Filipino cuisine has global recognition and it is believed to be a mixture of traditional dishes and flavors used by local tribes and ethnolinguistic native groups. The uniqueness of tastes is achieved also through the strong influence of very diverse cuisines, like Spanish, Chinese, and American. Today, Traditional Filipino Food is characterized by a fusion of fish, beef, chicken, pork, rice, vegetables, and strong, unique seasonings. If you’re planning to explore the culinary delights of the Philippines, here are the dishes you shouldn’t miss trying.
Food and Beverage Market in the Philippines
Official statistics report a constant increase in sales of cafes and bars in the Philippines. In 2022, the value of the market reached more than 1.38 billion USD, with an increase forecasted for the following years as well. The offer is rich, so if you are into tasting local snacks coupled with sports events and sports news like the ones found on www.strafe.com, pubs in Metro Manila should be your destination. Here you will also find some of the most famous restaurants offering local delis, some of them rewarded with a Micheline star. However, while planning things to do in the Philippines, make sure not to skip visits to small local restaurants scattered throughout the Philippines as well. This will surely make your stay here unforgettable.
Dishes Influenced by Chinese Cuisine
As already stated, Filipino cuisine is a mish-mash of phenomenal flavors originating from all parts of the world. If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you should try at least the following Filipino dishes, but don’t be surprised by some extra savors. Firstly, don’t miss tasting lumpia, a starter that resembles spring rolls. It is a combination of minced meat and local veggies, deep-fried and served with several sauces. A strong resemblance with Chinese cuisine is found in the pancit as well, a dish consisting of noodles, meat, and vegetables, seasoned with local flavors. Chinese also brought to the Philippines dishes that dominantly use dumplings, tofu, fried wheat noodles, and wontons.
Dishes Influenced by Spanish Cuisine
There is a bunch of Spanish foods that became part of the local cuisine and these are mostly spicy and meat-oriented dishes. Here we should mention the paella and chorizo, but also sisig, or slowly cooked pork in flavors like vinegar and soy sauce, citrus fruits, and chili peppers. Another popular pork-based dish in the Philippines is chicharron, consumed mostly as a crunchy snack in bars. Spaniards also popularized rice-based dishes in the Philippines, so today many places serve dishes with rice as a part of their everyday menu. Finally, one of the most popular desserts in the Philippines originates from Spain – leche flan, or a classic pudding dessert topped with layers of tasty caramel.
Conclusion
Filipino cuisine is a delightful explosion of colors, flavors, and healthy ingredients. It’s a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western influences that will leave you craving for more. Pork, beef, chicken, rice, vegetables, noodles, sauces, and many, many more, in seemingly countless culinary combinations. So, if you’re wondering whether to visit the Philippines, just imagine experiencing this unique culinary journey – a feast for all your senses!
