Exploring the Rich Culinary Heritage of the Philippines: A Guide to Food and Travel

The Philippines, situated in the Southeast Asian region, is a country renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. With more than 7,000 islands, the country is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food. From savory stews to sweet desserts or perhaps crunchy snack foods, Filipino cuisine is a perfect combination of different influences not only from her neighboring Asian region but as well as from other countries. Of course, Filipino cuisine has its own unique twist. For travel and food enthusiasts, the Philippines is a must-visit destination. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to experience the country’s rich culinary heritage and discover the best food and travel destinations.

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1. Experience Filipino Street Food

One of the best ways to experience the food and culture of the Philippines is by exploring the local street food scene. Filipinos love to eat, and there's no better place to share this than on the streets. On every corner of the streets in the country, there is no shortage of these mouth-watering delicacies. From grilled meat skewers like chicken cue to sweet treats like turon and banana cue, there are a lot of choices to choose from. You can never go hungry from this vast selection of street foods. Here are some must-try Filipino street food: Isaw - grilled chicken or pig intestines

• Balut - boiled duck embryo

• Taho - sweet and soft tofu served with syrup and tapioca pearls.

• Kwek-Kwek - quail eggs coated in orange batter and deep-fried.

• Inihaw na Liempo - grilled pork belly

• Fish ball – deep fried ground fish

2. Visit Traditional Markets and Food Hubs

Visiting local markets and culinary hubs is a great way to immerse yourself in the Filipino gastronomy and tourism scene. These establishments represent the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine, offering a wide range of options for enjoying authentic and excellent cuisine. Visiting the nation's cities, it's rare not to see these historic markets and food centers as they have become tourist attractions. Here are some of the Philippines' most famous traditional markets and culinary centers for more information.

• Salcedo Market in Makati - a weekend market that offers a wide variety of food, from Filipino to international cuisine.

• Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City - a night market that offers a variety of food from different regions in the Philippines.

• Dampa in Paranaque - a seafood market where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked according to your liking.

• Night Market in Iligan- also, a weekend market with a variety of Filipino cuisine like the famous lechon and the hanging rice

3. Take a Food Tour

If you want to experience the best of Filipino cuisine, perhaps a culinary tour will be your top option. Food tours are recently becoming a popular activity in the Philippines as more and more tourist, both local and international, are now venturing to different areas to try local cuisines. This is also a great way to explore regions in the country and try their local delicacies and versions of Filipino cuisines. For food tours in the country, consider the following:

• Binondo Food Walk in Manila - a walking tour of Manila's Chinatown that features delicious Chinese-Filipino cuisine, such as dim sum, siopao, and hopia.

• Poblacion Food Crawl in Makati - a tour that takes you to different bars and restaurants in Makati's trendy Poblacion neighborhood.

• Cebu Food Tour - a tour that takes you to the best restaurants and food hubs in Cebu, where you can try some of the province's famous dishes like lechon and danggit.

• Uptown Cagayan de Oro’s Night market – a great spot for a variety of affordable and delicious food with varieties of grilled cuisines to choose from

4. Discover the Roots of Filipino Cuisine

To truly appreciate Filipino cuisine, it is important to understand its roots and history. Filipino cuisine reflects the country's rich history and culture, and exploring its origins can be a fascinating and educational experience. Here are some of the best places to learn about Filipino cuisine.

• The National Museum of Natural History in Manila - the museum features an exhibit that explores the origins of Filipino cuisine and how it has evolved over time.

• Pampanga Culinary Tour - Pampanga is known as the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines," and a tour of the province is a great way to learn about the history of Filipino cuisine. Some of the must-visit places in Pampanga are the San Fernando Culinary School and the Pampanga Arts and Culture Institute.

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5. Learn to Cook Filipino Dishes

After all, one of the best ways to experience Filipino cuisine is to learn how to cook it yourself. Cooking classes are growing in popularity in the Philippines and are a great way to learn about Filipino cuisine and culture. Here are some of the best cooking classes in the Philippines.

• The Maya Kitchen in Makati - offers a variety of cooking classes, including Filipino cuisine.

• Market manila Cooking Classes in Tagaytay - a unique experience that takes you to the local market to buy ingredients and then teaches you how to cook a traditional Filipino dish.

The Philippines is a foodie's paradise. With its diverse cuisine and rich culinary traditions, there is always something new to discover. From exploring the local street food scene, and taking food tours, to learning how Filipino dishes are made, there are many ways to experience the best of Filipino cuisine. Next time you plan your trip, add the Philippines to your itinerary and get ready for a delicious adventure.

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