How to Say Delicious in the Philippines: Formal and Informal Ways

Gaining an understanding of local language and culture is always beneficial, especially when it comes to discussing food. If you find yourself in the Philippines and want to express your appreciation for a delightful meal, it’s important to know how to say “delicious” in Filipino. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this sentiment, while also highlighting any regional variations if necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Delicious” in the Philippines

In formal settings, such as business meetings, official gatherings, or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority, you can use the following words to express how delicious the food is:

1. Sarap – The most commonly used word in Filipino to mean “delicious” is “sarap.” This word is widely understood throughout the country and is appropriate to use in almost any formal or informal situation.
2. – Another formal way to describe the deliciousness of a dish is by using the word “napakahusay.” While it can mean “excellent” or “remarkable” as well, it fits perfectly when referring to food.
3. – When you want to emphasize the flavor and taste of the food, you can use the word “malasa.” It indicates that the dish is well-seasoned and has a savory taste.

Informal Ways to Say “Delicious” in the Philippines

In casual or informal conversations, among friends, and in everyday situations, you can choose from these commonly used expressions to say “delicious” in Filipino:

1. – This is the informal counterpart of “sarap” and is widely used among Filipino friends and peers to express admiration for tasty food.
2. – If you want to take your appreciation up a notch, you can use the phrase “sobrang sarap,” which translates to “extremely delicious.” It shows a higher level of pleasure in indulging in the dish.
3. – Similar to “sobrang sarap,” “napakasarap” amplifies the expression of deliciousness, meaning “very delicious” or “so delicious.” Use this phrase to emphasize how much you enjoy the food.

Regional Variations

While the terms mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the Philippines, it’s worth noting that there might be some regional variations in vocabulary. Here are a few examples:

Bicol Region:

In the Bicol Region, people commonly use the term “marhay na pagkaon” to mean “delicious food.” This phrase is often used in both formal and informal situations.

Ilocos Region:

In the Ilocos Region, locals often use the term “napait” to describe delicious food. However, this word may also mean “tasty” in other regions.

Cebuano Region:

In the Cebuano Region, instead of using the word “sarap,” people often use the term “lami” to express that the food is delicious.

Note: While these regional variations exist, it’s important to remember that the majority of Filipinos would understand and appreciate the more commonly used terms mentioned earlier, regardless of the region or dialect. Feel free to use the phrases that are most comfortable to you or that match the context of your conversation.

Tips and Examples

When expressing how delicious the food is, it’s not just the words you use but also your tone and enthusiasm that convey your genuine appreciation. Here are some tips and examples to help you express your love for Filipino cuisine:

• Use a cheerful tone: Your tone should reflect your genuine enjoyment of the food. Don’t be afraid to sound enthusiastic and show your appreciation when saying how delicious something is.
• Add descriptive words: Instead of just saying “sarap,” you can enhance your expression by using adjectives like “masarap,” “napakahusay,” or “malasa” to provide a more detailed description of the food.
• Express gratitude: After enjoying a delicious meal, it’s always nice to express your appreciation to the person who cooked it. You can say, “Thank you for the delicious food” by combining the phrase “Salamat sa masarap na pagkain.”
• Share specific compliments: If you want to highlight a particular aspect of the dish, such as the tenderness of the meat or the unique flavors, don’t hesitate to do so. For example, you can say, “Ang luto mo ay masarap talaga! Ang lambot ng karne at ang kakaibang lasa!”
• Use appropriate gestures: Accompany your words with gestures like a thumb’s up or a satisfied smile to further convey your appreciation.

Remember, the Filipino culture values food and hospitality, so expressing your delight in their cuisine will surely be well-received.