Filipino Cuisine: The 'Mixed-Heritage' Old Friend You Ought to Know

When it comes to Southeast Asian cuisine, you might instantly think of Thai Tom Yum Goong or Vietnamese Pho. But if you were asked about Filipino food, many might be stumped, perhaps even feeling it carries an air of culinary mystery, a touch of the unknown.

But I'd like to say, that might be your biggest misconception about food.

Filipino cuisine, in fact, is more like a 'mixed-heritage' old friend you wish you’d met sooner. It embodies the vibrant passion of the Spanish, the practical wisdom of Chinese cooking, and the sunny spirit of Southeast Asian islands. It might seem new at first glance, but once you engage with it, you’ll discover that your 'souls' are incredibly compatible.

Why Do We Call It Your 'Old Friend'?

This friend, just like you, is a die-hard 'rice lover'. In the Philippines, rice is the undeniable star; any dish, from national staples to street food, feels incomplete without rice alongside it. Doesn't this devotion to rice feel familiar to you?

Secondly, its hospitality is definitely something you're familiar with – sharing. Filipinos love "Sama-sama," which means placing all the dishes in the middle of the table for families or groups of friends to joyfully share. This pleasure of 'communal eating' isn't about what you eat, but who you eat with. Isn't this precisely the essence of 'togetherness' in our culture?

Most importantly, its signature dishes will make you taste the flavours of home.

To get to know this friend, you absolutely must start with a dish called Adobo. This dish is hailed as the Philippines' national braise, slow-cooked pork or chicken with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. When that rich, savoury, sour, and sweet sauce is poured over rice, you might close your eyes and instantly be transported back to your own kitchen. Isn't this the perfect harmony of soy sauce and vinegar that we're so familiar with?

Then there's Pancit (Filipino stir-fried noodles), whose status in the Philippines is akin to our longevity noodles; it's a must-have for birthdays and celebrations. These richly-ingrediented stir-fried noodles, imbued with that distinctive wok flavour, make every bite so familiar and satisfying.

What 'New Surprises' Will It Bring You?

Of course, this old friend will also bring you completely new surprises that will broaden your culinary horizons.

When the weather is hot, it will serve up a bowl of Sinigang (Filipino sour soup). This soup derives its natural sourness from tamarind; it's refreshing and appetising, instantly dispelling the summer heat. Unlike Tom Yum Goong, it's not spicy, but rather a more direct, crisper sourness, truly unique.

At parties and celebrations, it will grandly present Lechon (roasted suckling pig). The whole suckling pig is roasted until its skin is golden and incredibly crispy; with every slice, you can hear a distinct 'crunch,' while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. This extreme textural contrast is the ultimate temptation that no food lover can resist.

If you want to experience a more authentic vibe, you absolutely must try Sisig (sizzling chopped pig parts). Chopped pig's head (or various pork parts) sizzles on a scorching hot plate, accompanied by onions, chillies, and a raw egg. A squeeze of lemon juice, and the aroma is simply irresistible. This is definitely beer's best companion, and the most comforting solace for a late night.

How to Better 'Connect' With This New Friend?

To truly understand this new friend, the best way is to 'converse' with it – to taste it yourself, to engage.

But sometimes, language can be a small barrier. You might want to ask the restaurant owner for their most authentic recommendations, or perhaps tell them "less spicy," or after tasting that amazing Adobo, genuinely want to exclaim, "That's delicious!"

That's where a tool like Intent comes in handy. It's a chat app with built-in AI translation, enabling you to communicate effortlessly with anyone in the world. You can use it to naturally ask for restaurant recommendations, customise your preferences, or even express your appreciation for the food to the chef. It breaks down language barriers, allowing you to focus on the real connection – food and human connection.

Want to give it a try? Click here: https://intent.app/

So, next time, don't hesitate. Go and get to know Filipino cuisine, this warm, familiar, and surprising old friend. You'll find that the best flavours are often hidden in your next brave attempt.