【講師コラム】エセル講師No.20～What Filipino foods do I highly recommend?～

Whenever I have the chance to write on a particular topic, I’m always eager to share my thoughts, as it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with Englishbuds’ enthusiastic followers. With that in mind, I’d like to share my recommendations for must-try Filipino foods to the best of my knowledge.

Filipino cuisine boasts a wide array of flavors and dishes that Japanese food enthusiasts may find intriguing and delectable. I had the pleasure of introducing these culinary delights to two of my adult students during their visit to the Philippines. Here are some of their favorites:

BULALO: I highly recommend this dish as it’s also a cherished comfort food in my family, especially during cold, rainy days. It’s easy to prepare; you can find a recipe here: The receipe BULALO

Chicken INASAL: My student, who frequented the Philippines, never missed a chance to savor chicken inasal, undoubtedly his favorite. You can try making it using this recipe: The receipe Chicken INASAL

Lechon: Derived from the Spanish word for roasted suckling pig, lechon is one of the Philippines’ most beloved dishes. The slowly-roasted suckling pig is typically stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives before being roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire.

SISIG: I first had this savory dish when my mother-in-law prepared it for a special occasion. It was the best sisig I’ve ever tasted, as she hails from the dish’s hometown and prepares it perfectly. Find a recipe here: The recipe SISIG

Adobo: Undoubtedly the most popular Filipino dish due to its irresistible aroma. I often recommend it to my adult students as the ingredients are readily available. You can try your hand at it using this recipe: Adobo Recipe

Sinigang: This is my ultimate comfort food as it’s a complete meal in itself. I particularly enjoy it on hot summer days. Despite being a soup dish, its fruity, sour-salty broth makes it remarkably refreshing. Recipe here: Pork Sinigang Recipe.

Palabok: In my childhood, my grandfather would serve me palabok and pandesal almost every morning, along with a glass of fresh carabao’s milk. It was the most delightful breakfast for me. Recipe Palabok

Halo-Halo: For Filipinos, no summer is complete without indulging in halo-halo. Explore this delightful dessert here: Recipe Halo-Halo

Mango Graham Cake: My frequent visitor from Japan once declared it the best cake she’d ever tasted. I personally prepared it for her as a welcoming treat. Here’s the recipe: Recipe Mango Graham Cake

Filipino cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious dishes that Japanese food lovers should try. There is a lot more to discover, as Filipino food offers a variety of flavors and textures that can appeal to almost any taste. Let’s enjoy!