Food is an essential part of any travel experience. It can be a way to immerse yourself in the local culture, bond with new friends, and fuel your adventures. But with so many different cuisines to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
There are many different types of cuisine in the world, and it can be tough to know which one to try when traveling. But if you’re looking for a unique and delicious experience, you should definitely give Filipino food a try. That’s why we’re here to tell you why Filipino food is worth a try on your next trip.
There’s Something for Everyone
Filipino cuisine is a unique blend of influences from around the world, including Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American. This means that there’s bound to be something on the menu that you’ll like. If you like salty food, try the adobo which is made with pork or chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
If you’re a fan of sweets, surely there is a Filipino bakeshop that will have what you’re looking for. These sweets include, but not limited to: pastries, halo-halo (shaved ice with evaporated milk and fruits), and puto (fluffy rice cakes). And if you want something in between, there are dishes like kare-kare (a peanut stew) and sinigang (a tamarind soup) that are usually served with a side of white rice.
It’s Budget-friendly
Filipino meals are very affordable, even if you eat out at restaurants regularly. A meal for one person can cost as little as USD 2, and that’s for a filling dish like chicken adobo or pancit (stir-fried noodles). If you’re really looking to save, head to a local market and cook your own meals. You can get all the ingredients you need for a fraction of the price. Ingredients for simple meals like pancit include noodles, vegetables, chicken, and shrimp.
The People are Friendly and Welcoming
Filipinos are some of the most hospitable people in the world, and they love to share their food with visitors. Eating with locals is a great way to get insider information about the best places to go and things to do in town. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Filipino culture and make new friends. Food is the way for Filipinos to show their love, and they will be more than happy to share a meal (or two) with you. Having Filipino food when traveling is a great way to connect with locals and get a true taste of the country.
The Food is Healthy
Filipino dishes are typically made with fresh ingredients like vegetables, fruits, seafood, and lean meats. And since many meals are cooked with coconut milk instead of dairy, they’re also friendly for those who are lactose intolerant. This makes Filipino food a healthy option, especially if you’re looking to avoid processed foods. However, if you’re unfamiliar with most of the ingredients and condiments, it’s usually a good idea to seek advice from others about what would be best to eat.
Filipino soups and stews are typically healthy when eaten in moderation, but consume a lot of white rice, and they can become unhealthy. After all, sugar is present in everything from fruit to bread. However, too much of it may result in health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
You’ll Find Familiar Flavors
Even if you’ve never tried Filipino food before, you may be surprised by how familiar some flavors are. Common seasonings include garlic, ginger, onion, and vinegar—all of which are used in other popular cuisines such as Thai food and Chinese food. The combination of these flavors results in dishes that are both unique and tasty.
A lot of different flavors can be found in various Filipino dishes because of the numerous cultures that have influenced the cuisine like Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American. These influences paved the way for the creation of flavorful dishes that have a bit of something for everyone. For example, the influence of lumpia came from the Chinese, while adobo can be credited to the Spaniards. Also, the use of peanuts in stews came from the Malaysians while the use of coconut milk is thanks to the Indonesians.
Undeniably Delicious
Of course, the most important reason to try Filipino food is that it’s delicious. The unique blend of flavors and textures in each dish is sure to leave you wanting more. So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to add Filipino cuisine to your list of must-try foods!
Remember, when it comes to food, there is no such thing as too much exploration. So go out and find those hidden culinary gems! They’ll definitely be worth your while.
