Those who inhabit the Philippine islands are known for both their hospitality and their love of fine food. In fact, many Filipinos consider cooking and eating to be a hobby, something that they have a great passion for. So when you visit the Philippines, you may be overwhelmed not only by the vigor with which people offer you food, but the wide variety of delectable cuisines that are available. If you’re not sure where to start with your culinary tour of this vast chain of islands, here are just a few of the local favorites that you may want to sample.
1. Pancit Molo. This tasty starter is somewhat similar to its Chinese cousin, wonton soup. And while it does contain ground pork in wonton wrappers, it also consists of shredded chicken, shrimp, and a variety of other ingredients such as green onions, garlic, and even lemon juice. It is the inclusion of these many other additives that differentiates this soup from the more common Chinese dish. In any case, the hearty stock will remind you of a home-cooked meal along the lines of other comfort foods, and the many flavors and meats included will keep you full and satisfied. Just a note: there are no noodles in this dish, despite the fact that “pancit” (noodle) is right in the name.
2. Inihaw na Liempo. The name of this dish is pretty self-explanatory as it translates to grilled pork belly. It is a simple but well-loved dish amongst islanders. The marinade generally combines just a few ingredients (soy sauce, garlic, lemon, and a little salt and pepper). Then it’s just grilled until crisp and crackly, like bacon. If you enjoy pork at all, this is one piece of island cuisine that you simply can’t afford to miss out on. Dip in spiced vinegar to really bring out the flavor of the meat.
3. Lechon. Pork is a pretty popular meat amongst Filipinos, as is evident by the many ways in which they prepare it. Lechon, in particular, is the national dish of the Philippines. Don’t confuse it with the Hawaiian style of roasted pig, which is cooked in a pit. Instead, the pig must be roasted whole on a rotating spit over a charcoal fire (to give it the crispy, flaky skin it is known for). The cavity is generally stuffed with garlic, onions, potatoes, and spices (some also like to add banana leaves) to create a seasoned meat dish that is big on flavor.
4. Lumpiang Sariwa. This is a type of vegetable spring roll that is fairly common in the Philippines and provides for a nice counterpoint to the many meat dishes they serve. A variety of vegetables may be included, but shredded cabbage, julienne carrots, chopped onions, and sweet potato cubes seem to be the most common. In some cases, tofu, chicken, pork, or shrimp may also be added. The insides are sautéed (with a bit of oil, fish sauce, and garlic), then spooned into the soft wrapper (not crispy) and rolled. They are then topped with a sweet sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts for a delicious side dish.
5. Maja Blanca. This tasty dessert, also known as coconut pudding, consists mainly of coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar (although sweet cream corn is often included to make the dish thicker and creamier). Topped with shredded, toasted coconut for a crispy, flaky top layer, this dish is a sweet, creamy, crunchy delight that is often served for special occasions such as holidays.
Leon Harris writes for AdvanceMe, the nation’s leading business cash advance provider.