Festive Starters: Here Are the Best Appetizers for Noche Buena
Planning your next potluck or Noche Buena? Make it unforgettable from the very first bite with appetizers that always steal the show.
Whether you’re going for classic Filipino favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai and Crispy Okoy, or lighter crowd-pleasers like salad wraps, Manila has no shortage of delicious options you can simply order and serve.
To make your hosting easier this year, we’ve rounded up the best appetizers that are guaranteed hits, plus exactly where to get them around the metro, so you can just focus on celebrating.
Salad Trays and Salad Wraps
A salad is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing starter that instantly brightens any potluck or holiday spread.
With crisp greens, vibrant toppings, and playful textures, it adds a light, wholesome balance to a table usually filled with rich, heavy dishes — especially if you’re attending a Filipino gathering. It’s also a great way to ease guests into a meal without immediately feeling full.
SaladStop! Philippines is offering a festive medley of flavors with their seasonal White Christmas salad, which is made of crisp romaine and kale, walnut snow, savory chicken ham, juicy grapes, green apples, croutons, and drizzled with their special Queso de Bola dressing.
The party tray is available as a salad (P1,235) and wrap (P1,630) and can be ordered in-store or via delivery here or on GrabFood.
Follow SaladStop Philippines on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
Filipino Street Food Tray
Nothing sparks joy quite like a Filipino Street Food platter. Loaded with nostalgic favorites like fish balls, kwek-kwek, kikiam, and squid balls, it’s like bringing a little bit of the tusok-tusok cart straight to your potluck! Everyone loves it not just for the tasty bites, but for the memories it brings back — after-school merienda runs, late-night snacks with friends, and those fun street food adventures. With all the dipping sauces ready, it’s a playful, nostalgic starter that adds charm and a fun Pinoy vibe to any gathering.
Raffa’s Treats on Stix offers Filipino street food staples with their Filipino Street Fiesta Potluck Tray for P715, which is already good for 10 pax. They also have a Junior Tray priced at P395, good for 5 pax. If you want to level up the goodness, there is a tray that includes Lobster Balls and Cheese Stix for P820 (10 pax) and P450 (5 pax).
Of course, tusok-tusok wouldn’t be complete without the dipping sauces. You can also order classic sauces such as Sweet, Sweet & Spicy, and Spiced Vinegar for P56 (250ml).
For orders, contact + 639498838419 or get in touch through their Facebook page. You can also order directly via GrabFood and FoodPanda.
Follow Raffa’s Treats on Stix on Facebook and Instagram.
Lumpiang Shanghai
Debatably the most popular Filipino dish during the holidays, Lumpia will never go out of style and keeps the party rolling all night long. These crispy, golden spring rolls stuffed with savory meat, vegetables, and spices are perfect for sharing, and they go perfectly with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Bite-sized and flavorful, they’re the kind of appetizer that disappears in a blink at any holiday table.
There are several restaurants in the metro that sell these crispy goodies. One of which is Hotdish, which sells it in Small (P320), Medium (P630), and Large (P940) sizes — so there’s one that will surely fit your party. For orders and inquiries, contact +63 9150917171/+63 9190007171 or send a message on their social media accounts.
You can also order from beloved local bakeshop Goldilocks, which has fried lumpia trays good for 4 pax for P564, and also Fresh Lumpia at P633. You can order here.
Follow Hotdish on Facebook and Instagram, and Goldilocks on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
Fried Calamari
Another fan-favorite starter is the Fried Calamari — crunchy, irresistible, and perfect for sharing. This dish is lightly battered and golden fried, each bite tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s usually paired with a tangy sauce like vinegar, a garlicky dip, or a creamy mayonnaise dip like tartar sauce. Whatever condiment you choose, Fried Calamari brings a touch of seaside vibes to the holiday spread as an easy-to-grab, fun-to-munch-on, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Local grillery Gringo has a Garlic Calamari Tray perfect for 6 to 8 people, priced at P1,050. You can order here or call +63288474646.
