National Dish Philippines: Adidas (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Adidas, one of the most playfully named street snacks in the Philippines! Behind the cheeky nickname lies a dish of tender, slow-cooked chicken feet, simmered until they fall apart in a savoury bath of soy sauce, garlic and bay. Sold from sizzling carts on busy street corners, it is bold, moreish and unmistakably Filipino. Bring a taste of the country’s lively street-food scene straight to your own kitchen.
About Adidas
Adidas is a much-loved Filipino dish traditionally made from chicken feet, prized for its hearty flavour and its unusual, eye-catching preparation. You will often find it sold from carts along the streets of the Philippines, where its exotic appeal has won over locals and curious travellers alike. The feet are cooked low and slow until they turn meltingly soft, soaking up a deeply savoury sauce along the way. More than just a tasty bite, the dish is a wonderful example of the country’s varied and resourceful culinary culture.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2–3 chicken feet, well cleaned
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lime juice (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Adidas are easy to find in a well-stocked supermarket or an Asian grocery. Look for chicken feet that are fresh and of good quality, as this makes all the difference to the final flavour. The same goes for the other fresh ingredients such as the onion and garlic, where freshness really counts. Choose your soy sauce to suit your taste — a classic bottled variety works well, or even a homemade version if you have one to hand.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking the Adidas, the chicken feet need to be cleaned thoroughly. This step matters, as it ensures no unwanted flavours linger in the finished dish. While you are at it, dice the onion and chop the garlic so everything is ready when you start cooking. Set the bay leaves to one side too, as they lend the dish its lovely aromatic note.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until soft and translucent.
- Add the chicken feet and fry them for a few minutes.
- Pour in the water and bring everything to the boil.
- Reduce the heat, add the bay leaves and the soy sauce, and leave to simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper and an optional squeeze of lime juice, then serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Adidas is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as its main ingredients contain neither. Do check, however, that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free if this matters to you — several brands offer a gluten-free alternative, often labelled as tamari. With that one swap in place, even those with intolerances can enjoy this dish without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
In its traditional form, Adidas is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, since it is made from chicken feet. A creative alternative is to prepare vegetables in a similar savoury sauce instead. Swap the chicken feet for mixed vegetables or tofu to capture a comparable depth of flavour. Cooked this way, the dish can be served as a fully plant-based version that everyone can share.
More tips and tricks
To deepen the flavour of your Adidas even further, try adding a little ginger or chilli to the pot. This brings an extra dimension to the dish. The way you serve it can make a big difference too: a garnish of lime not only looks the part but also lifts the taste. A scattering of fresh herbs such as coriander adds the perfect finishing touch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Adidas is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you like things hot, simply add more chilli or a splash of spicy soy sauce. Vegetarians can use vegetables or tofu in place of the chicken feet, while a little smoky paprika or extra black pepper opens up new flavour directions. Don’t be afraid to experiment until it tastes just right for you — much like you would when fine-tuning a pot of Adobo.
Ingredient substitutions
Reaching for alternative ingredients is a fun way to ring the changes with this dish. The soy sauce can be swapped for a tamari-based sauce, which has the bonus of being gluten-free. Instead of chicken feet, you could use chicken thighs or breast, which are easier to find and quicker to prepare. Using vegetable stock in place of plain water is another simple way to add more depth to the sauce.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with Adidas and rounds off the experience. A cold Asian beer works wonderfully with the dish’s savoury, robust flavours. For an alcohol-free option, coconut water is refreshing and carries the flavours of Southeast Asia perfectly. A fresh lemonade with a hint of lime is another cooling choice alongside this snack.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation goes a long way towards whetting your guests’ appetites. Serve the Adidas in an attractive bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs. A wedge of lime on the side makes the dish more inviting and offers an extra hit of aroma. Keep the colours of the ingredients clearly on show to create a plate that looks as good as it tastes — the same care you might give a platter of Isaw.
A bit of history
Adidas is not merely a dish but a genuine part of Filipino culture. It reflects the tradition of using every part of the animal, a hallmark of the country’s home cooking. Across the Philippines you will often find Adidas offered as street food, quick and easy to put together, sitting happily alongside snacks like Kwek-Kwek. Over the years the dish has spawned countless variations, yet it remains a firm favourite among locals and a proud feature of Filipino cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Adidas
To sum up, Adidas is a fascinating and flavourful dish that captures the spirit of Filipino culture. With its straightforward preparation and aromatic ingredients, it is a must-try for anyone keen to explore the food of the Philippines. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or as part of a larger meal, Adidas is sure to spark conversation and plenty of smiles around the table. Be brave, give this traditional dish a go today, and discover the unique flavours of the Philippines.
