Savor the flavors of Manila: What to eat
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and gastronomy. This city is a melting pot of influences from Spain, China, and Southeast Asia, making its culinary scene uniquely diverse. For travelers eager to dive into authentic Filipino cuisine, Manila presents an array of dishes that are a feast for the senses.
Adobo: The national dish
Adobo, often considered the national dish of the Philippines, is a savory stew made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Its versatility is celebrated, allowing for vegetables or tofu as the main ingredients. Each Filipino family has its own unique version of adobo, making it a deeply personal culinary experience to savor in Manila, reflecting the city's rich culinary diversity.
Sinigang: Sour soup delight
Sinigang is a testament to Filipinos' love for sour flavors. This soup is characterized by its tangy taste due to tamarind (or sometimes guava or calamansi) which gives it a distinctive flavor. Vegetables like water spinach (kangkong), radish (labanos), and eggplant add nutritional value and depth to the broth. Sinigang can be enjoyed with various plant-based sources for those seeking meat-free options.
Pancit: Noodle feast
A must-try in Manila is pancit, a noodle dish with Chinese roots but a Filipino twist through local ingredients. Varieties like pancit canton or pancit bihon feature different noodles and vegetables such as carrots and cabbage, often with tofu as protein. Beyond its delicious taste, pancit is also a symbol of long life in Filipino culture, making it a meaningful meal to enjoy.
Lumpia: Crispy spring rolls
Lumpia are Filipino spring rolls that come in many varieties; however, lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring roll) stands out with its soft crepe filled with stir-fried vegetables like sweet potato (camote), bean sprouts (togue), green beans (Baguio beans), and bamboo shoots (labong). Wrapped neatly and served with a sweet garlic sauce on top or on the side makes lumpia an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Halo-halo: Iced dessert mix
Halo-halo, meaning "mix-mix," is a delightful dessert for Manila's hot days. It features shaved ice topped with sweetened beans, coconut strips (macapuno), purple yam (ube) paste, and fruit slices, all mixed with evaporated milk. A scoop of dairy-free ice cream adds indulgence. This dessert offers a taste of Filipino culture, history and family traditions in every bite.
