgia adding a unique, festive charm to the Noche Buena table.

29. Maja Blanca 

Maja Blanca is a creamy, coconut-based pudding that offers a light and refreshing contrast to the rich holiday dishes. It’s often served topped with shredded cheese or a sprinkle of latik, mixed with sweet corn, fruits, or flavorings. A sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults

Try out these many Yummy Variations of Maja Blanca : 

30. Leche flan

Leche flan is a beloved popular treat that’s often served as a centerpiece treat. It adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to the Noche Buena table, it’s irresistibly silky, sweet and creamy, with a touch of bitter caramel on top to give it a nice contrast. A festive finish to every Filipino Christmas feast.

Popular Cakes and Pastries 

Here are some popular desserts that might not be traditionally Filipino, but still plays a sweet role in traditional Christmas food in the Philippines. A mix of modern creations blend tradition with contemporary flavor. These beloved pasties made with a touch of local flavors and holiday cheer, makes any Filipino Christmas celebrations deliciously unforgettable.

31. Fruit Cake

While not traditional, it is a cake often given as a gift from a coworker, friend, or served as a snack during parties. Fruit Cake is said to represent abundance, celebration, and the spirit of giving. Influenced by Western holiday traditions, many Filipino households have embraced this snack made of a festive mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.

32. Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake brings a cozy, homemade touch to holiday celebrations. Many Filipino families enjoy baking it as a holiday treat. The combination of warm spices, moist texture, decorated with a delicious creamy frosting makes this dessert feel special and festive. A fitting dessert that celebrates the season’s comforting flavors.

33. Mango Supreme Cake 

Mango Supreme Cake is mostly considered a summer dessert, but Chirsstmas is often seen as a day of indulgence and gift giving. There’s nothing like a slice of sweet, fresh, tropical flavors even in the cool holiday season. Layers of soft sponge cake, creamy filling, and sweet mangoes create a light yet indulgent dessert that balances other richer flavored Christmas dishes. 

34. Ube Cake

Ube Cake is a well-loved dessert served during Filipino Christmas parties. Vibrant aromatic purple chiffon cake layers each filled with a cream cheese filling or ube flavored filling, blending tradition with modern desserts showcasing a flavor deeply rooted in local culture. 

Or try this No Oven Ube Cake : https://yummykitchentv.com/no-oven-ube-cake/ 

35. Mocha Cake ala Goldilocks

Another popular choice to serve at the Christmas table. Mocha Cake brings a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. A bite of this fluffy cake, filled with its creamy mocha filling, covered with it’s signature buttery icing adds a festive feeling to gatherings.

Filipino dish for Christmas that you can do under 30 minutes

For quick yet festive dishes, these christmas food ideas Filipino style often include simple recipes that capture the warmth and tradition of the season. There are a lof of different options for dishes that can be done in under 30 minutes like some of the list above, like creamy carbonara, garlic butter shrimp, and lumpia. But below are the easiest and quickest options to make, some you can even do the night before and reheat the day after.

36. Lumpiang Shanghai  

A classic recipe that no party would be complete without. Lumpiang Shanghai is easy to prepare beforehand in large batches, perfect for feeding small to big festive gatherings, is so quick and versatile you can easily change it up and make it fit the budget without losing the flavor.

Here are a list of classic to budget friendly Lumpia recipes : 

37. Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon, like many noodle recipes, is full of festive colors and hearty flavor. A dish that also symbolizes long life and good fortune, making it a meaningful addition to any holiday celebration. A savory mix of noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat. It’s quick to prepare in big servings, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

38. Fried Chicken

While not entirely traditional. It’s a common dish you can find at the party table. Fried Chicken is universally loved for how quick it is to prepare, easy to pair with any sides or sauces, and is a foolproof crowd-pleaser. Whether homemade or store-bought, fried chicken brings convenience and celebration to any gathering.

39. Buko Salad ( Filipino Fruit Salad )

A favorite in the dessert table even in the colder weather months. Fruit Salad, whether served chilled, frozen, or turned into a drink, is an absolute blast! Simple, sweet, creamy, and refreshing, this dessert perfectly complements the rich and savory foods served during Noche Buena table. It’s easy to prepare the day of or the day after to have it chilled for longer.

Here are it’s many yummy Variations : 

40. Beef Salpicao 

Beef Salpicao is a dish that just needs less than 10 minutes to make. It feels special and indulgent without requiring long preparation. These garlicky beef bites offer a tender rich and savory flavor making  it a standout addition to the Noche Buena spread. 

