Filipino Comfort Foods for Rainy Days
A look at some of the best Filipino meriendas to chase away the chill and cheer up a rainy afternoon.
You know that feeling.
The skies open up, and the 'Ber' months (September to December) are just around the corner, indicating the start of the holiday season in the Philippines (or it's just another random tropical downpour because, well, it’s the Philippines!).
Imagine the warmth of a Filipino dish that wraps around you like a comforting hug - whether home-cooked in your kitchen or served piping hot by your favorite street vendor. Suddenly, your Netflix binge feels incomplete, your work-from-home setup needs a little extra oomph, and all you crave is that warm, soul-hugging comfort that only Filipino food can deliver.
While instant noodles might do in a pinch, nothing beats the OG Filipino comfort food experience.
For my fellow Pinoys living abroad, I know that pangs of homesickness hit hardest when the weather turns gloomy. Living in the Netherlands, whenever the rain poured (most of the time), I always craved a warm bowl of sopas and champorado.
Let’s unlock a new level of cozy, rainy-day bliss for our curious foreign friends or anyone who’s ever become integrated into Filipino culture and knows what "salty but delicious" truly means.
Because a good bowl of something hot is non-negotiable when the air gets crisp and when gray clouds start to gather.
Lugaw / Arroz Caldo (Rice Porridge
This is ground zero for Filipino comfort food. It’s a thick, creamy rice porridge, simmered with generous chunks of chicken and infused with ginger's warm, aromatic kick. Topped with crispy fried garlic, vibrant green spring onions, and often a perfectly boiled egg, it's like a warm embrace from your lola (grandmother). A squeeze of calamansi (Philippine lime) brightens everything, while a dash of patis (fish sauce) deepens the savory flavors. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up!
Mami and Lomi (Noodle Soups)
These are the quintessential Filipino noodle soups.
Mami is typically a clear, flavorful broth with thin, often springy egg noodles, usually topped with chicken or beef slices. It's lighter but still incredibly satisfying.
Lomi, on the other hand, is a wonderfully thick, starchy, and hearty concoction. It is loaded with fat egg noodles, tender slices of pork, sometimes liver, kikiam (a type of sausage), and even quail eggs, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that clings to every strand.
Both are perfect for warding off the chill, though sometimes the vendors can get a little heavy-handed with the salt, but that's part of the charm (masarap 'yan kaso maalat).
Sopas (Creamy Macaroni Soup)
This is the Filipino answer to chicken noodle soup, but creamier and arguably more satisfying. It consists of elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, bits of hot dog or ham, and a medley of vegetables like carrots and cabbage, all swimming in a milky, savory broth. It's nostalgic, mild, and utterly comforting - perfect for a relaxing night. It's a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a connection to your roots.
Champorado (Chocolate Rice Porridge
Who says comfort food can't be sweet? Champorado is a chocolatey rice porridge made with glutinous rice and rich tablea (pure cocoa tablets) or cocoa powder. This is typically enjoyed for breakfast.
What is the best way to eat it? With a generous drizzle of evaporated milk and a side of crispy, salty tuyo (dried fish) or even dilis (tiny fried anchovies) for the ultimate sweet-and-salty dance. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. It's a surprisingly addictive combo that needs to be on your comfort food rotation!
While soups are kings, there are other contenders for your rainy day cravings:
Pandesal with Coffee
This is the quintessential Filipino simple pleasure. Freshly baked pandesals are those slightly sweet, soft bread rolls, often still warm from the baker that some dip into a steaming mug of hot coffee. It’s humble, comforting, and tastes like childhood memories. Perfect for a lazy rainy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, especially when you're just adulting through the weather.
Ginataang Bilo-Bilo (Sweet Coconut Milk Stew)
For those with a sweet tooth who prefer something warm, ginataang bilo-bilo (also sometimes called ginataang halo-halo or binignit in other regions) is bliss. This consists of sticky rice balls (bilo-bilo), cubes of sweet potato, slices of saba banana, and tapioca pearls, all lovingly simmered in sweet, creamy coconut milk, often with a hint of jackfruit for an extra aromatic touch. It’s a warm, tropical dessert that feels like sunshine on a cloudy day. It's a hug in a bowl!
Binatog (Steamed White Corn with Coconut and Salt)
This simple yet incredibly comforting treat is a must-try. You'll often see vendors with a large steamer, dishing out warm, plump white corn kernels. It’s typically served with freshly grated coconut, a sprinkle of salt, and sometimes even a dash of sugar or condensed milk if you like it sweeter. It’s a unique texture and flavor profile that’s subtly sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying on a cool, rainy afternoon. It's the perfect light, warm snack to munch while watching the rain fall.
Hope you enjoyed reading about these rainy day favorites and that they gave you something delicious to look forward to when the next downpour hits.
The next time the heavens open up, don't just stay indoors and mope. Embrace the opportunity to explore the delicious world of Filipino comfort foods. They're not just meals but experiences, memories, and a taste of home, no matter where you are.
What's your go-to rainy day Filipino comfort food? Let us know in the comments as you get those cravings going!