Food of the Philippines

One thing that I learned to love very quickly was the variety of food available in the Philippines. In manila particularly there is a vast selection of food from all over the world. With many businesses setting up call centers from many different countries you find all kinds of restaurants. From the big chains from the United States to small local eateries that cater to travelers and locals alike.

Aside from the chains there is the food that the people of the Philippines themselves love and that food is magnificent. It is a blend of other Asian cultures along with the cultures of some of the countries that occupied it over history. It tends to be primarily a mix of Chinese, Malay and Spanish with bits and pieces of other cuisine thrown in. I have had the simplest dishes you can think as well as some fabulously exotic dishes. There was an unbelievably good fried dumpling with a filling of Sea Urchin and a dough that was almost completely black since a large portion of the liquid used in the making of the dough was squid ink. I had a green curry beef dish that was hotter than anything I have ever had. The spice made it actually painful to eat but the flavors that came through the heat were so incredibly good that I just had to go back for more.

Pork, chicken and seafood are the primary meats you are likely to find. Another favorite of mine is Crispy Pata which is the front or hind leg of a pig from the knuckles up. It is boiled until tender in a pot of seasoned water and then allowed to drip dry. A liberal layer of flour is sprinkled over the pata and then it is placed in a pot of hot oil and deep fried whole until the outside it crispy brown and delicious. It is then served with a number of dipping sauces.

Sisig is another favorite of mine. It is finely chopped pig parts (the parts that you would probably never eat in the US) that are then fried until crispy and served with sauces.

One thing you will find is that rice is an absolute staple of the Philippines. About a month into my trip I was a bit hungry for something American again so I went to a KFC in Makati. The chicken was as I remembered it. The 11 herbs and spices remained the same as far as I could tell but along with the meal there was a small square paper wrapped bundle with the meal. When I opened it was a block of rice. Rice is served with almost everything.

When you go to the Philippines do not be afraid to try new foods. My outlook on food is that I will try anything once. If I don't like it I don't ever have to eat it again but if I don't try it, it could be something that I absolutely love and I would never know.