Filipino BBQ is a flavor-packed feast, featuring marinated meats grilled to smoky perfection. The fusion of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors make it a unique culinary delight. But what should accompany this vibrant main course? Here are 16 amazing side dishes that are a perfect match for Filipino BBQ.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with Filipino BBQ are fried rice, coleslaw, Mango Kani Salad, lumpia, Hong Kong noodles, Mongolian Beef, egg roll in a bowl, coconut shrimp, French fries, pineapple salsa, steamed white rice, vegetable stir-fry, cucumber salad, chicken satay, mac and cheese, and garlic butter mushrooms.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Fried Rice
2. Coleslaw
3. Mango Kani Salad
4. Lumpia
5. Hong Kong Noodles
6. Mongolian Beef
7. Egg Roll in a Bowl
8. Coconut Shrimp
9. French Fries
10. Pineapple Salsa
11. Steamed White Rice
12. Vegetable Stir-Fry
13. Cucumber Salad
14. Chicken Satay
15. Mac and Cheese
16. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
What To Serve With Filipino BBQ

1. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a side dish that you can easily tailor to your taste. With garlic, soy sauce, and an array of vegetables like peas, carrots, and green onions, you get a flavorful companion to the Filipino BBQ. You can even throw in some scrambled eggs or tofu for added protein. It's not just a side; it's an ensemble of flavors that work harmoniously with the main dish.

2. Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a refreshing and tangy contrast to the bold flavors of Filipino BBQ. Combining shredded cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing, coleslaw provides that much-needed crunch and acidity. Add in some apple slices or raisins for a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.

3. Mango Kani Salad

Mango Kani Salad is an exotic and delightful side dish that pairs excellently with Filipino BBQ. The sweetness of ripe mangoes, the succulent texture of imitation crab, and the refreshing crunch of cucumber come together in a delightful blend. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of Japanese mayo for an extra layer of complexity.

4. Lumpia

Nothing complements a Filipino BBQ quite like lumpia. These crispy, golden rolls filled with a mixture of vegetables, and sometimes meat, are more than just a side dish—they're an experience. Serve them hot with a side of vinegar dipping sauce for an authentic touch. The crispy texture contrasts well with the grilled meats, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors.

5. Hong Kong Noodles

Stir-fried Hong Kong noodles offer a fusion of flavors that pair wonderfully with Filipino BBQ. Cooked with a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and bean sprouts, these noodles offer a delightful textural contrast. It’s like taking a mini food trip to Hong Kong while enjoying your Filipino BBQ.

6. Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is a hearty side dish that offers thinly sliced beef stir-fried in a sticky sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with the smoky and savory qualities of Filipino BBQ. Toss in some green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.

7. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This low-carb marvel has all the makings of a classic egg roll—ground pork, cabbage, carrots—but without the wrapper. Stir-fried with Asian spices like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s a lighter side dish that still packs a flavor punch. It goes wonderfully with the grilled meats, offering a bowlful of contrasting textures and tastes.

8. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a tropical delight that transports you straight to a beachside barbecue. Coated in shredded coconut and deep-fried until golden, these shrimp offer a blend of sweet and savory that complements the complex flavors of Filipino BBQ. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce to accentuate the coconut richness.

9. French Fries

Who can resist the allure of French fries? Their salty, crispy goodness is a universal crowd-pleaser. Serve them freshly fried with a side of ketchup or vinegar for dipping, and watch them disappear. They're the perfect finger food, offering a salty crunch that pairs well with the grilled flavors of the BBQ.

10. Pineapple Salsa

This fruity side dish offers a vibrant splash of color and flavor to the BBQ table. Combining chunks of pineapple with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, pineapple salsa provides a sweet and zesty contrast that’s perfect for balancing out the rich meats.

11. Steamed White Rice

Sometimes simplicity wins the day. Steamed white rice serves as a blank canvas that allows the flavors of the Filipino BBQ to really shine. Its soft, fluffy grains absorb all the juices and sauces, making each bite a harmonious blend of tastes.

12. Vegetable Stir-Fry

A vegetable stir-fry adds a burst of color and nutrition to your BBQ feast. Select seasonal veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, and stir-fry them in a light garlic or ginger sauce. It’s a nutritious and colorful way to make your meal more balanced.

13. Cucumber Salad

Simple yet effective, a cucumber salad dressed in a light vinaigrette of vinegar, sugar, and fresh herbs offers a refreshing palate cleanser. The crispness of the cucumber and the tanginess of the dressing provide a delicious contrast to the richness of the grilled meats.

14. Chicken Satay

Chicken satay skewers provide another protein-packed option that goes great with Filipino BBQ. Marinate chicken pieces in a blend of spices and coconut milk, then grill to perfection. The accompanying peanut sauce adds a rich, nutty element that complements the BBQ flavors.

15. Mac and Cheese

For creamy comfort, mac and cheese is your go-to. A classic recipe with a cheese blend of cheddar and Gruyère can be a creamy, rich counterpoint to the smoky and savory notes of the BBQ. It’s comfort food that feels right at home next to Filipino flavors.

16. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, these mushrooms offer an earthy and buttery side dish that’s hard to resist. The garlic adds a zesty kick, while the butter rounds out the flavors, making it an excellent complement to the smoky, grilled meats.