Inasal named Southeast Asia's best chicken Dish, ranks 3rd worldwide
By Dhel Nazario
Everyday Filipino dishes long enjoyed at family tables and neighborhood eateries are gaining global recognition, as inasal na manok and adobong manok earned spots in the latest international rankings by TasteAtlas.
THE five-day Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival 2025 officially concluded on May 25 and earned P2.4 million in revenues. (Glazyl Masculino)
In its April 2026 list, "inasal na manok" emerged as the Best Chicken Dish in Southeast Asia, while also securing the third spot among the world’s top chicken dishes. The recognition builds on its strong showing in November 2025, when it likewise topped the regional list and ranked 10th globally.
A staple of Western Visayan cuisine, chicken inasal is known for its smoky aroma and vibrant flavor, achieved through a marinade of vinegar, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, and finished with annatto-infused oil brushed onto the meat during grilling.
Also making the list is adobong manok, which placed sixth among Southeast Asia’s best chicken dishes and ranked 40th worldwide. Widely regarded as a culinary symbol of the Philippines, the dish is defined by its balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, combining chicken with garlic, onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
TasteAtlas, an online food and travel guide founded in 2018, curates global rankings of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants based on expert input and audience feedback.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the recognition highlights how Filipino cuisine continues to resonate beyond the country’s borders.
“Filipino cuisine has always been a powerful expression of our identity and a meaningful driver of cultural tourism. Each dish carries the stories, traditions, and creativity of our people, offering both foreign and local visitors a deeper connection through shared flavors,” she said.
She added that such recognitions also create opportunities across the culinary sector—from farmers and food producers to chefs and small business owners—whose livelihoods are tied to sharing Filipino food traditions.
As familiar dishes like inasal na manok and adobong manok find a place on global lists, they reflect how everyday Filipino cooking is increasingly being recognized on the international stage.