Today, let's delve into the enticing world of Filipino cuisine as we explore the diverse and flavorful offerings that make up the culinary tapestry of the Philippines.
Food in the Philippines: history and facts
The culinary history of the Philippines is a captivating tapestry woven through millennia, dating back to 3400 B.C. when rice made its entrance into the archipelago's Cagayan Valley. Influences from Indo-Malaysian, Chinese, and Vietnamese migrations brought this essential staple, laying the foundation for the diverse flavors that characterize Filipino cuisine.
Fast forward to the 16th century, and Spanish colonization introduced a profound transformation. The Spanish not only renamed the islands "Felipinas" after Prince Philip II but also reshaped Filipino dining habits, replacing hand-and-banana-leaf traditions with cutlery. Spanish influence extended to the culinary domain, introducing Christmas feasts and dishes like paella, relleno, and stews. The subsequent American colonization in the early 20th century further influenced Filipino food, with the introduction of iconic American fare, technology like the microwave, and the establishment of Filipino-American restaurants worldwide. Today, Filipino cuisine stands as a vibrant blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, evolving over centuries to create a unique and flavorful gastronomic heritage.
Fast forward to the 16th century, and Spanish colonization introduced a profound transformation. The Spanish not only renamed the islands "Felipinas" after Prince Philip II but also reshaped Filipino dining habits, replacing hand-and-banana-leaf traditions with cutlery. Spanish influence extended to the culinary domain, introducing Christmas feasts and dishes like paella, relleno, and stews. The subsequent American colonization in the early 20th century further influenced Filipino food, with the introduction of iconic American fare, technology like the microwave, and the establishment of Filipino-American restaurants worldwide. Today, Filipino cuisine stands as a vibrant blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, evolving over centuries to create a unique and flavorful gastronomic heritage.
Traditional food in the Philippines
- Adobo: Adobo stands proudly as the quintessential Filipino dish, earning its spot at the top of any list of the best Filipino foods. This unofficial national dish is crafted by simmering pork or chicken in a tantalizing blend of soy sauce and vinegar, complemented by generous amounts of black pepper and crushed garlic. Despite its Spanish name, Adobo has local origins, making it an authentic Filipino culinary delight. The beauty of Adobo lies in its diversity, with each Filipino family infusing their unique twist, creating a symphony of flavors that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
- Lumpia: Craving an exquisite Filipino lunch? Look no further than Lumpia, a delectable deep-fried spring roll that draws inspiration from Chinese cuisine. These rolls are generously filled with a medley of chopped vegetables and minced meat, creating a culinary masterpiece. Paired with the right sauces, Lumpia transforms the way you perceive spring rolls. It has seamlessly integrated into the rich tapestry of Filipino food culture, offering a traditional and unforgettable dining experience.
- Inasal: If roast chicken is your weakness, prepare to be enchanted by Inasal. Hailing from the Visayan islands, this dish elevates roast chicken to an unparalleled level. Marinated in a flavorful blend of ginger, lemongrass, and calamansi juice, the chicken is expertly roasted over an open flame, then basted with annatto oil. Served alongside rice, soy sauce dip, and sometimes liquid chicken fat, Inasal is a must-try Filipino culinary gem that promises a unique and savory delight.
- Pancit: Known as Pancit, this dish is a delightful fusion of Filipino and Chinese culinary influences. Combining noodles with a variety of meats or vegetables, Pancit, derived from the Hokkien term 'pian e sit' meaning 'something conveniently cooked,' is a testament to simplicity with an explosion of flavors. Despite its straightforward preparation, each bite of Pancit is a journey through a rich and savory landscape that will undoubtedly leave you savoring every mouthful.
- Sinigang: Often associated with the tangy kick of tamarind, Sinigang is a cherished traditional Filipino dish that embodies both sour and savory notes. This stew features a harmonious blend of spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and fish sauce. The versatility of Sinigang allows you to choose your preferred meat—be it pork, beef, fish, or shrimp—resulting in a mouthwatering stew that can be enjoyed with rice or savored as a standalone soup.
Christmas food in the Philippines
- Buko Pandan Salad: Let's start with a delightful sweet treat because Filipinos have a penchant for desserts. Buko and pandan in Filipino cuisine are akin to the classic pairing of peanut butter and jelly. "Buko" refers to young coconut, while "pandan" comes from a plant with incredibly fragrant leaves. In this delectable salad, sweet coconut strips mingle with pandan-flavored jelly, all coated in a luscious sweet and creamy sauce. This addictive dessert isn't limited to Christmas; it graces the table on any special occasion, becoming a staple in Filipino celebrations.
- Filipino-style Pasta Carbonara: Now, let's put a Filipino spin on a well-loved pasta dish. The Pinoy-style carbonara diverges from the Italian classic by featuring a sauce crafted with heavy cream and cheese. While traditionalists may raise an eyebrow, the result is a sauce that is remarkably richer and creamier than its egg-and-parmesan-based counterpart. Loaded with crisp bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a flavorful cream sauce, this Filipino-style Pasta Carbonara is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
- Lechon Manok (Roasted Chicken): Lechon manok, or roasted chicken, holds a place as one of the most common dishes Filipinos turn to for convenient lunches and dinners. In the Philippines, it's a familiar sight to find shops selling roasted chicken and pork on nearly every corner. While such shops may be less prevalent in the US, recreating this dish at home is straightforward. The Pinoy version of roasted chicken boasts a captivating aroma infused with lemongrass, coupled with a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile from a blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, and brown sugar.