You can also try Verleo Catering’s Fried Salt & Pepper Squid, which is available in Junior Trays (P1,000), good for 8 to 10 pax and Party Trays (P1,850) good for 15-20 pax. You can order online or contact them at 027 506 3118.
Follow Gringo on Facebook and Instagram, and Verleo Catering on Facebook and Instagram.
Empanada
With their flaky, golden crust and hearty fillings, Empanadas give a homey and comforting flavor that reminds you of school snacks, family road trips, or quick stops at your favorite local bakery. The great thing about them is that they come in a variety of flavors from savory fillings like beef and chicken, and even the classic Ilocos-style mix. They’re often the first thing people grab from the table when they’re looking for something tasty and filling.
Mama Empanada has been serving delicious empanadas since 1979. Their family recipe has been passed down for generations, so you can be sure that this is one of the best empanadas in town. You can order in boxes of 8 (P440) and 12 (P660). Flavors available are Classic Chicken, Italian Sausage, Herbed Tuna, Spicy Chicken Sriracha, and Sirloin Beef Taco.
To order, you can send them a message on their social media pages or contact +63 915 8633159 for delivery. You can also pick up your orders from their branches here.
Follow Mama Empanada on Facebook and Instagram.
Chicharon Bulaklak
If you’re looking for the ultimate scene stealer at a holiday potluck, Chicharon Bulaklak never fails to grab everyone’s attention. Perfectly fried until golden and crisp, this rich, salty snack is addictingly delicious. Best served with a side of vinegar or a spicy dipping sauce, it adds a bold and indulgent touch to any party spread.
Ryan’s Lechon Baboy & Baka is a La Loma favorite, a.k.a. the Lechon Capital of the Philippines, and offers crispy chicharon bulaklak in generous servings. The Chicharon Bituka/Bulaklak is available for 200 grams (P200), ¼ kilo (P500), ½ kilo (P1,000), and 1 kilo (P2,000). Orders can be picked up or delivered.
You can order by contacting them at +63 9174001344 or +63 93533897.
Follow Ryan’s Lechon Baboy & Baka on Facebook.
Shrimp Okoy
Another fantastic seafood addition to the party menu is Shrimp Okoy. This crispy, golden appetizer adds a homemade touch to any potluck. With its crunchy edges, tender shrimp, and lightly seasoned vegetable batter, it’s the kind of snack that’s gone almost as soon as it hits the table. The dish is often paired with a tangy vinegar dip, which somehow makes it taste even better, and provides a nostalgic flavor that reminds everyone of street stalls and Filipino home cooking at its best.
Okoy-To-Go has a party-sized Crispy Okoy for P2,000, good for 40 to 45 people. If your party is smaller, they also have smaller portions: P650 (3 to 5 pax), P1,200 (10 to 15 pax), and P1,550 (20 to 25 pax).
For orders, you can contact them at +63 9171477402, +63 9166242593, or (02) 85705815.
Follow Okoy-To-Go on Facebook and Instagram.
Tokwa’t Baboy
Tokwa’t Baboy is a tangy, savory classic that adds a hearty twist to any appetizer spread. With crispy tofu, tender pork, and that irresistible soy-vinegar kick, it’s a bold, flavorful starter that always gets people coming back for more.
Catering Trio PH offers a Party (P1,070) size good for 8 pax and Fiesta (P3,080) good for 24 pax, perfect for your next potluck.
For orders, call +63 956481152.
Follow Catering Trio PH on Facebook and Instagram.
Veggie Dumplings and Seaweed Rolls
We’re adding a vegan option to this list because everyone deserves to enjoy the food and festivities this holiday season. Vegetable spring rolls make a great choice—they’re crisp, refreshing, and filled with crunchy veggies, perfect with a sweet or tangy dip. Veggie dumplings are another flavorful favorite, packed with seasoned vegetables and delicious whether steamed or pan-fried. They’re satisfying, crowd-friendly starters that even non-vegans love.
Vegan Treats has Shanghai and Seaweed rolls (from P580), as well Fried Veggie Dumplings (P688), which you can add to your party menu. Do note that these need to be pre-ordered at least one to three days beforehand. You can order directly on their website.
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