MANILA — Christmas is a festive and celebrated occasion in the Philippines, and the holiday season is marked by various delicious and traditional foods. Here are five popular Christmas foods in the Philippines:
1. Lechon (Roast Pig): Lechon is a Filipino culinary treasure and is often the centerpiece of festive occasions, including Christmas. The whole pig is roasted until the skin is crispy, and the meat is tender and flavorful. It’s a symbol of celebration and is enjoyed by many during Christmas feasts.
2. Puto Bumbong and Bibingka: These are traditional Filipino rice cakes commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season. Puto Bumbong is made from purple sticky rice, steamed in bamboo tubes, and usually served with butter, grated coconut, and brown sugar. Bibingka, on the other hand, is a rice cake baked with coconut milk and topped with salted eggs, grated coconut, and cheese.
3. Hamon (Christmas Ham): Inspired by Spanish cuisine, Christmas ham is a staple on Filipino Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) tables. The ham is usually sweet and savory, often glazed with a mixture of pineapple juice, sugar, and sometimes a touch of cloves. It’s typically served sliced and can be eaten on its own or with bread.
4. Queso de Bola (Edam Cheese): Queso de Bola is a round-shaped Edam cheese that is often associated with Christmas in the Philippines. It’s a common gift during the holiday season and is usually served on the Noche Buena table. It pairs well with ham and pandesal (bread rolls) and is a favorite among both children and adults.
5. Fruit Salad: Filipino-style fruit salad is a popular dessert during Christmas. It’s a mixture of various canned fruits like fruit cocktail, kaong (sugar palm fruit), nata de coco (coconut gel), and sometimes tapioca pearls, all blended together with sweetened condensed milk. Some variations may include grated cheese or buko (young coconut).
These are just a few examples of the delicious Christmas foods you might find in the Philippines. The combination of these dishes reflects the unique blend of Filipino and international influences in the country’s cuisine.
(Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)