- Classic Menudo Recipe: Setting aside the boy band nostalgia, in the Philippines, Menudo is a tomato-based stew brimming with pork, liver cutlets, and vegetables. Surprisingly, this savory stew also features the unexpected additions of raisins and cut-up hotdogs. The seemingly unconventional ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whether served for Christmas lunch or dinner, this Classic Menudo is a Filipino culinary delight.
- Filipino-Style Fried Chicken: The Filipino-style fried chicken is a culinary masterpiece with its enticingly crispy exterior and succulent interior. What sets it apart is its distinctive flavor profile. Departing from the typical buttermilk marinade, Filipinos opt for a soak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and calamansi juice—an indigenous citrus fruit akin to lemons. This marinade imparts a unique combination of savory, spicy, and earthy flavors, with a touch of delightful tartness for balance. The result is a Filipino-style Fried Chicken that is sure to become a family favorite.
Famous food in the Philippines
Here are some famous Filipino foods:
- Halo-Halo: A popular Filipino dessert that translates to "mix-mix" in English. It's a shaved ice dessert with a variety of ingredients like sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and leche flan, topped with evaporated milk and ice cream.
- Kare-Kare: A Filipino oxtail stew made with a peanut sauce, often served with vegetables like banana hearts, eggplants, and string beans. It's usually eaten with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side.
- Balut: A famous street food, balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. It is boiled and eaten with a pinch of salt or a mixture of salt and vinegar.
Chinese food in the Philippines
Chinese influence on Filipino cuisine is significant, and Chinese dishes have become an integral part of Filipino culinary culture. Here are some Chinese-inspired dishes commonly enjoyed in the Philippines:
- Siomai: Chinese-style dumplings usually filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and other seasonings. Siomai is often served with a soy-based dipping sauce and is a popular snack or appetizer.
- Chow Mein: Filipino-style stir-fried noodles, which may include meat, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. Pancit Canton is a popular version of stir-fried noodles in the Philippines.
- Hopia: These are flaky, Chinese-inspired pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings such as mung bean, ube (purple yam), or sweet pork.
Street food in the Philippines
Street food in the Philippines is diverse, flavorful, and plays a significant role in the country's culinary landscape. Here are some popular Filipino street foods:
- Isaw: Grilled chicken or pork intestines on skewers, often marinated and brushed with a savory sauce before grilling. Isaw is a popular choice among locals.
- Fish Balls: Deep-fried fish balls made from a mixture of fish paste. They are typically served with a sweet or spicy vinegar-based dipping sauce.
- Taho: A sweet snack made from fresh soft/silken tofu, arnibal (sweet syrup made from caramelized sugar), and sago pearls (similar to tapioca pearls).
Exotic food in Philippines
The Philippines is known for its diverse and unique culinary offerings, with a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Here are some exotic foods that you might find in the Philippines:
- Betamax: No, it's not the electronic equipment. Betamax in the Philippines refers to skewered and grilled chicken or pork blood. The name comes from the resemblance of the skewers to Betamax tapes.
- Tamilok: Found in Palawan, Tamilok is a type of woodworm that is eaten raw or marinated in vinegar, onions, and ginger. It is often referred to as "woodworm ceviche."
- Adidas: No, not the sportswear brand. Adidas is a street food dish that consists of skewered and grilled chicken feet. The name is derived from the slang term for the popular sports shoe.
- Kinilaw: Kinilaw is a Filipino version of ceviche. It involves raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, citrus juice, and spices. The acidity "cooks" the fish without heat.
- Soup No. 5: This soup is known for containing bull's testicles and other offal. It's believed by some to have aphrodisiac properties.
Most dangerous food in the Philippines
While Filipino cuisine is generally safe and enjoyed by many, some dishes may pose health risks if not prepared or handled properly. It's important to note that individual tolerance and reactions to certain foods can vary. Here are a couple of dishes that some people might consider challenging due to either their preparation or specific ingredients:
- Tamilok: Tamilok, a woodworm found in Palawan, is often eaten raw or marinated. While it is a traditional delicacy, consuming raw or undercooked seafood always carries a risk of bacterial or parasitic infections.
- Fugu (Pufferfish): While not native to the Philippines, Fugu is sometimes offered in high-end Japanese restaurants. The pufferfish contains a potent neurotoxin that can be deadly if not properly removed during preparation. Chefs who prepare Fugu must undergo special training and certification.
How much is food in Philippines?
In the Philippines, you can savor a hearty complete meal for approximately Php500 (around 10 US Dollars) or opt for a more modest meal at around Php150 (2-3 US Dollars). High-end restaurants in central districts and prime areas may have prices that are double or triple, or even more. The cost of dining can vary widely. While certain sidewalk vendors may offer budget-friendly meals at Php40-60 (<1-1.25 US Dollars), it's recommended to be cautious due to potential concerns about hygiene and food safety practices in some instances.
