6 Must-Try Filipino Dishes to Serve on Independence Day at SM

The finest way to commemorate the nation's independence?  Food is the language that every Filipino understands.

On June 12, when the country raises its flags, allow your taste senses to sing the national anthem with meals that celebrate resilience, unity, and the richness of our history.  From comfort food with ancestral origins to refreshing desserts that reinvent tradition, these must-try foods at SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela are ideal for your Araw ng Kalayaan feast.

Whether you're a gastronomic rebel, a heritage stan, or simply looking for something hearty and local, these are six Filipino recipes that openly proclaim Lasang Pinoy. Lasang Malaya.

1. Sinigang na Hipon from Giligan’s, SM Center Sangandaan. Nothing screams "home" louder than a hot bowl of sinigang. With its signature sourness, shrimp, and a healthy serving of kangkong, okra, and eggplant, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together—rain or shine. Whether you’re team sabawan or team kanin overload, Giligan’s Sinigang at SM Center Sangandaan promises the perfect tang to tickle your taste buds.

2. Kare-Kare from Giligan’s, SM Center Sangandaan. No Filipino gathering is complete without this peanutty wonder. Made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables simmered in a rich peanut sauce, kare-kare is best enjoyed with bagoong on the side (and yes, extra rice is non-negotiable). Try the one from Giligan’s and let that hearty flavor hug you this June 12.

 

3. Sisig from Giligan’s, SM Center Sangandaan. Crunchy, chewy, spicy, and savory—Sisig is the unofficial anthem of every Pinoy barkadahan. At Giligan’s, their take is grilled to perfection, chopped fine, and topped with onions, chilies, and chicharon for that extra crunch. Pair it with rice or pulutan-style with your favorite drink and hear the sizzle that signals one thing: you're about to feast like a true Filipino.

 

4. Sizzling Pompano sa Gata from Kuya J’s, SM City Valenzuela. If independence had a flavor, this would be it—bold, creamy, and full of life. Kuya J’s Sizzling Pompano sa Gata is an ode to the country’s love affair with coconut milk and seafood. The pompano is fried just right, laid over sizzling vegetables, and blanketed with rich coconut sauce that’s both indulgent and healthy. A win for seafood lovers and guilt-free eaters alike.

 

5. Crispy Pork Belly from Mesa, SM City Grand Central. Golden, glorious, and unapologetically indulgent. Crispy Pork Belly is a deep-fried pork dish that’s juicy on the inside and wickedly crunchy on the outside. It's a guaranteed showstopper on any dining table. For a crispy pork belly that delivers on every bite, get yours at Mesa in SM City Grand Central. 

 

6. Bebang Halo-Halo, SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela. No Pinoy meal is complete without a cold treat—and Bebang Halo-Halo is here to serve dessert with drama. Forget the typical layering. Bebang hides its prized leche flan at the bottom, giving you a creamy finale after a mix of macapuno, nata, langka, and more premium ingredients. Topped with cloud-like shaved frozen milk, it's been likened to Korean bingsu by TikTokers for good reason. Find Bebang’s best-selling Presidential Halo-Halo (P168) at SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central.

So, this Independence Day, don't just wave your flag; experience the independence.  These six meals are more than simply food; they tell stories about resilience, culture, and celebration.  Visit SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela to experience the cuisines of the Philippines.

Because nothing says "Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"  Like a plate (or two) of your favorite Filipino cuisine.