Filipino Pantry Essentials You Should Always Have

A well-stocked pantry is the foundation of great Filipino cooking. With these essentials on hand, you can whip up dozens of classic dishes without a trip to the store.

Build Your Filipino Pantry

Every Filipino kitchen needs a solid foundation. These ingredients form the backbone of hundreds of dishes and will keep your cooking versatile and authentic.

Sauces & Condiments

These are the flavor builders of Filipino cuisine. Stock up on:

• Toyo (Soy Sauce): The backbone of adobo and many marinades
• Suka (Vinegar): Essential for sinigang, paksiw, and pickling
• Patis (Fish Sauce): Adds umami to soups and stir-fries
• Bagoong (Shrimp Paste): Perfect for pinakbet and kare-kare
• Oyster Sauce: Great for stir-fries and marinades

Aromatics

The holy trinity of Filipino cooking starts here:

• Bawang (Garlic): Used in almost every Filipino dish
• Sibuyas (Onion): Base for ginisa (sautéed) dishes
• Luya (Ginger): Essential for tinola and arroz caldo
• Sili (Chili Peppers): For heat and flavor

Pantry Staples

Don't forget these everyday essentials:

• Bigas (Rice): The heart of every Filipino meal
• Mantika (Cooking Oil): For frying and sautéing
• Asin at Paminta (Salt & Pepper): Basic seasoning
• Calamansi: For acidity and marinades

Track Your Pantry with MAU

Use the Pantry Tracking feature to monitor what you have and what you need. The app will even suggest recipes based on your current inventory with Smart Pantry!

Pro tip: Set reminders for items that run low frequently so you never run out of essentials. Pair this with our budget meal planning guide to save even more.