Kumain ka na ba?
(“Have you had food” this is our way of saying hello )
It’s also about time to bring the Filipino cuisine on the stage! As it occupies an unique place among world cuisines, thanks to a variety of influences that make it not only flavourful but also unexpectedly delightful to the European palate.
Fusion
Adobo
There are two truths about chicken adobo: Every Filipino family has its own recipe, and every chicken adobo tastes better the day after it’s been cooked. It is considered as the country’s national dish made with vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns and lots of garlic. The perfect balance of flavours and will surely tingle your taste buds.
With over 7,000 islands and hundreds of colourful festivals, the Philippines has more flavours than islands, which is a significant statement. Filipino cuisine is a blend of several flavours. Adobo is one such dish; it takes a variety of flavours to create its comforting homecook taste. And the only thing Filipinos enjoy more than eating is making other people eat. Thanks to the island nation’s turbulent history of Western colonisation and different occupations, Malay, Spanish, American, Japanese, and Chinese influences can be found in the intricate and interesting tapestry of Filipino food.
Simple but complex
One thing is for sure, the country loves to eat! Whenever there’s a celebration, there is food. Not just enough for the event but enough for everyone to take home. Filipinos cook with humble ingredients to create complex and balanced flavours.
The cuisine does not need fancy and complicated kitchen appliances, all they need is a kawali (wok) and sandok (cooking spoon) to make amazing dishes.
Sinigang (tamarind soup), Kare-Kare (stew in peanut sauce) and Lechon (whole roasted Pig), Anthony Bourdain once called it the best pig dish ever. These are a few of the most popular dishes in the Philippines.
With its close proximity to Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese food & flavours which European palates crave more and more, it’s the perfect time for Filipino cuisine and its unique medley of influences to take over.
Tara, kain tayo!