Lumpia, those crispy Filipino spring rolls, are a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or main course. But what to serve with lumpia?
Let's explore a world of delicious sides that complement lumpia's unique flavors and textures, taking your Filipino feast to the next level.
You'll find favorite Filipino dishes that pair with lumpia, as well as Asian inspired sides in this list.
Embracing Filipino Tradition
For a truly authentic experience, explore classic Filipino sides that complement the lumpia's savory flavors.
- Pancit: No Filipino feast is complete without pancit, the iconic stir-fried noodle dish. Choose from classic pancit canton with its vibrant vegetables, flavorful bihon noodles, or the richer sotong with seafood.
It's a perfect balance of textures and complements lumpia's savory notes beautifully.
- Adobo: This quintessential Filipino dish, featuring meat braised in a savory soy and vinegar sauce, adds a bold and flavorful punch to your meal.
Choose chicken, pork, or even seafood adobo to pair with your lumpia.
- Kare-kare: This hearty peanut stew, brimming with vegetables, meat, and shrimp paste, is a delightful contrast to the crispness of lumpia.
Its creamy texture and rich flavors create a unique and satisfying combination.
Asian Inspiration
Venture beyond the Philippines and explore other Asian flavors for complementary side dishes.
- Fried Rice: This versatile dish comes in countless variations, from classic Yangchow to spicy kimchi fried rice.
Choose a flavor profile that complements your lumpia filling, adding a satisfyingly familiar yet distinct element to the meal.
- Dim Sum or Dumplings: Embrace the Asian theme by adding other bite-sized delights like Chinese dim sum or dumplings.
The different fillings and textures create a fun and interactive dining experience.
- Spicy Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad with a touch of spice cuts through the richness of lumpia beautifully.
Opt for a Thai papaya salad or a Vietnamese salad with nuoc cham dressing for a burst of flavor and contrast.
Beyond the Borders
There's plenty to be said about opting for Americanized side dishes like vegetable crudites, chips, and dips when planning what to serve with lumpia.
Lumpia pairs beautifully as a bite sized snack along side your favorite party snacks.
- Fresh Salads: Cool down with a vibrant green salad or a crunchy Asian slaw, balancing the richness of lumpia.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color, texture, and essential nutrients to your plate.
- Dips: From classic sweet and sour sauce to spicy sriracha mayo or creamy avocado dip, offer a variety for dipping and flavor exploration.
More Filipino Dishes To Serve With Lumpia
Beyond the familiar Filipino favorites, a world of delicious pairings awaits your lumpia feast! Explore exciting options that tantalize your taste buds and add vibrant variety to your meal.
From bold adobo flavors to refreshing salads, discover hidden gems that perfectly complement your crispy lumpia and elevate your dining experience.
- Atchara - Pickled vegetables like papaya, mangoes, or jicama.
- Pan de Sal - Spanish for "salt bread," is a staple bread roll in the Philippines, commonly enjoyed for breakfast.
- Taho - Silken tofu dessert with sago pearls and tapioca syrup.
- Turon - Deep-fried banana rolls coated in brown sugar.
- Kare Kare - Peanut-based stew with vegetables, meat, and shrimp paste, known for its rich and creamy texture.
- Filipino Sweet Spaghetti - Unlike the savory tomato-based sauce of traditional spaghetti, Filipino-style features a sweeter sauce. This sweetness comes from banana ketchup, brown sugar, and tomato sauce.
- Lechon Belly Roll - Roasted pork belly, known for its crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Adobo - Braised meat (chicken, pork, seafood) in a savory soy sauce and vinegar sauce.
- Pancit - Choose a variety like pancit canton (vegetables), bihon (thin noodles), or sotong (seafood) to complement your lumpia filling and add contrasting textures.
- Tocino - Sweet cured pork similar to bacon, typically enjoyed for breakfast.
- Sinigang - Sour and savory soup with various protein options (pork, fish, shrimp) and vegetables, usually tamarind-based.
- Sisig - Savory dish made with chopped and grilled pork face and liver, often served sizzling on a hot plate.
Tips
Are Lumpia Wrappers Gluten Free? Well, it depends. They are usually made with wheat flour, but you can also find them prepared in gluten free facilities using rice flour. Just be sure to read the label.
Is Lumpia Gluten Free? Again, that also depends if you make them using gluten free ingredients. The good news though is that just switching to a gluten free soy and gluten free wrappers is all it takes when making our Lumpia Recipe!
If you're hosting guests, choose two or three side dishes to offer variety without overwhelming your kitchen. Opt for options that can be made in large batches, like fried rice or salads, for efficient preparation.
With these suggestions and a little planning, you can create a delicious and memorable lumpia feast that goes beyond the spring roll itself.
So, explore diverse flavors, find your perfect pairings, and enjoy the culinary journey
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