The ham stick has been a traditional snack in the Philippines for many years, loved by both children and adults. You can see people queuing to buy it in the streets and alleys of the Philippines. Its popularity stems from its representation of the traditional Filipino culinary culture and its delicious taste, making it a favorite among foreign visitors. This snack has also been endorsed by many celebrities.
Barbecue reflects the customs and culture of a country, and Filipino-style barbecue is somewhat famous worldwide. Lechon (roast pig) is a staple dish here, served during festivals and gatherings. The whole pig is used, with the insides removed, coated with aromatic spices, and then slowly roasted over charcoal. During roasting, a layer of oil mixed with a special seasoning is brushed on the pig's skin, giving it a dark red color, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Besides lechon, chicken, fish, and shrimp can also be grilled.
The local cuisine in the Philippines best reflects its culture and history. Filipino dishes, aside from local specialties, are also heavily influenced by Chinese and Spanish cuisines. There are many Chinese restaurants, Japanese eateries, and Western restaurants in the Philippines to cater to diverse tastes.
Characteristics of Filipino local dishes include the use of vinegar and a large amount of garlic and other spicy seasonings in any dish, even soups. The clever fusion of Eastern and Western flavors creates a unique taste. Representative dishes include: "Lechon," a typical festive dish made from roasted pork; and "Adobo," a home-cooked dish made from marinated chicken or pork, which is preserved well due to vinegar being the main seasoning, making it flavorful. Some adobo dishes are made with squid and oysters. Additionally, fresh fish and vegetables cooked with the unique sour vinegar of the Philippines create the dish "Paksiw na Panga," and "Kinilaw," made from crushed fish or shrimp, are quite representative of Filipino flavors. "Inihaw" is a grilling method similar to barbecue, while "Rellenong" is a dish made from crab, looking luxurious yet quite affordable. Filipino rice, for some reason, is fluffy and not sticky, making it not very tasty.
The fruits of the Philippines are quite abundant, with many varieties of bananas and clever ways to eat them, such as steaming them with brown sugar, which has a flavor reminiscent of taro, fried banana strips, or grilled bananas, all of which are commonly found. Other fruits like mangoes and rambutan are both delicious and suitable for consumption. Additionally, there is a fruit similar to kumquat but with green skin, which Filipinos usually use in cooking, referred to as Philippine lemon.
