6 Delicious Filipino Dishes that's Worth a Bite

Filipino dishes might not be as popular as Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai, these are still worth a try. With 7,107 islands and an interesting history, this archipelago certainly has a wide variety of cuisines that are worth a try.

There's actually more to Filipino food than the famous, mind-boggling balut (duck embryo). Blessed with tropical fruits, creative cooks and seafood, you wouldn't know where to start!

1. Adobo

image from: budgetbytes.com

Ah! No list will ever be complete without adobo. This universal dish is, in fact, present in almost every household in the Philippines. Even though it has a Mexican origin, Filipinos found a way to make it their own. Cooked in vinegar, garlic, pepper, salt, soy sauce and other spices, this was a practical way to preserve chicken or pork with refrigeration.

2. Lechon

image from: lechonking.com

One, if not, the star of every dining celebration in the country.  Spit-roasted over coals, an entire pig turns golden-brown and served with liver sauce. To give it an extra flare, Cebuanos stuff the pig's stomach with pepper, star anise, laurel leaves, spring onions and lemon grass.

3. Sisig

image from: spot.ph

When it comes to this country, nothing goes to waste! This applies to the Sisig -- a sizzling dish made out of pork's head, cheeks and liver. Just add hot sauce and liquid seasoning, this chewy crunchy appetizer is the perfect beer pair!

4. Crispy Pata

image from: balita.com

Crispy pata is simmered pork knuckles, drained and deep fried until crispy. With a tender, juicy inside and crispy outside,  you will certainly ask for more!

5. Chicken Inasal

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When it comes to the citizens of Bacolod, this is no ordinary grilled chicken. The meat is marinated in calamansi, lemongrass, pepper, salt, garlic and brushed with achuete (annatto seeds) oil. For a best dining experience, serve with a generous amount of garlic rice and oil.

6. Kare- Kare

image from: maggi.ph

Made from crushed peanuts and ground toasted rice, kare-kare has the most delectable and nutty sauce in the world! To make it complete, it is mixed with eggplants, banana blossom and string beans! This stew of oxtail should be eaten with steamed rice and bagoong (shrimp paste).

Is your mouth salivating? I sure hope so!

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and visit the nearest restaurant that will serve the best Philippine cuisine to you and your family!

Celebrating Noche Buena Abroad

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No matter where we live, nothing will ever compare to the Christmas in the Philippines. There will always be that Simbang Gabi we attend for nine consecutive days and not to mention the bazaars and tiangges held throughout December. Indeed, Filipinos really know how to celebrate the true spirit of this holiday.

For those who are living abroad, they are seldom faced with a dilemma – how do we recreate a perfect Filipino food to celebrate this festive season?  Typical, yes, but a reality that most of us are faced with!

Do you want to experience a fusion of culinary goodness that highlights the best flavors while maintaining a Filipino essence? Here are 5 dishes you might want to try.

1. Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup

Made from fresh chicken broth, eggs, rice or orzo pasta and lemon zest, this lemon orzo soup will remind you of the traditional arroz caldo.  This will give hints of garlic and calamansi of the arroz caldo, but there is something about this soup that's different. Its flavors are indeed comforting and you know that you're tasting a new dish.

2. Queso de Bola Bibingka Souffle

Bibingka and queso de bola in one dish? This is a treat that will totally make your visitors come back for more! Pretty sure your grandparents wouldn't mind seeing their favorite bibingka baked in a different twist. And oh, the classic queso de bola makes it more special!

3. Ube Macaron

Make way for this delectable French dessert that will make your knees weak! This macaron will embellish your table like those dainty pearls on a black dress. More than that, the added ube flavor will give you a feel of home.

4. Dulce de Leche Flan

Noche Buena will never be complete without leche flan, an iconic dessert in the Philippines. This time, we turn it a notch by making this custard treat into a cheesecake. Your friends and family will be in for a surprise once they sink their teeth in this creamier and richer decadent dessert.

5. Porchetta ala Lechon Cebu

Don't you just miss the taste of lechon? Well, you can have one this Christmas! Porchetta ala Lechon Cebu is a smaller version of the traditional one, making it perfect if you're a family of four. This savory and delicious pork dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Can't you just wait for Christmas to come? With local ingredients and a touch of Philippine cuisine, you'll surely have a taste of home anywhere you are!