30+ Delicious Filipino Recipes to Celebrate the New Year

The New Year is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the Philippines, and food plays a central role in the festivities.

Filipino families gather around the table to share delicious dishes that symbolize good fortune, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.

From savory dishes like Pansit Canton (stir-fried noodles) to sweet treats such as Leche Flan, the variety of Filipino cuisine offers something for every palate.

Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or simply enjoying a family meal, these 30+ New Year’s Filipino recipes will bring joy and tradition to your celebration.

With every bite, you can experience the rich flavors and cultural significance of Filipino dishes, making this year’s New Year’s feast even more memorable.

In this collection, you’ll find a diverse range of recipes that are perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.

From comforting rice cakes to savory meat dishes, these recipes represent the heart of Filipino cuisine and are guaranteed to delight your guests and loved ones.

Let’s dive into these festive Filipino recipes to make your New Year’s celebration unforgettable!

30+ Delicious Filipino Recipes to Celebrate the New Year

As we bid farewell to the past year and usher in the new one, the food we share with loved ones helps set the tone for the year ahead.

Filipino New Year’s recipes offer a blend of tradition, flavor, and symbolism that will fill your home with warmth and happiness.

Whether you’re serving sweet desserts like Biko (sweet sticky rice) or savory dishes like Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly), each dish is a way of honoring Filipino culture and celebrating life’s blessings.

With this list of 30+ recipes, you’re sure to create a festive atmosphere that will have everyone looking forward to another year of good food, good company, and good fortune.

Wishing you and your family a prosperous and joyous New Year filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals!

Pancit Malabon

Pancit Malabon is a classic Filipino noodle dish that symbolizes long life and prosperity, making it a must-have for New Year celebrations. This seafood-rich pancit, known for its thick rice noodles and vibrant orange sauce, is bursting with umami flavors. Topped with a medley of shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, smoked fish flakes, and chicharrón, it offers a festive touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 500g thick rice noodles
• 2 cups shrimp stock
• 2 tbsp annatto oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup shrimp paste
• 1/2 kg shrimp (boiled and peeled)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
• 1/4 cup smoked fish flakes (tinapa)
• 1/2 cup crushed chicharrón
• 2 cups assorted vegetables (cabbage, carrots)
• Calamansi, sliced

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat annatto oil in a pan. Add flour and cook until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in shrimp stock and coconut milk until thickened.
3. Stir in shrimp paste and season with salt to taste. Set the sauce aside.
4. In a large pan, toss the noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Arrange the noodles on a platter and top with shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, smoked fish flakes, chicharrón, and vegetables.
6. Serve with calamansi on the side.

Pancit Malabon is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a symbol of togetherness and good fortune. By serving this on New Year’s Eve, you bring vibrant flavors and hopeful wishes for the year ahead to your celebration.

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Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali, or crispy fried pork belly, is a Filipino favorite known for its irresistible crackling skin and juicy meat. Often served during special occasions, it’s perfect for ringing in the New Year with a crunchy and indulgent bite. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, this dish is sure to be the star of your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup lechon sauce (or spiced vinegar)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine pork belly, water, salt, pepper, and garlic. Boil for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
2. Remove pork from the pot and let it cool. Pat dry and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours to dry the skin further.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pork belly in batches until the skin is golden and crispy.
4. Let the fried pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with lechon sauce or spiced vinegar on the side.

Lechon Kawali brings a sense of indulgence and festivity to your New Year’s table. Its satisfying crunch and savory flavors make it a celebratory treat that everyone will remember.

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Bibingka

Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake that’s synonymous with the holiday season. This soft and fluffy treat, baked with coconut milk and topped with salted eggs and cheese, makes for a delightful end to your New Year feast. Its warm and comforting flavors embody the joy of starting a fresh year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1 salted egg (sliced)
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• Banana leaves (for lining)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking pan with banana leaves.
2. In a bowl, mix rice flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk coconut milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the lined baking pan. Top with sliced salted eggs and grated cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve warm, optionally brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar.

Bibingka’s blend of sweetness and savoriness adds a heartwarming touch to your New Year’s celebration. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of Filipino hospitality and the promise of good fortune in every bite.

Enjoy these festive recipes as you welcome the New Year with family and friends! 🎉

Filipino Fruit Salad

Filipino Fruit Salad is a cherished dessert that graces many holiday tables, especially during New Year’s celebrations. This no-bake treat combines canned fruits, sweetened cream, and condensed milk for a creamy, tropical delight. It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your festivities.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (850g) fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 cup nata de coco (coconut jelly), drained
• 1 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit), drained
• 1/2 cup shredded young coconut (optional)
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or all-purpose cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the fruit cocktail, nata de coco, kaong, and young coconut.
2. Add condensed milk and heavy cream. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
4. Serve cold, optionally topped with grated cheese.

