Why Does the World Misunderstand Filipino Cuisine?
The perception of Filipino cuisine as simplistic and unhealthy is a common misconception. In reality, the culinary landscape of the Philippines is rich and diverse, offering a wide array of flavors, textures, and regional specialties that are cherished by the locals and revered by food enthusiasts.
Understanding the Filipino Kitchen
When you enter the kitchen of a poor to middle-class Filipino home, the ingredients list may seem limited. The staples include black pepper, onions, chili, bay leaves, ginger, and sometimes lemongrass. Magnap magic sarap or MSG is often the key flavor enhancer. Herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, and fresh parsley are less common in daily cooking, as they are often considered luxuries.
For a regular Filipino worker, filling the stomach with energy is the primary concern, leading to a preference for hearty and flavorful dishes. Thus, heavy rice and rich, oily foods are common. A typical workday involves spending 9 hours at work, 2-3 hours in traffic (often longer in Manila), which makes it difficult to prepare nutritious meals at home.
Discovering the Richness of Filipino Gastronomy
It is crucial to explore the true richness of Filipino gastronomy beyond the limited view often associated with metro area restaurants. To truly appreciate the depth of Filipino cuisine, it is highly recommended to venture to the provinces, where the flavors and techniques are more vivid and authentic.
One dish that is highly recommended is La Paz Batchoy from Ilo-Ilo City. This noodle dish features a beef bone soup stock that is simmered for hours, incorporating meat innards, fresh miki, and fresh vegetables. It is typically served topped with crispy chicharron. You get to add salt and soy sauce to your preference.
Another dish to explore is Pater from the Muslim Mindanao region. This steamed rice dish is topped with shredded meat (either chicken or beef) cooked in palm oil and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and paired with a spicy condiment called palapa. A true culinary delight!
World-Class Filipino Cuisine
Despite the common perception, the Philippine breakfast is highly regarded. Dishes like tocino, tapa, and longganisa are considered top-tier in Asia. Main courses such as sisig, lechon, and kaldereta are also beloved by food enthusiasts. Local fastfood chains like Mang Inasal, specializing in grilled chicken with annatto, offer a taste of the regional flavors in a fast and accessible way.
However, it is important to note that the quality and standards of Filipino restaurants can vary significantly. This is why many foreigners may express disappointment with a dish, often having tried it at a lower-tier restaurant. Exploring the provinces can help one discover the true richness and depth of Filipino cuisine.
The Philippines has a vast culinary heritage that is still awaiting recognition on the global stage. By delving into the regional dishes and experiencing the authentic flavors, one can gain a deeper appreciation for this diverse and flavorful cuisine.