Joanna James
From sizzling specialties, brothy servings to eyebrow-raising snacks, Filipino cuisine is an amalgamation of age-old traditions and novel creations. Should you be thinking of a visit to the capital of Manila, then here are 10 dishes that you must sample, at least once!
Having originated in the province of Pampanga, Pork Sisig has quickly become a staple in Filipino fare and a sought-after dish when in Manila. Made with finely chopped pig’s ears and chicken liver, Pork Sisig is habitually seasoned with bird’s eye chilli, calamansi, hot sauce and topped off with a fried egg. In terms of where to get your hands on some Sisig, consider Sisig Station at Taft Avenue, Malate, which is less than 10 minutes from the stylish lyf Malate Manila, thought to be one of the better hotels in Malate.
A dish that is made with an equally good amount of meat and veggies, Beef Mechado is next on your list of must-try food in Manila. Served at facilities such as Fely J’s Greenbelt 5, Beef Mechado is the result of stuffing pork fat inside a cut of beef and cooking same in a mix of tomato sauce, carrots and tomatoes.
Lechon or roasted pig is a common sight at all Filipino celebrations. Though the best versions are said to hail from Cebu, Manila sure does the dish justice in every sense of the phrase, especially if you dine at Sabroso Lechon.
On the topic of classic Pinoy cuisine to try, one can do no wrong by ordering a portion of the rich and peanutty Kare Kare. Made with tripe, oxtail, eggplant, a host of greens and peanut butter, Kare Kare is often paired with shrimp paste and white rice.
Prepared with either shrimp, beef or pork as its chief ingredient, Sinigang is a sour, Tamarind-based soup infused with a wide range of vegetables, including green beans, spinach and tomatoes. If traversing through the Greenbelt area, then you are bound to stumble upon eateries that make some of the city’s best Sinigang.
An adored meat serving that retains traces of traditional Filipino ways across the country, Adobo is one of the most affordable and great-tasting dishes that you will find in the Philippines. The dish is brought to life by simmering the meat in a marinade comprising vinegar, garlic, soy sauce and oil before being pan fried that gives it its distinct crispy appearance.
For a dish so simple to make, Bulalo sure does pull out all the stops en route to luring in the avid foodie exploring the streets of Manila. With regards to preparation, a beef shank is cooked in a broth until the fat and marrow melt away in the soup. Afterwards, corn and cabbage are tossed in and simmered to the desired level.
Sometimes consumed as a snack, Fresh Lumpia is a cross between a burrito and a spring roll. Complete with a filling consisting of carrots, lettuce, peanuts and meat, this appetising treat is accompanied with vinegar or if you can’t shy away from some sugar, then do dip into the famed sweet sauce. The Legaspi Sunday Market presents many opportunities to tuck into Fresh Lumpia.
If you’re wondering how bananas, pork shanks and a thick, rich soy-based sauce can coexist on one plate, then do find the nearest restaurant that offers Paksiyo Baboy Bisaya, such as for instance, Fely J’s Greenbelt 5.
The Philippines’ version of caramel pudding, Leche Flan can be savoured at any restaurant in the city. Considered one of the most popular desserts in the country, Leche Flan is creatively crafted out of egg yolk, custard and condensed milk that will in turn, awaken your sweet tooth in an instant.
Happen to be in the middle of planning your holiday to the Pearl of the Orient, also known as the Philippines? Then be sure to check out as many of the dishes listed out above for one fascinating and thought-provoking journey through Manila’s celebrated food scene.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
