This Independence Day, SM will serve Must-Try6 Filipino Dishes

How can we best celebrate the country's independence?  Through food, the universal language of Filipinos.

As the nation raises its flags on June 12, let your palate sing the national anthem by indulging in foods that highlight our rich history, resiliency, and unity.  These must-try foods from SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela are ideal for your Araw ng Kalayaan spread, ranging from chilled desserts that remix tradition to comfort food with ancestral origins.

Here are six Filipino recipes that openly shout Lasang Pinoy, whether you're a gastronomic rebel, a history aficionado, or simply in the mood for something filling and regional. 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.

This Independence Day, celebrate your freedom by tasting it instead of just waving your flag.  These six meals are stories of celebration, culture, and resiliency that can be eaten.  Explore the cuisines of the Philippines by going to SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela.

Considering that nothing expresses "Mabuhay ang Pilipinas"!  similar to a plate (or two) of your preferred Filipino cuisine.