Best known for its unique variety of dishes, from the traditions of various ethnicity groups and tribes of the archipelago, enriched with the country’s long-lived history of influences.
You can definitely taste the Spanish, Chinese, India, and western influences with each Filipino food dishes. With a mixture of sweet, salty and sour flavor, it may surprise to some people the distinct taste, the creativity and diversity. Simple to cook and always a pleasure to serve and eat.
In this article, we are featuring some of the Filipino food products that are staple in the kitchen. Recommendations as to which versatile products are used frequently in the kitchen (a must-haves). Time-saver hacks of preparing food. Food recipes that’s easy to follow but deliciously good.
Let me take you down memory lane. In the early 90’s, Lucky ME! Instant Pancit Canton was introduced to the Philippine market. The first dry stir-fry pouched noodles. It was a big hit! Filipinos were in awe.
Their love for noodles stir-frying was brought to another level. Since the preparation of the original pancit canton stir-fry recipe, could take you around 30 minutes while this instant pack is only taking 3-4 minutes of your time for you and the whole family to dig in. Fast and with the same taste as to the original. Amazing right?
Now let’s move on to the product that is a staple in almost any Asian household, a must-have in a pantry, the Soy Sauce! Filipinos call it “Toyo”. There’s a little bit difference from the texture compare to some other asian countries’ because the Filipino’s version of soy sauce is thinner and has a saltier taste.
First introduced by the Chinese way back 2000 years ago, its salty, umami flavor enriches the flavor of Filipinos favorite cooked dishes. It’s like one of the kitchen’s best friend. When mixed with calamansi (The Philippine lime) or vinegar and other spices, it serves as a delicious dip (sawsawan) for many Filipino favorites including roast pork (lechon) ,or grilled meat and seafood (yum!). And just like the salt, “it makes things taste better”.
The love of filipinos for celebrating occasions is evidently clear. From birthdays, graduations, even to every achievements, anniversaries to holidays and fiestas. These best celebrated, aside from music, dancing and karaoke is certainly with good food! (Yes, Of course). It is what brings life and flavor to celebrations.
One special and a contender to most popular dish that’s always present and prepared to every occasions is Pancit (Noodles). It has its origins in Chinese culture, and is believed to symbolize long life and good health. There are different varieties of pancit noodles depends on which region of the country you are from.
But let’s focus with one variety for now. The pancit bihon or rice vermicelli. A thin form of noodle and sometimes referred to as “rice noodles” or “rice sticks”. The famous recipe for pancit bihon is Pancit Bihon Guisado or rice noodles sauté. Primarily consist of noodles, vegetables and slices of meat and shrimp then seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce and other seasonings. Recipes you might want to try on the link down below.
Now let’s hop on to the finale course, the dessert!
One of the country’s key product is sugar, so it is no doubt that the love for sugar of the Filipinos are undeniably clear as crystal. That, it is no surprise from their wide variety of sweet delicacies.
One of it, is the Gulaman. Made of processed gracilaria seaweed which were first cultivated commercially in the Philippines. Take Note: It’s a great option for gelatin (for vegetarians) . Can be in a bar or powdered form used to make jelly-like desserts.
Often based on cream, milk and various fruits. Usually seen sold on the streets, school canteen, sometimes on sari-sari stores(a small store that sells everything!).It is best served when chilled. A perfect refreshing treat to enjoy the tropical sun.
Certified food lovers. Yes, Filipinos are! Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, filipinos love to eat at mid mornings, afternoon merienda and midnight snacks too. And preparing a bread/sandwiches could be time consuming. This is the reason which made them turn their heads into a go-to snacks.
They said “you are not you when you are hungry. Would you agree?
One of the famous go-to snacks of Filipinos is Skyflakes crackers. A fast solution to one’s hunger which you can keep in the bag or pocket anywhere, everywhere. Have it anytime!
Loved through many generations since it was first introduced in the 60’s. It has its origin from the country itself.
Introducing our Baked crisps coconut purple yam banana. Another snack option that’s a combination with what The Philippines best known resources. Coconut, which is considered as a “Tree of life”of the filipinos. Enriched with antioxidants, high levels of good cholesterol that’s good for the heart, fiber and low carbs. Purple yam, a nutritious starchy root vegetable. Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
And lastly is the banana (the staple fruit in the Filipino diet), a good source of potassium, dietary fiber and a number of vitamins and minerals as well. What could be better than a healthy munch?
We have put down together the list of the products that were mentioned above.
Lucky Me Pancit Canton Original Flavor
Need no fresh vegetables to chop. Need to long cooking time process. This one’s for you!
