Why Filipinos Love to Eat International Delicacies
Filipinos love to eat a wide variety of food, but they especially love to try something new. On practically every street corner in the Philippines, you can find a food truck or trailer. I am no exception, so let me tell you a story as to why I, as a Filipino, love to eat food and taste the delicacies of other cultures.
During my internship days, my co-interns always asked me to go with them to buy snacks during the afternoon break. One day, I saw an unusual kind of bread at the food kiosk. I asked manang what kind of bread it was, and she said it was an Indian delicacy. Out of curiosity, I bought myself one to try, and on the first bite, I was amazed. There was a delicious mix of Indian spices, and the flavor blended well with the pastry. This India food, called Samosa, has savory fillings including spices, potatoes, onions, peas, chicken, and other meats, and also has lentils baked into the puff pastry.
I have added Samosa to the list of delicacies that I love to eat, but there are many others that Filipinos including myself love to eat. Here are the top 5 foreign foods that Filipinos love to eat.
Top 5 Foreign Foods That Filipinos Love to Eat
1. Burger
Nothing beats a good, juicy burger. The burger is one of the most beloved foods around the world. Originating in the United States and Germany, the burger was introduced to the Filipinos by the Americans when they came to the islands during the Spanish-American War. Once adopted by the locals, the burger became widely popular and many locals started making their own. One such burger that took the nation by storm and continues to be loved by Filipinos and overcomes the world from the most well-known food chain in the Philippines, Jollibee.
Probably most well known for their juicy and tender Chicken Joy, Jollibee also makes the delicious Yum burger! This burger has always been special to me as my mom always took me out for a Yum burger after attending mass. One bite of the Yum burger and all my favorite childhood memories come rushing back.
2. Pizza
This food is the most popular among groups of friends or barkadas. Filipinos always want to have fun, especially on Friday nights at the end of long work and school weeks. One such way they try to unwind is by sharing food at the usual tambayan. For Filipino teenagers, the most popular and ordered food is pizza. A Pizza Delivery Expert is much needed in the Philippines since the demand is so high and because Filipinos love to eat Pizza until late into the evening. Filipinos love all sorts of flavors as well. My personal favorite is the Hawaiian because it reminds me of summer. I find it funny that people continue to debate whether pizza should or should not have pineapple, but I say to each his own. Pizza is pizza, and I say let pizza lovers enjoy whatever they enjoy.
3. Takoyaki
Ohayo!!!! I was introduced to this famous Japanese delicacy, and I was pleasantly surprised. Takoyaki, also known as octopus balls, is created from a wheat flour batter and baked in a unique molded pan. It’s usually packed with an octopus that’s been minced or diced, tempura leftovers, pickled ginger, and green onion. I remember this dish because of the amazing balance of savory with the sweet sauce. If you ever have the opportunity to try these octopus balls, I highly recommend you do so.
4. Carbonara
Oh man! This pasta delicacy is my favorite of all time because of the taste of the cream and the bacon bits scattered on top. By now, you know I’m talking about the famous Filipino wannabe Italian dish, Carbonara. Traditionally, Carbonara is a pasta dish composed of egg, hard cheese, cured pig, and black pepper. It originated in Rome and its modern form with its current name came about in the middle of the twentieth century, the dish took on its modern form, with its current name. Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a blend of the two is typically used.
However, the Filipino version varies from the more traditional form as it replaces the egg with cream. I remember that I first tasted this pasta dish with my grandma, and I was amazed to see that white sauce can be used on pasta. As a kid, I only knew of Filipino-style spaghetti. My first slurp of Carbonara was the best and tastiest I remember because of the combination of cream, bacon, and cheese.
5. Kimchi
Since my teenage years, this iconic side dish has been stuck in my head because of watching Korean dramas. Kimchi is a classic Korean side dish comprised of salted and fermented vegetables such as napa cabbage and Korean radish, cooked with a broad variety of seasonings such as gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal.
I recommend Kimchi to be eaten with barbecue and some fried fish. This will enhance the flavor of the main dish by adding a spicy flavor, and it is a healthy side dish that you can eat every day. You can find Kimchi in Philippines in every Korean store and even in Puregold, SM Supermarkets, and other local markets.
Now that you know why Filipinos love to eat international dishes, perhaps try authentic Filipino foods to enjoy the best fiesta taste in the world. Stay tuned for my next yummy article!
