(Unsplash photo courtesy of (L-R: Ailiv Aceron, Kat Luz and John Matthew Flores)
Filipino food is known for its fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from Spanish, Chinese and Malay cuisines. Despite its influences from across the world, authentic Filipino food is easy to recreate at home with the right ingredients. In this guide, we share three tips to follow for an authentic taste of the Philippines.
Search for speciality ingredients
Begin by discovering where to find authentic Filipino ingredients, so you can bring traditional flavours into your kitchen. You may want to look at local markets or speciality stores in your area, or try ordering online from trusted Filipino food companies and vendors. Calamansi, bagoong, or pandan leaves are all great ingredients to get you started, as are chilli pastes, jams and marmalades.
Many traditional Filipino dishes use a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. These ingredients can be found in most supermarkets and can easily add a touch of Filipino flavour to your meals – you truly don’t have to travel far to find authentic Filipino tastes.
Be inspired by traditional dishes
Once you have your hands on some authentic Filipino ingredients, it’s time to put them to use by trying out some traditional recipes. Adobo, sinigang, and adobong manok are just a few popular dishes that you can easily recreate at home – these dishes are known for their unique blend of salty, sour, and savoury flavours that perfectly represent Filipino cuisine.
Learn tips from Filipino chefs online or through a recipe book to create mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of the Philippines. You can also put your own spin on traditional dishes by incorporating local ingredients or adding a unique twist. Filipino cuisine is known for its fusion of flavours, so don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative in the kitchen to create a dish that suits your unique taste or dietary preferences.
Create an enjoyable atmosphere
Food is an important part of Filipino culture, so you’ll want to make sure you take time to enjoy your meal and truly savour each bite. Part of this means setting the scene, and fostering a relaxed atmosphere that’ll allow you to totally lean into the Filipino dining experience.
Create the perfect Filipino ambiance at home by playing traditional music, using festive decorations, and embracing family-style dining. Consider inviting your loved ones to enjoy your dishes with you, to feel the warm, welcoming spirit of the Philippines. Serve your dishes in large bowls and encourage your guests to eat with their hands where appropriate – remember to observe traditional Filipino etiquette for the most authentic experience.
Flavours that should be experienced by all foodies
Traditional Filipino food is packed full of delicious flavours that should be experienced by anyone passionate about cooking. Plan a foodie adventure abroad to experience Filipino food straight from the source, or have fun recreating authentic dishes from the comfort of your home. No matter how you choose to sample Filipino flavours, you’re bound to be impressed.
Author bio: Anna Hart
Anna is an avid traveller with a passion for all things food. She enjoys trying new flavours on her travels, and sharing authentic recipes with her family and friends.