It may not be as popular as the Indian or Pakistani curry and biryani, but the ubiquitous adobo is a staple sauce in Pinoy restaurants and every household in the Philippines. But did you know that the humble adobo is Mexican in origin? Now you do.

From pancit to adobo to kwek-kwek, you won’t be hard-pressed to find tasty Filipino dishes in Dubai. Here are the emirate’s five stand-out Filipino restaurants, in no particular order, offering flavoursome dishes.

Lamesa

Located in Deira’s Asiana Hotel, Lamesa offers a vast buffet of dishes prepared by Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Thai and Japanese chefs. The restaurant offers a lavish (and reasonably priced) buffet with a variety of Asian dishes. Whet your appetite with a sushi counter, a pizza station, salads and pancakes stuffed with roasted duck. A selection of Filipino classics such as Kare Kare and skewers of delicious street food are its specialty (also offers pork dishes for non-Muslims).

Carinderia ni Tandang Sora

The eatery’s name is a tribute to a Filipina revolutionary Mechora Aquino, a.k.a. Tandang Sora (Elder Sora). A ‘carinderia’ is a Filipino term for a local eatery with wooden benches. Located in Centurion Star Tower near Deira City Centre (and another branch in Karama), at Carinderia ni Tandang Sora, the chef’s specials include Camaron Rebusado, a deep-fried shrimp dish, and Daing na Bangus, a Filipino staple dish of milkfish marinated overnight in a vinegar solution, and then pan-fried crisp and golden. Waiters dressed in Katipunan uniform (a.k.a. KKK, this was an anti-Spanish revolutionary society founded in the late 19^th century) will also serve you Kare-Kareng Baka, a stew, and Beef Bulalo, a soup dish consisting of beef shanks and bone marrow.

Little Manila

At Little Manila (Dubai Outlet Mall), try ‘chicken helmet,’ a grilled chicken head barbecued and savoured with a choice of sauce or vinegar. For a snack, Kwek-Kwek, deep-fried quail eggs in a bright orange hue, or fish balls are superb.

Paluto

Located at the Waterfront Market in Deira, Paluto lets you purchase your own meat – seafood, beef or chicken – and vegetables from the market and get it prepared for you at the restaurant. Grab your favourite food and have it cooked as you like it – stir-fried, fried, grilled or as soup. You get to decide the spice level, the sauces used and the condiments. That bespoke dining for you. Or you could go al la carte and pick from the restaurant’s menu of sumptuous soups and meat dishes, which come with unlimited rice and soft drinks.

Dampa Seafood Grill

Located on the ground floor of Deira’s Centurion Star Tower, Dampa offers one of the finest Filipino fares in town, complete with fresh seafood and unlimited refills of rice and refreshing mocktails. Neon signage and colourful artworks add to the busy ambience while waiters serve you piping hot dishes fresh off the oven. The Chef’s Special include Cajun Shrimp/Crab, Baked Mussel, Grilled Squid and the curiously named Gangsta Lobstah. All mains on the menu come with unlimited rice served boodle style (no cutlery – use your gloved hands).