Cook noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes. Mix special seasoning, soy sauce and oil on a plate to form a paste. Drain noodles and place on the plate with the prepared sauce. Mix well. And voila!
You’ll have a same taste as the original pancit canton recipe in a minute!
It comes with variety of flavors too! Like kalamansi (Philippine lime), sweet and spicy, chilimansi and hot spicy.
You might want to grab one.
Silver Swan Soy sauce
An all-purpose sauce made from fermented soya beans, this gives salty and umami taste to dish.
Best use for stir-frying, marinades and dips. And The Philippines all-time favorite dish “adobo” recipe:
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork belly, 2 tablespoons garlic, 5 dried bay leaves, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peppercorn, 2 cups water, salt to taste
How to cook: Combine the pork belly, soy sauce, and garlic then marinade for at least 1 hour. Heat the pot and put-in the marinated pork belly then cook for a few minutes!
Pour remaining marinade including garlic. Add water, whole pepper corn, and dried bay leaves then bring to a boil. Simmer for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Put-in the vinegar and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Add salt to taste!
Serve hot. Share and enjoy!
Super Q Golden bihon
Typically used for dishes such as Pancit Bihon Guisado (Rice Noodles saute), a popular noodle dish mixed with chicken, and vegetables.
Ingredients: 1 lb pancit bihon Rice Noodles ,1/2 lb. chicken cooked, deboned, and cut into thin slices, 1/8 lb. snow peas, 1 cup carrot, 1/2 small cabbage chopped, 1 cup celery leaves chopped finely, 1 onion chopped, 1/2 tbsp garlic minced, 1 chicken cube, 5 tbsp soy sauce, 3 to 4 cups water.
How to cook: In a large pot, Saute the garlic and onion Add chicken then let cook for 2 minutes Add the chicken cube and water then simmer for 15 minutes Put in the carrots, pea pod, cabbage, and celery leaves and simmer for a few minutes.
Remove all the ingredients in the pot except for the liquid and set them aside In the pot with the liquid in, add the soy sauce and mix well Add the pancit bihon (makes sure to first soak it in water for about 10 minutes) and mix well.
Cook until liquid evaporates completely Put-in the vegetables and meat that were previously cooked and simmer for a minute or two Serve hot. Share and enjoy!
Myth Trivia: One of an Asian myth that because noodles are physically long, eating them helps people live long lives.
This myth also claims that noodles should not be cut. One should eat long noodles as they are without cutting them because cutting them would mean cutting one’s longevity. Interesting, right?
Mr. Hat Gulaman Red
Used in the various Filipino refreshments or desserts such as sago at gulaman, buko pandan, agar flan, halo-halo, fruit cocktail jelly, different varieties of Filipino fruit salads.
A powdered base jelly made from the finest natural seaweed extract.
Here’s an economical and time saving way to prepare it: Just Add 5 cups of water into the saucepan. Gradually add 1 sachet of gulaman powder to the saucepan. Do not turn on the stove yet. Mix it.
Continue mixing even after turning the stove on. Cook it for 5 minutes. Let it boil. Stir it from time to time. Transfer ut to a container and use a strainer to filter the solid parts. Let it cool down and chill it.
Slice the hard jelly and make cubes. Get ready for a festivity!
Baked Crisps
The beautiful color of these crisps comes from our purple yam ingredient and with the mix of banana and coconut. Take note: it’s baked, not fried!
This snack gives you the nutritional value of 3 ingredients in one pack. To those who are health conscious and mindful of their food intake, here’s for you!
– Gluten Free
– No Cholesterol
– Vegan Friendly
– Halal Certified
– Less than 100 calories per serving
What a guilt-free indeed!
Skyflakes Crackers
Snack-on-the-Go! Perfect for those who are looking for a satisfying and delicious snack. Known for its crisp taste and retention of oven-baked freshness.
Rich source of iron, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These crackers are made from high-quality wheat flour and are carefully crafted to create a perfect balance of taste and texture.
They are light, flaky and buttery, making them the perfect snack for any occasion.
Or you might want some easy toppings idea: Skyflakes cracker topped with cream cheese light, smoked salmon, avocado, tsp of mayo and add salt and pepper. Yummy in the tummy!
Conclusion
We have seen a glimpse of the Filipino culture through few Filipino products that were featured. And obviously, food has play a big part to it.
From how colorful the festivities are, fun parties and celebrations, inventive with creating new things, how well deep-rooted to its traditions and beliefs. Amazingly, it all bind together with the food shared on the table. It is what shaped the way Filipinos live.
Aside from the food itself, the moments together is priceless for it’s making memories for a lifetime. Creating stronger family ties.
Asian Bits offers a wide variety of filipino products to choose from. Explore more in our online shop.
