Eating is more than just consuming food; it communicates stories to us in ways we may not even realize. The aroma of bibingka may have led you to meet your first love, while the sight of skewered lechon may have encouraged you to be more neighborly. Filipino cuisine is intricately linked to the culture and customs of the Philippines, and Filipinos elevate every occasion by preparing dishes that are unique and meaningful.
A very famous fact about Filipino people is that they have no control if they see a dish infront of them made from meat or any fast food dish. They are truely in love with fast food and food from restaurants, know more about Filipino restaurant meals at menumeal.ph.
The Filipino Food Significance
The Filipino way of life has been greatly influenced by food. Beyond its physical nourishment, it holds priceless memories that are shared with loved ones, making it even more special. Food has the power to bring together foreigners, friends, and families, despite their differences in lifestyle. This is evident in various occasions such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or even simple gatherings. While this value is common among Asians, Filipinos take it to a whole new level. It’s not uncommon for strangers to invite you to share pulutan (small amounts of food) and buckets of beer when you buy ice-cold beer from a convenience store.
The Filipino culture exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home. During fiestas, even strangers are invited to partake in meals at their modest dwellings. This practice may also indicate one’s social standing, as evidenced by the presence of fancy utensils and dishes passed down from their ancestors. Additionally, hosts often offer leftover food for guests to take home, a small but meaningful gesture that highlights the value of non-monetary gestures.
The Uniqueness in Filipino Foods
Cooking Filipino food is easy and always enjoyable to serve and eat. The combination of flavors and textures makes it distinct, while the love for family and friends inspires Filipinos to cook with passion. A typical Filipino meal consists of vegetables, seafood, dairy, meat, and rice. During festivals, food is presented in every household in its appetizing and visually appealing colors. The natural aroma of Filipino cuisine is irresistible, thanks to the blend of vegetables, herbs, oils, citrus fruits, and spices that create a unique scent.
Filipino cuisine holds a strong presence during any event, surpassing the chore of dishwashing with the emotions it evokes. Conversations feel incomplete without the presence of these delectable delights, each with its own story. For instance, a friend may recall a halo-halo that gave them chills on a cold night. Every Filipino dish is crafted with love, joy, history, tradition, and passion.
Why Rice as a filler Dish is Very Dear to Filipinos
Rice is an integral part of Filipino cuisine, making up half of a typical plate. It not only adds to the cherished memories associated with Filipino food, but also provides essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. However, excessive consumption of white rice has been linked to obesity in adults, children, and the elderly due to its refining processes. Despite this, rice remains affordable and accessible to almost everyone in the Philippines as it is primarily an agricultural country. Some restaurants even offer unlimited rice for a small additional fee to upgrade a one cup rice meal.
This staple food offers a variety of dishes that can be prepared through boiling, steaming, frying (with garlic), and even baking pastries or cakes (as stuffing or in bibingka). In some regions, Rice can also be fermented to produce tapuy, a strong liquor served during ceremonies, special occasions, and festivals. Sticky (malagkit) rice dishes are perfect for warming you up on a cold, rainy day. Some famous examples of such dishes with Spanish origins include champorado, paella, and arroz caldo.
Sinangag, goto, congee, and puto are some of the local delicacies. Just as Thai people are fond of chili, Filipinos cannot deny their love for rice. Rice is a significant part of almost all rituals, weddings, and traditions in Mindanao. Newlyweds receive wishes for fertility, abundance, and prosperity through a handful of rice thrown at them. The regions with the most suitable terrain, soil condition, irrigation, and climate for rice cultivation are the major producers of rice.
Some Top Traditional Foods in Philippines
Following are the foods popularly being eaten in Philippines and even 90% of Philippine’s population is in love with these.
Kare Kare:
Kare kare is a savory stew made with oxtail, ox tripes, vegetables, and garnished with ground roasted peanuts, garlic, and onions. It is typically accompanied by shrimp paste (bagoong), calamansi, and chili for those who desire a bit of spice.
Sisig:
Although chicken and tuna can be used, the most popular version of sisig is made with pork. The dish consists of chopped pig ears, jowls, and liver mixed with onion and chili peppers. Served on a sizzling skillet, it is topped with a raw egg and calamansi.
Adobo:
This is the most famous dish in the Philippines, known as the National Dish. It involves braising chicken or pork in a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce, and seasoning it with garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves. The meat can be cooked in a stew or marinated and pan-fried to create a flavorful dish with a strong umami taste.
Conclusion:
If you are a Filipino, next time you choose food make sure you choose the traditional delicacies of Philippines to quench your hunger. Choosing the right food for your health is very important, this might be a disclaimer, that always keep track of your health no matter what type of food you choose from menu meals. Know more about MM Ph
