【講師コラム】ハーヴィー講師No.７～Budol Fight: A Finger-Lickin’ Good Filipino Tradition～

Hey there, Buzz foodies! Today, I’m sharing with you a unique Filipino tradition that’s not just
delicious but also loads of fun – the Budol Fight. Let me take you on a journey through this wonderful experience by sharing some of my real-life experience that prove it’s not just about food; it’s about bonding, laughter, and joy.
The term “Budol Fight” doesn’t have a direct translation, but it essentially means “to grab ahold.”
It’s a communal way of eating, where a variety of dishes typically served on banana leaves are spread out in the center of the table. No fancy cutlery and utensils—just your hands and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

One of the most memorable Budol Fights I had was when I was 16 years old during my
grandmother’s birthday celebration in one of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines – Bohol. It was a summer day, and the air was filled with comforting scents of traditional Filipino dishes.
The dishes were strategically placed in the center of the table, each with its own unique flavor.
There was a newly served crispy lechon, the fragrant scent of delicious adobo, and the sinigang, with its tantalizing sourness – all represents the essence of Filipino culture. My father gave the signal after the prayer to commence the feast. With the first bites, my cousins teased each other about our messy eating habits, and the elders enjoyed themselves with the delicious dishes paired with cold beers. We all shared our favorite dishes, and our smiles grew wider with every spoonful.
The unexpected moment during our budol fight was as we reached the end of our feast, we
discovered a surprise hidden beneath the banana leaves. My aunts and uncles had secretly arranged a sweet mango ice cream as dessert to cool us down after the hearty meal. It was a sweet ending to a fantastic gathering.


The Budol Fight is not just about the food, it’s about the people and the memories created. It’s a
reminder that the most memorable experiences are often the messy ones. By the end of the meal, we were all content, bellies full, hearts warmed, and new memories formed. This is a tradition that embodies the heart and soul of Filipino hospitality. It teaches us to appreciate the simple joys of life, the pleasure of good company, and the delight of sharing a delicious meal.