Budget Friendly Filipino Christmas food list

These budget friendly Filipino Christmas Recipes will help create a festive and satisfying Noche Buena without overspending. Using  simple, affordable ingredients while still bringing classic holiday flavors to the table is easy! Here are a list of warm, joyful quick Christmas dishes and traditional favorites that everyone can enjoy, 

41. Macaroni Salad 

Macaroni Salad is a popular choice for many because it’s affordable, easy to prepare in large batches, and loved by both kids and adults. A Christmas staple in many Filipino homes, it’s a mix of either a sweetened cream base, slightly sweet fruits, and pasta to make it more filling, or regular cream, fruits, chicken or ham, seasonings, and pasta.

Here are many more colorfully affordable choices : 

42. Bangus

Bangus is an ingredient many Filipinos love since it’s  affordable, versatile, and healthy-very much a healthier choice among the many indulgent options around the party table. Whether fried, grilled, added into soups or stews, or sauteed and soused in a good amount of sauce.

A fish with a variation of ways to enjoy like these : 

43. Tokwa’t Baboy

Tokwa’t Baboy is great for those who want to add pork to the party table but don’t want to commit to a whole roasted pig. It’s simple quick to do and can be jazzed up – using crispy pork or simplified using regular pork chunks, tossing these with crisp tofu, chillies, and a tangy vinegar sauce that complements richer holiday dishes.

44. Coffee Jelly

A quick budget friendly dessert that’ll help you keep energized while you mingle with your many family and friends. The combination of mildly sweet coffee-flavored jelly with sweetened creamy milk sauce makes it a crowd favorite. Coffee Jelly is a delightfully refreshing dessert to serve after a rich Noche Buena meal.

45. Maruya

Maruya is a simple dessert that just needs a few ingredients to make. A simple, comforting, nostalgic treat that appeals to both children and adults. A sweet and crispy battered banana, speckled in with more sugar. It’s warm, homey, quick to prepare, and affordable.

Filipino Christmas food gifts

Food gifts you’ll often find bought or handmade, gift giving ideas to give a loved one, friends, acquaintances, or co workers. These thoughtful treats share warmth and gratitude during the holiday season. Many prepare simple Filipino Christmas food such as cookies, polvoron, yema, or puto to give to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. such as cookies, polvoron, macaroons, and more! Whether packed in festive containers or colorful cellophane, these gifts add a personal and heartfelt touch.

46. Chocolate Dream Cake

Chocolate Dream Cake is an easy to do dish that you can make a lot of batches of. Rich, decadent layers made of a moist chocolate cake, creamy ganache, and glossy chocolate topping encased in a beautifully shiny tin. This luxurious dessert is visually stunning, easy to share, and guaranteed to impress anyone.

47. Cookies

A traditional snack in any Filipino Christmas Recipes – or any Christmas. Cookies are a snack that you’ll be hard pressed to find no one liking. It’s an absolute delight to make and enjoy! All to yourself, to bring at parties, or to give as gifts. It has a number of different flavor options, from chocolate chip to the nostalgic butter cookies—some even turn this ‘cookie baking’ into a bonding activity. A convenient sweet treat to serve anytime of the year, versatile, and full of homemade charm.

Here are more cookie flavors to try!

48. Polvoron

Polvoron is a sweet treat that needs no baking, just a few minutes of toasting the flour. A no-bake treat that’s perfect for gifting and sharing. A sweet, buttery, and crumbly nostalgic favorite that many Filipinos associate with childhood and the Christmas holiday. It adds a fun and festive touch to any celebrations.

49. Filipino Coconut Macaroons

Filipino Coconut Macaroons is a popular choice to make and gift during the Christmas season. These easy to make delicious bite sized treats are well known for their chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor make them a crowd favorite, especially among kids and sweet loving adults. 

50. Buko Pandan

Our last dessert in this Filipino Christmas Recipes list is another dessert you can make in big batches. Buko Pandan is often a go-to recipe for those who lack time or just want to add a vibrant colored dessert at the last minute. It’s also great for gifting since all you need to make this  cool, creamy, refreshing dessert is to strain and toss everything in a pandan flavored sweet cream sauce, package these into a nice jar or container and it;s ready to enjoy!

Check out our other Top Food Lists :

Creating a list of dishes to enjoy with the family, friends, or a Noche Buena for 2 can be exciting, especially when planning a cozy celebration for loved ones .Whether you’re hosting a small or big gathering, this list of options deliver the rich, festive flavors of the season. From easy noodle dishes to classic homemade delicacies perfect for gifting. These Filipino Christmas Recipes will bring warmth and joy to any holiday celebration.