dairy-free

If you’ve ever visited the Philippines, you’ll know very well the sound of street vendors calling “Tahoooooo”! Served as a delicious breakfast or a treat at any other time of day, Taho is made of layers of lush silken tofu, rich sweet syrup and pops of tapioca pearls. It is traditionally served warm, but can also be eaten cold. I made mine using boba pearls, purchased at my local Asian grocer, because I love the drama of those big pearls, but you can also use traditional tapioca pearls or even sago.

Adobo is often considered the national dish of the Philippines, and this healthier version maintains all the bold notes while reducing calories. By using skinless chicken breast and replacing traditional rice with cauliflower rice, I have created a lighter dish that’s still incredibly satisfying. The chicken is cooked in a tangy, savoury sauce made with apple-cider vinegar, wheat-free tamari and garlic — hallmark flavours of Filipino cuisine.

Buko Pandan is a beloved Filipino dessert that combines the refreshing flavours of young coconut (buko) and pandan leaves. This lighter version reduces the sugar content and incorporates chia seeds for added nutrition. The result is a creamy, fragrant dessert that’s perfect for warm days or as a light end to a meal. The green colour from the pandan gives it a vibrant appearance, while the coconut provides a tropical twist. This dessert is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits from the coconut and chia seeds.

Sinigang na Isda is a classic Filipino soup that perfectly embodies the cuisine’s love for sour flavours. This lighter version uses fish instead of meat, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste. The soup is packed with vegetables like okra, eggplant and water spinach, providing a variety of nutrients. The sour broth, typically made with tamarind, is not only delicious but also aids in digestion. This comforting soup is perfect for cooler days and is a great way to introduce yourself to Filipino cuisine.

This coconut leche flan is a wholesome twist on the traditional Filipino dessert. By using coconut milk instead of condensed milk, it’s dairy-free and enriched with healthy fats, while pure maple syrup and coconut sugar provide natural sweetness. Eggs contribute a healthy dose of protein to this dessert, while raspberries provide a burst of antioxidant benefits.

Easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this salmon dish is a delicious way to nourish your body in just one pot. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. This fragrant Thai red curry is loaded with antioxidant-rich spices like ginger, garlic and chilli, helping to boost immunity and digestion.

Are you sold yet? These delicious, sweet and sticky tenders are perfect served to your friends for a simple yet memorable dinner. They also freeze well and can form the basis of so many other meals for yourself, so they are great for meal prepping too.

This is one of my favourite things to meal prep at the start of the week for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack (or even dessert!) While chia can seem expensive, a little goes a long way and it can work out to as little as 25 cents per serve! There are not many other foods that can compete with that for the nutritional punch it packs as it’s a great source of fibre, protein and omega-3s.

Served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread, this spicy chicken bunny chow is a modern take on a South African delicacy.

Up your protein intake in the most delicious way with these nutty protein balls.

This spicy peri peri chicken offers quick and easy-to-make dinner with a fiery South African-inspired twist.

Say “chow” to Lee Holmes’ Indian-inspired creamy chowder full of delicious flavours and fibre-rich veggies — perfect for mid-week meals!