The 5 must-try food and drinks of the Philippines!
Are you looking for an unforgettable foodie experience? Look no further than the Philippines! With its rich and vibrant culture, the Philippines offers a wide range of delicious and unique food and drinks to try. From traditional Filipino dishes to modern fusion cuisine, the Philippines has something to tantalize every taste bud. In this blog post, we will be exploring the 5 must-try food and drinks of the Philippines. From sweet snacks to savory dishes, these are the 5 food and drinks that you must try on your next trip to the Philippines!
Adobo (Food and Drinks of the Philippines)
If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, make sure to try adobo – you won’t regret it! It’s a dish that has deep roots in Philippine culture. Adobo is a type of braised meat dish made by cooking meat or fish with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf and peppercorns. The dish is then cooked for a long time until the liquid evaporates and only the meat remains moist. Adobo can be served as an entree or appetizer.
Some other popular dishes include Kare Kare (ox tail stewed with vegetables), Sinigang (fish boiled in a sour soup) and Bulalo (beef shank boiled in broth). When it comes to desserts, Filipinos love sweets and will stop at nothing to have some at all times! One sweet which cannot go unnoticed is Halo Halo. A dessert made of milk, rice flakes, banana puree and ube ice cream. All these foods are meant to be eaten with either rice or bread on the side.
Sinigang
If you’re looking for a quintessential Filipino dish, look no further than sinigang. This hearty and flavorful stew is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines. It features sour tamarind broth and is traditionally served with pork or fish, plus a variety of vegetables like okra, eggplant, long beans, and radish. The unique sour flavor comes from the tamarind, which gives the dish its distinctive taste and makes it an unforgettable experience. Add a little chili to the mix and you’ve got a savory, tangy bowl of sinigang that’s sure to hit the spot. Try this Filipino classic for yourself and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish in the Philippines!
Halo-halo (Food and Drinks of the Philippines)
If you’re ever in the Philippines, make sure you try this beloved treat! It’s a mix of shaved ice, milk flan, sweetened beans (locally known as sampaloc), evaporated milk or cream of coconut, palm fruit juice (or coffee), purple yam (or boiled potato), corn kernels, tapioca pearls. Add some ube ice cream on top for an even more authentic experience! Sago’t gulaman: Sago’t Gulaman is like what halo-halo is to shaved ice. It has a similar flavor profile with some other additions. The difference is that sago’t gulaman includes pandanus jelly, agar-agar strands, almond jellies, dried fruits and small marshmallows.
The Filipino version also includes shredded young coconut meat which gives it an incredible texture and slightly sweeter taste to balance out all of those cool ingredients. Sikilip sa langka: Sikilip sa Langka is traditionally served during the Christmas season but there are Filipinos that enjoy it year round! These clams are cooked in coconut milk with garlic, onions, bay leaves and pepper flakes then simmered until they open up to reveal their white fleshy insides which can be eaten right away or cooked down into a savory gravy seasoned with ginger and scallion greens. Banana cue: Another one of my personal favorites!
Sisig
The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most flavorful and delicious cuisine. One of the most iconic dishes of the Filipino food scene is sisig. This savory dish is a combination of pork, chicken, or seafood that is sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices. It is then served with a generous portion of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chili peppers.
This savory and spicy dish is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. From lunchtime sandwiches to evening snacks, sisig adds a delicious flavor to any dish. Enjoyed best with a cold beer, sisig is definitely one of the must-try foods of the Philippines! Add this recipe to your cooking repertoire as soon as possible. Simply slice an onion into long, thin slices and cook. It in a pan on medium heat for about 10 minutes until caramelized.
Cut up chicken into small pieces and add them to the onion once it has been caramelized. Add salt, black pepper, soy sauce, bay leaves, and calamansi (if desired) for flavor. Then cook the mixture for about 10 more minutes until fully cooked through before removing from heat. So that it cools slightly before chopping into small chunks with a knife before serving over rice (or just in lettuce cups).
Taho (Food and Drinks of the Philippines)
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious snack while exploring the Philippines, then you must try taho. This sweet and savory street food is made with silken tofu, sugar syrup, and sago pearls. It’s typically served warm by vendors who pour the mixture into small cups from large containers and balance them on a yoke across their shoulders. Taho is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike for its creamy, soft texture and sweet flavor. Have it with a sprinkle of arnibal (caramelized sugar) and your favorite toppings like fresh fruits, or even some roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. Try taho today, and you won’t be disappointed!