Turmeric’s place in Filipino cuisine

Turmeric’s place in Filipino cuisine

It may not be as popular as ginger, which is of the same family, but turmeric still finds its way and takes its rightful space in traditional Filipino cooking. Known for its orange color, which can leave stubborn stains on hands and clothes, this mighty rhizome lends...

Queso de Bola Recipes

Queso de Bola Recipes

A ball of queso de bola is the gift that keeps on giving. The sight of this red ball immediately elicits joy and excitement. This salty cheese, actually Edam, is delicious to munch by itself or paired with other charcuterie items. It’s also wonderful when simply...

Our favorite after-Misa de Gallo treats

Our favorite after-Misa de Gallo treats

As a rice-eating country, kakanin or rice cakes come a dime a dozen in the Philippines, but only a chosen few–two, in fact–have the recognition of being Christmas icons. Puto bumbong is memorable for its striking violet hue, thanks to a purple variety of heirloom rice...

Three ways with turon

Three ways with turon

Turon is a ubiquitous street food enjoyed by Filipinos of all ages. It is a popular afternoon snack, sold by street vendors or peddled within barangays by entrepreneurial mothers. Turon is made of sliced saba bananas, wrapped and rolled in spring roll (lumpia)...

Nostalgic Filipino Candies

Nostalgic Filipino Candies

Nowadays, the choices Filipinos have when it comes to candies are just too many to name. But back in the day, there were just a handful of kids and adults alike relied on for a quick sugar fix. This short list of candies often found stored in jars in sari-sari stores...

The Different Kinds of Chicharon

The Different Kinds of Chicharon

There is a type of chicharon for everyone. Chicharon is the common term for cracklings made out of animal skin. In the Philippines, there are as many types of chicharon as the number of islands in the archipelago. Ask for chicharon in one locale and then in a...

Calamansi goes global

Calamansi goes global

Considered to be a cross between lemons and oranges, the Philippine lime, more popularly known as calamansi, has taken a special place in the world of desserts as it lends sweet and sour notes that work well especially in rich and decadent desserts. Just take a cue...

Cooking with calamansi

Cooking with calamansi

Calamansi is ever-present in the Filipino kitchen. What is sometimes called the Philippine lime or calamondin is a versatile pantry staple that finds many uses in everyday cooking. Its juice lends a unique balance of sweet and tart to dishes that no other citrus fruit...

SoCal

SoCal

Calamansi plays a significant role in the Philippines’ culinary heritage—perhaps just as much as vinegar or patis. In fact, this green citrus fruit, no bigger than a shallot, is ubiquitous in Filipino cuisine, from mixing it with soy sauce to make a salty-tangy...

Adobo many restaurant ways

Adobo many restaurant ways

The thing with homestyle dishes is that you will always harbor a personal penchant for the version to which you are most attached to—your mom’s, your lola’s, the one you order every Christmas for the last 20 years. It is why you can rarely find traditional adobo in...

Bicolano specialties to try

Bicolano specialties to try

Mentioning Bicol easily conjures mouth-watering images of Bicol Express and laing. Famed for its affinity for dishes with chili and coconut milk, this region at the southern tip of Luzon actually has a lot more going for it than just those two beloved items. Here are...