Filipinos have learned to deal with life during the monsoon season and climate change. When the rainy season rolls in, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with delicious Filipino comfort food. 

The sound of raindrops, cooler temperatures, and gloomy skies call for hearty dishes that warm the body and bring comfort to the soul. Different regions of the Philippines come with unique and flavorful rainy-day dishes that are perfect for the monsoon season. Here are 10 classic rainy-day dishes with their regional origins.

1. Sinigang na Baboy (Tagalog Region) 

You’re not a Filipino if you haven’t tasted Pork Sinigang. Every household swears to their own recipe. 

Sinigang na Baboy is a well-loved dish across the Philippines, but it is especially popular in the     Tagalog Region. This tangy pork soup, made with tamarind, tomatoes, and vegetables like kangkong and sitaw, is a perfect companion on chilly, wet days. Its comforting sourness and warmth make it a staple in Filipino households, especially during the rainy season.

2. Lugaw or Arroz Caldo (Chinese-Filipino Influence, Nationwide)

Lugaw or Arroz Caldo has roots in Chinese congee, but it has become a Filipino favorite, especially during the rainy season. While it’s popular throughout the Philippines, it’s particularly enjoyed in Metro Manila and surrounding regions. This rice porridge with chicken, garlic, and ginger is a warm and soothing dish perfect for damp, rainy days. You can savor this versatile dish with fried tofu and pork, boiled egg, spring rolls or just plain.. 

3. Tinola (Tagalog Region)

Tinola, a ginger-based chicken soup, is another classic dish from the Tagalog Region. This simple, quick yet hearty dish, with green papaya or sayote and malunggay leaves, has been passed down through generations and is perfect for rainy days. It’s a favorite in many homes, providing warmth and nourishment when the weather is cold and wet.

4. Batchoy (Iloilo, Visayas)

Originating from Iloilo,  Batchoy is a rich and savory noodle soup made with pork, liver, and crispy chicharrón. The flavorful broth and hearty toppings make it a satisfying dish, especially during rainy afternoons. Batchoy’s unique flavor profile has made it a beloved comfort food in the     Visayas region and beyond.

7. La Paz Batchoy (Iloilo, Visayas)

Batchoy is so good that it’s worth another entry on this list. From  La Paz, Iloilo,  La Paz Batchoy is a variation of the classic batchoy. It features egg noodles, pork innards, and crispy chicharrón, often served with a raw egg mixed into the broth. This version is popular in the  Visayas region, particularly in the city of Iloilo, and is perfect for rainy days when you crave something rich and filling.

5. Champorado (Luzon, Nationwide)

Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge with origins in  Luzon, although it is now enjoyed nationwide. Originally influenced by Mexican champurrado during the Galleon trade, the Filipino version uses glutinous rice and tablea (local chocolate). It’s often paired with tuyo (dried fish) for a sweet-salty combo, making it a comforting treat for rainy days.

6. Bulalo (Batangas, Southern Luzon)

Bulalo is a signature dish from  Batangas, known for its slow-cooked beef shank and marrow, corn, and vegetables. The rich broth and tender beef make it a great dish to have during rainy days when you need something hearty and filling. This dish has become synonymous with road trips to Batangas but is also a favorite in homes across the country during the monsoon season.

8. Lomi (Batangas, Southern Luzon)

Lomi hails from    Batangas and is known for its thick, hearty broth made with egg noodles, pork, liver, and beaten eggs. The broth is starchy and flavorful, often served with calamansi and chili for an extra kick. Lomi is a comfort food during rainy days that’s ideal for warding off the cold and satisfying hunger.

9. Beef Mami (Chinese-Filipino Influence, Metro Manila)

Beef Mami has roots in Chinese-Filipino cuisine and is especially popular in     Metro Manila. This noodle soup, made with tender beef, egg noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth, is a great meal to enjoy on rainy days. Topped with hard-boiled eggs and fried garlic, it’s both filling and comforting, providing warmth on cold, wet afternoons.

10. Papaitan (Ilocos Region)

Papaitan is a unique and bold dish from the Ilocos Region in Northern Luzon. This bitter-sour soup is made with beef or goat innards, flavored with bile and calamansi. Though its taste is not for everyone, Papaitan is a favorite in the north, especially during the rainy season, when its strong flavors provide warmth and comfort.

From the sour tang of Sinigang na Baboy from the Tagalog Region to the rich, hearty broth of Bulalo from Batangas, these regional dishes are perfect for the rainy season. Whether you’re craving something warm, sweet, or savory, these comfort foods during rainy days are sure to lift your spirits. Each dish brings its own unique flavors and history, making them ideal rainy day dishes for the monsoon season.

The next time it rains, don’t let the weather get you down. Instead, indulge in these great comfort foods to enjoy during rainy days, and let the delicious flavors of the Philippines chase the rainy blues away.