National Dish Philippines: Lumpiang Sariwa (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Lumpiang Sariwa, the Philippines’ beloved take on the fresh spring roll! Soft, crêpe-like wrappers cradle a colourful tumble of crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs, all crowned with a glossy, savoury-sweet peanut sauce. Light yet deeply satisfying, this dish is just as welcome as a wholesome main course as it is a midday snack. Bring the bright, garden-fresh flavours of Southeast Asia straight to your own kitchen.
About Lumpiang Sariwa
Lumpiang Sariwa is a traditional Filipino dish built around fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. These filled pancakes offer a wonderful range of flavours while remaining a healthy option for anyone keeping an eye on their diet. With a tender wrapper and an aromatic filling, they hold their own equally well as a main course or as a snack. Every bite is a little piece of Filipino culture, bringing the flavours of Southeast Asian cooking right into your home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup spring onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Savoury peanut sauce, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Lumpiang Sariwa, choose fresh, good-quality ingredients to get the best result. Visit an Asian grocery to find the finest vegetables and herbs on offer. Fresh carrots and cabbage are the stars of this dish, so look for produce that is lively and crisp. Don’t forget to pick up the savoury peanut sauce too, as it is essential to that perfect finishing flavour.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready to make Lumpiang Sariwa is straightforward and genuinely enjoyable. Start by washing all the ingredients thoroughly and laying them out so the cooking goes smoothly. Cut the vegetables into even pieces and grate the carrots finely. The better your prep, the easier the cooking that follows — and the more you’ll be able to make the most of the flavours.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the flour and water together in a bowl to make the batter for the wrappers.
- Heat a flat pan and pour in a small amount of batter, swirling to form a thin pancake.
- Cook the pancake for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden, then repeat with the remaining batter.
- In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the garlic along with all the chopped vegetables.
- Add the soy sauce and stir-fry briefly until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Fill each pancake with the vegetable mixture and roll them up carefully.
- Serve the Lumpiang Sariwa with the savoury peanut sauce.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Lumpiang Sariwa, swap the wheat flour for rice or almond flour. These flours are not only gluten-free but also add an interesting note to the dish. Make sure the peanut sauce uses gluten-free ingredients too. For a lactose-free approach, simply make the sauce with lactose-free peanuts or peanut butter.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Lumpiang Sariwa is naturally a vegetarian dish that adapts easily for vegans. To make it vegan, just take care to leave any animal products out of the peanut sauce. Instead, you can stir in plant-based soy sauce or a splash of coconut milk for extra flavour and a creamy texture. Experiment with different vegetables to shape the dish to your own taste — much like the colourful medley in a Vegetable Lumpia.
More tips and tricks
One handy trick when making Lumpiang Sariwa is to heat the pan well before adding the batter. This ensures the wrappers cook evenly and don’t stick. You can also make the wrappers ahead of time and keep them in the fridge if you’re expecting guests. That way you save time and can focus entirely on enjoying the dish once it’s served.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The lovely thing about Lumpiang Sariwa is just how adaptable it is. You can use different vegetables depending on the season and your personal taste. Prefer it spicier? Add a little chilli or pepper to the filling. Or want to play up the sweetness? Try folding in healthy sweet ingredients such as sweet potatoes or mangoes.
Ingredient substitutions
If you want to adjust the ingredients for Lumpiang Sariwa, you have plenty of options. In place of wheat flour you could use oat flour or chickpea flour. The vegetables can vary too: courgette, peppers or broccoli all make wholesome alternatives — and the same fresh, stir-fried approach shines in Upo Guisado. For the peanut sauce, you might also try sesame sauce if you fancy a different flavour direction.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks pair beautifully with a dish like Lumpiang Sariwa. A classic Asian tea or a hibiscus-and-lemon-flavoured drink harmonises perfectly. If you prefer something alcohol-free, a fruity smoothie or sparkling water with lime and mint works wonderfully. These drinks highlight the flavours of the dish and turn the meal into a memorable experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presenting Lumpiang Sariwa could hardly be simpler! Arrange the filled pancakes on a handsome plate and garnish with fresh herbs such as coriander or mint. A squeeze of lime juice over the top not only adds extra flavour but also makes the dish more visually appealing. Use the different colours of the vegetables to create a vibrant, appetising plate that delights your guests.
A bit of history
Lumpiang Sariwa has a long tradition in Filipino cooking and reflects the country’s wonderfully varied culture. It was originally introduced by Chinese immigrants and, over time, became firmly established in Filipino cuisine. The dish speaks to the people’s love of fresh, healthy ingredients and the diversity of flavours found in Filipino cuisine. Traditionally it is often served at special occasions and family gatherings.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Lumpiang Sariwa
In short, Lumpiang Sariwa is a delicious and versatile dish that is both fresh and healthy. It brings traditional Filipino cooking to the table and delights with its flavour and texture. With so many ways to adapt and vary it, this dish can easily be tailored to individual preferences. Whether for a cosy evening at home or a lively celebration, Lumpiang Sariwa is always an excellent choice.