Filipino Fruit Salad is a crowd-pleaser that embodies the sweetness of celebrations. Its vibrant colors and creamy texture bring joy to any gathering, making it a perfect way to ring in the New Year.

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Buko Pandan Salad

Buko Pandan Salad is a refreshing Filipino dessert that’s perfect for festive occasions. Featuring the flavors of pandan, young coconut, and sweet cream, this dish delivers a cooling, aromatic experience that’s both comforting and celebratory. Its green hue makes it an eye-catching addition to your New Year spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pandan-flavored jelly, cubed
• 2 cups shredded young coconut
• 1 cup nata de coco (coconut jelly), drained
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup all-purpose cream
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare pandan-flavored jelly according to the package instructions. Cool and cut into cubes.
2. In a large bowl, combine pandan jelly, shredded young coconut, and nata de coco.
3. Add condensed milk and all-purpose cream. Mix gently to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. Garnish with grated cheese if desired.

Buko Pandan Salad is a refreshing dessert that symbolizes prosperity and sweetness, making it a fitting dish to celebrate the New Year. Its unique flavor and creamy texture will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Filipino Style Pork Barbecue

Filipino Pork Barbecue is a popular street food that doubles as a festive party favorite. Marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and sugar, these skewers are grilled to perfection, delivering smoky, caramelized flavors. It’s an ideal dish to serve during New Year celebrations, symbolizing togetherness and abundance.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork shoulder or belly, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup banana ketchup (for basting)
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, sugar, black pepper, and garlic to create the marinade.
2. Add the pork slices to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the marinated pork onto sticks.
4. Grill the skewers, basting with banana ketchup, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a standalone appetizer.

Filipino Pork Barbecue brings a smoky and flavorful flair to your New Year’s celebration. Its irresistible taste and inviting aroma make it a dish that symbolizes warmth and happiness as you welcome the year ahead.

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Embutido (Filipino Meatloaf)

Embutido is a Filipino-style meatloaf that’s a staple at holiday gatherings, including New Year celebrations. Packed with ground pork, vegetables, raisins, and eggs, this dish is a flavorful symbol of abundance and prosperity. Its versatility and rich taste make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with rice or bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 3 hard-boiled eggs (optional, for filling)
• 1/4 cup hotdogs or sausages (optional, for filling)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, raw eggs, cheese, raisins, bell pepper, carrots, onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Spread a portion of the pork mixture into a rectangle. Place hard-boiled eggs and hotdogs in the center, then roll tightly to form a log. Wrap securely with foil.
3. Steam the wrapped embutido for 1 hour or until cooked through.
4. Let it cool before unwrapping. Slice into rounds and serve.

Embutido is a testament to Filipino creativity in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a festive and satisfying dish. Serve this at your New Year’s feast, and let its hearty flavors set the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

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Kare-Kare (Filipino Peanut Stew)

Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino stew featuring tender meat, vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce. This traditional dish is often reserved for special occasions, making it perfect for New Year celebrations. Paired with shrimp paste, it delivers a balance of savory and nutty flavors that elevate any feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg oxtail or beef shank
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp annatto oil
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup ground toasted rice
• 1 cup banana blossom
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup string beans
• 1 bunch bok choy
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shrimp paste (bagoong)

Instructions:

1. Boil oxtail or beef shank in water until tender, about 1-2 hours. Set the broth aside.
2. Heat annatto oil in a pan and add peanut butter and ground toasted rice. Stir until smooth.
3. Gradually add the reserved broth, stirring to create a thick, creamy sauce.
4. Add the cooked meat and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Steam or blanch vegetables, then add them to the stew.
6. Serve hot with rice and shrimp paste on the side.

Kare-Kare is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings comfort and tradition to your New Year celebration. Its rich sauce and tender meat are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests as you welcome the coming year.

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Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)

Ube Halaya, a vibrant purple yam jam, is a sweet Filipino delicacy that shines during festive occasions. Its creamy texture and unique flavor make it a delightful dessert to share with loved ones on New Year’s Eve. Often served as is or used as a topping for other desserts, it’s a symbol of good fortune and sweetness in life.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg purple yam (ube), boiled and mashed
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional, to adjust sweetness)

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, combine mashed purple yam, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously.
2. Add butter and continue stirring to prevent sticking. Adjust sweetness with sugar if needed.
3. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky.
4. Transfer to a greased dish or mold and let it cool.
5. Serve as is or top with grated cheese for added flavor.

Ube Halaya’s vibrant color and creamy sweetness make it a standout dessert for New Year celebrations. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of joy and prosperity, perfect for starting the year on a sweet note.

