The Philippines.
It's a beautiful country and there is a lot of different things to experience there. Surely it is one of the best trips in my entire life. Therefore, in this blog I will be sure to tell you the biggest highlights of the trip.
I guess for now I will tell you all about the different foods that you can eat in the Philippines, some where they are the most popular, the traditional dishes and of course some of my all time favourites.
Generally there is a lot of different flavours in Filipino foods. Some people have different preferences for certain dishes. If you have never tried out Filipino food then maybe travelling to the Philippines should be on your list.
Famous Fast Food Places
When we first landed in the Philippines the types of food that you see are your usual fast food types of food, ex: McDonalds.
Here is the difference..
They may have McDonalds but it's slightly different because their menu has a lot more stuff added to it. Not only do you have your normal chicken nuggets and burgers, but you can also get some McSpaghetti and some McChicken.. not the burger but actual chicken.
Yes.. you heard me right, sometimes you can also ask for a side of rice. One other thing.. is that we call McDonalds there... McDo which is pronouced (Mc-dowh)
*Just a slight tid bit in case you ever travel to the Philippines.
McDonalds in the Philippines however have rivals in the fast food industry. Sure everything always has a rival but the biggest rival that McDonalds has is a place called Jolibee.
Personally I am a Filipino that LOVES Jolibee. It is a Filipino made company, and basically you could say that it tops McDonalds. The two of them do however have pretty similar menus, but I must say that Jolibee's menus taste is slightly more delicious. ;) One word if you ever go there. YUMMY!
There is also another fast food restaurant that is pretty famous amongst the Filipinos called Chow King. The food here is different than from Jolibee and McDo.
At Chow King, they are called the biggest Chinese fast food in the Philippines. If you're going for more of a real meal... you have to try Chow King, they have a huge selection in their menu.. and it's not burgers or fries. With the delicious side of Chinese food and a touch of the Filipino ways the Chow King menu will have you staring at it for awhile.
Traditional Food
Everywhere that you go to in the Philippines that is a local restaurant or even if it's snacks from vendors on the streets, you'll always find some of these declious dishes and snacks.
Filipinos are big rice eaters, so in every meal whatever the main course is.. there will always be rice with it. Here are some foods that you will typically see and should try in the Philippines or if you're lucky a Filipino restaurant here in Calgary.
Adobo
Sometimes being called the unoffical national dish of the Philippines.
Of meat or even seafood marinated in vinegar and garlic.
Most popular is Pork Adobo or Chicken Adobo
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| Pork Adobo -- Source: Umami -- http://umami.typepad.com/umami/2009/03/roast-belly-pork.html |
Sinigang
A Traditional Filipino Stew, it is known for it's sour flavour that is used from a tamarind.The many different types include: Pork, Shrimp and Fish - Bangus (Milkfish).
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| Sinigang -- Source: Umami -- http://umami.typepad.com/umami/2005/09/sinangang.html |
Pancit
A Filipino dish that focuses on Noodles. Pancit was derived from the Chinese but became a delicacie in the Philippines. It typically means "something that you can cook fast". A really good dish to serve at birthdays or events.
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| Pancit Canton -- Source: http://photozou.jp/photo/show/233734/29275360 |
Kare- Kare
One of my absolute favourites. Kare - Kare is a Philippine stew that is mixed with a peanut sauce and vegetables along with oxtail and beef. You pair this meal with some Bagoong (Shrimp Paste) and Rice.
Deserts
Mmmmmm... Now is the best part when it comes to Food in the Philippines!! The sweet goodness. There are always many deserts around the country, here however are a few of the most popular and best.
Halo Halo
This treat is a delight to everyone, Halo Halo is a fun and very colorful desert that contains: Shaved Ice and Evaporated milk. The color added is from different boiled sweet beans and fruits, you can also add ice cream on top for extra goodness.
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| Halo Halo -- Source: http://kapisanancentre.com/2012/08/31/beat-the-heat-with-an-ice-cold-halo-halo/ |
Sapin Sapin
Sapin Sapin is a desert that is sticky because it is made from glutenous rice and coconut. Usually a three layered desert, food coloring is added. The three main colors added are orange, white and purple for the layers. It can be topped off with some coconut flakes.
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| Sapin Sapin -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/virgo66/5865943616/ |
Turon
It's english name is Banana Lumpia, it's a quick little deep fried Filipino snack that has thinly sliced bananas and some jackfruit dipped in some brown sugar and wrapped in a spring roll wrapper. Delcious for on the go.
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| Turon -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shirtsilog/4439607203/ |
Champorado
A desert that can be eaten hot or cold, it is a porridge made out of chocolate and sweet rice. Then you have the option of adding milk and sugar to make it sweeter to your liking.
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| Champorado -- Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42877868@N02/3953256132/ |
Ice Cream
Yes, we all have ice cream everywhere, but mmmmm in the Philippines we have more than your typical Vanilla and Chocolate. We have unique flavours like Pandan, Ube, Mango and even as extreme as Cheese.Cheese Ice Cream
(Click Link)
Ube Ice Cream
So that's just a small taste of the Philippines delicacies. If ever you have to try out some of it's famous food, this is what I would recommend you giving a try.
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