Filipino cuisine is a delicious and diverse blend of influences, with dishes that range from sweet and savoury to spicy and sour. In this 700-word guide, we’ll explore some of the incredible flavours of Filipino cuisine, looking at how local ingredients, regional cooking techniques, and cultural influences shape the food that Filipinos enjoy today.
Filipino Cuisine 101
The Philippines is a country with a rich history and culture, and this is reflected in its cuisine. Filipino food is a unique blend of influences, from the native Malayo-Polynesian cooking to Spanish and American dishes. This makes for a delicious and varied culinary experience that is worth exploring!
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to Filipino cuisine, from the staple dishes to the more unusual ingredients. We hope that this will help you to appreciate the incredible flavours of this fascinating cuisine even more!
Popular Dishes and Ingredients of Filipino Cuisine
In Filipino cooking, there is a strong emphasis on utilizing fresh ingredients, and pork is a staple meat in many dishes. Its versatility allows for various parts of the pig meat to be incorporated into culinary creations. Beyond traditional cuts, pork by products are also commonly used to enrich the flavor and texture of classic Filipino dishes.
Additionally, beef and chicken are popular meat choices too. Seafood is also prevalent, as the Philippines is surrounded by water. Fish, shrimp, and crab are commonly used in Filipino dishes.
The vegetables typically used in Filipino cuisine include potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. These vegetables are often cooked in various ways, such as stir-fried or stewed. Rice is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is usually served with every meal. It can be cooked in many different ways, including steamed or boiled.
There are many different spices and flavours used in Filipino cuisine. Most common include ginger, garlic, fish sauce, vinegar, and coconut milk. These flavours combine to create unique and delicious dishes that are sure to please any palate.
Regional Specialties
When it comes to Filipino cuisine, there is no shortage of incredible flavours to explore. From the savoury dishes of the north to the sweet treats of the south, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular regional specialties:
In the northern region of the Philippines, one can find many savoury dishes that are perfect for a hearty meal. Popular items include tapa (cured beef), longganisa (pork sausage), and adobo (chicken or pork stewed in vinegar and soy sauce). For those with a sweet tooth, the city of Vigan is famous for its delectable empanadas (flaky pastries filled with chicken or pork).
Down south, visitors will find themselves in the land of sweeter fare. The city of Bacolod is known for its delicious chicken inasal (marinated grilled chicken). At the same time, Iloilo City is home to many mouth-watering desserts such as “pantongtong” (glutinous rice cakes) and torta (layered sponge cake).
Visitors can also enjoy refreshing fruit shakes made with local fruits such as mango, pineapple, and watermelon. No matter what your taste buds are craving, there is sure to be a regional specialty that will tantalize them.
Unique Cooking Techniques
Regarding cooking, Filipinos know how to make the most of their ingredients. From unique cooking methods to creating flavour combinations out of this world, Filipino cuisine is something everyone should experience.
One of the unique methods of cooking that Filipinos use called “pagluluto”. This is a method of simmering food in water or broth until it is cooked through. This results in food that is highly flavourful and moist.
Another unique cooking technique used by Filipinos is “paksiw”. This involves cooking food in vinegar and water. This method is often used for cooking fish or poultry and results in food that is tangy and full of flavour.
Finally, “tinola” is a soup made with chicken, vegetables, and ginger. This soup is traditionally cooked in clay pots and has a light, refreshing flavour that is perfect for any meal.
Dining Etiquette
In the Philippines, it is considered polite to wait for the host to start eating before digging in. It is also customary to use your right hand when eating, as the left hand is considered unclean. When dining with others, it is common to share dishes family style. It is also regarded as good manners to finish everything on your plate, as leaving food behind is considered wasteful.
Filipino cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cuisines. From savoury dishes like adobo to sweet treats like halo-halo, it offers something for everyone. The best way to experience Filipino food is to try a variety of dishes in local restaurants or by attending special events that feature traditional Filipino fare. Exploring this incredible cuisine will open up a whole new culinary world and introduce you to flavours you never knew existed!