These additional recipes showcase the richness of Filipino cuisine and the joy of sharing special dishes during the New Year festivities. Enjoy the celebration! 🎉

Leche Flan (Filipino Caramel Custard)

Leche Flan is a classic Filipino dessert that’s always a hit during special occasions, including New Year celebrations. This rich, creamy custard topped with a luscious caramel layer is a symbol of sweetness and indulgence. Easy to prepare and always satisfying, it’s a dessert that perfectly caps off any festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 10 egg yolks
• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (370ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar (for caramel)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the sugar over low heat until it turns golden brown, then pour it into a llanera (oval mold) or a baking dish. Swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Let it cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture through a strainer into the prepared mold to ensure a silky texture. Cover the mold with foil.
4. Steam for 30-40 minutes or bake in a water bath at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the flan is set.
5. Cool completely before inverting onto a plate. Serve chilled.

Leche Flan is a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to your New Year’s feast. Its smooth texture and caramel goodness make it a dessert that’s always remembered fondly.

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Filipino Pansit Canton (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pansit Canton is a must-have dish for Filipino celebrations, especially during New Year’s Eve. Symbolizing long life and prosperity, these stir-fried noodles are a flavorful mix of meats, vegetables, and savory seasonings. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 500g pansit canton (egg noodles)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced pork or chicken
• 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
2. Add pork or chicken and cook until browned. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Stir in the cabbage and carrots, cooking until slightly tender.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the pansit canton noodles and stir until they absorb the sauce and soften. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Pansit Canton is not only delicious but also carries the hopeful symbolism of a long and prosperous life. Include this dish in your New Year celebration for a flavorful start to the year!

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Bibingka (Filipino Rice Cake)

Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake often enjoyed during the holiday season, making it an ideal treat for New Year’s festivities. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, it’s soft, slightly sweet, and typically baked with banana leaves for added aroma. This warm and comforting dessert embodies the spirit of Filipino hospitality and celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 banana leaf, washed and softened
• Grated cheese and salted egg slices (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking pan or molds with softened banana leaf.
2. In a bowl, combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk coconut milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually mix into the dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan or molds. Top with grated cheese and slices of salted egg.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Serve warm, optionally brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar.

Bibingka brings warmth and comfort to any celebration, making it a perfect dessert for New Year’s Eve. Its soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet flavors are a wonderful way to share good fortune and happiness as you welcome the year ahead.

These additional recipes showcase the richness and diversity of Filipino cuisine, offering a perfect blend of tradition and flavor for your New Year’s celebration. Enjoy! 🎉

Suman (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)

Suman is a traditional Filipino rice cake made with glutinous rice and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Often served with sugar or latik (coconut caramel), suman is a beloved treat at New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing abundance and unity. It’s a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Banana leaves (for wrapping)
• Latik (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
2. In a large pot, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt. Add the glutinous rice and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Cut the banana leaves into squares, then briefly heat them over an open flame to make them pliable.
4. Spoon a portion of the rice mixture onto each banana leaf and fold into a tight, rectangular package.
5. Steam the wrapped suman for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
6. Serve warm, topped with latik or sugar, as desired.

Suman is a symbol of Filipino hospitality and celebration. Its sweet, coconut-infused flavor and soft texture make it a perfect addition to any New Year’s feast, bringing joy and togetherness to all who enjoy it.

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Puto (Filipino Steamed Rice Cake)

Puto is a soft, fluffy steamed rice cake commonly enjoyed at Filipino celebrations. It’s often served as a side dish or dessert during New Year festivities. With its light texture and mildly sweet flavor, puto can be enjoyed plain or topped with cheese, salted egg, or grated coconut for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup water
• Cheese slices or salted egg (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Grease small molds or cupcake liners and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, melted butter, and water until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared molds, filling them halfway.
6. Steam the puto for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Top with a slice of cheese or salted egg before serving.

Puto is a simple yet delicious treat that adds lightness and flavor to any New Year’s spread. Its versatility and delightful texture make it a must-have dish that perfectly complements other Filipino delicacies.

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Bico (Filipino Sweet Sticky Rice)

Bico is a Filipino dessert made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, often served during festive occasions such as New Year. This sweet, sticky, and comforting dish is typically topped with latik (coconut caramel), making it a truly indulgent treat. Bico represents the warmth and richness of Filipino culture and is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 2 cans (400ml each) coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup latik (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
2. In a large pot, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the glutinous rice to the coconut milk mixture and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the rice is soft and the liquid is absorbed (about 30 minutes).
4. Transfer the rice mixture to a greased dish and flatten the top with a spoon.
5. If desired, top with latik or coconut caramel before serving.

Bico is a delightful, sticky-sweet treat that perfectly complements the festive spirit of New Year’s celebrations. With its rich coconut flavor and comforting texture, it’s a dish that brings families together and adds sweetness to the start of the year.

These three additional Filipino recipes offer even more variety to your New Year’s feast. From sweet sticky rice to steamed cakes, each dish brings its own unique flavors and symbolism to the table, creating a memorable celebration. Enjoy! 🎉

Note: More recipes are coming soon!