One of the biggest questions I get when sharing Filipino-inspired recipes with an international audience is: “Where do I even find these ingredients?” If you don’t live near an Asian grocery store, don’t worry — most Filipino pantry staples have accessible substitutes that’ll get you 80-90% of the way there. Here’s my go-to list.
Soy Sauce
The backbone of Filipino cooking — adobo, marinades, dipping sauces all start here. Most standard soy sauce found in any Western grocery store works fine. If you want something closer to Filipino brands specifically, look for Silver Swan or Datu Puti soy sauce online or at Asian grocers — slightly saltier and more savory than Japanese-style soy sauce.
Filipino Cane Vinegar
This is trickier to substitute exactly, since it has a distinct sharp, slightly sweet tang. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are the closest easy substitutes. If you can find Datu Puti vinegar online, it’s worth ordering — a little goes a long way and lasts a long time in the pantry.
Calamansi
Often described as a cross between lime and mandarin, calamansi is used constantly in Filipino cooking for its bright acidity. Fresh lime is the closest substitute, sometimes with a small splash of orange juice to mimic the sweetness.
Bagoong (Fermented Shrimp Paste)
This one’s harder to substitute directly since the fermented flavor is unique. If you can access an Asian grocery store, it’s worth seeking out. As a rough substitute in some dishes, fish sauce can add a similar umami depth, though the flavor profile isn’t identical.
Fish Sauce (Patis)
More widely available than you’d think — most grocery stores carry at least one brand (often Thai or Vietnamese, like Red Boat) which works well in Filipino recipes too.
Coconut Milk
Used in dishes like ginataan. Canned coconut milk is widely available everywhere — no substitute needed, just check for a good quality brand without too many additives.
Bay Leaves and Whole Peppercorns
These are the aromatics behind adobo’s signature flavor, and thankfully, completely standard in any Western grocery store or spice aisle.
Pantry Essentials Worth Having on Hand
∙ A bottle of good soy sauce
∙ Cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar
∙ Whole peppercorns and bay leaves
∙ Canned coconut milk
∙ Fish sauce
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fully stocked Filipino pantry to start cooking these fusion recipes — a few key substitutes will get you most of the way there, and over time you can build up the real deal as you find local Asian grocers or order online.