Five Reasons Why Filipino Cuisine Is a True Mix of International Flavors

With resources from more than 7,000 islands and strong foreign influences, Philippine cuisine truly embodies the relationship between food and culture. Its historical experiences shaped the Filipinos’ culinary practices that led to the infusion of international flavors.

But other than the long and rich history, what makes Filipino dishes unique that makes gourmands come back for more? What makes these tasty dishes the “original fusion cuisine”?

Let us take you on an adventure and discover the reasons why Filipino cuisine is a true mix of international flavors. Read on to learn more!

#1 A Variety of Menu

From the thick and creamy sauce of kare-kare to the crispy, slow-roasted lechon, a range of mouth-watering dishes in the Philippines are influenced by different cultures, such as Spanish, Chinese, and Indian.

The various ingredients and cooking styles introduced by foreign countries helped shape the Philippines’ rich and varied cultural background. As a result, Filipino cuisine offers a diverse menu of balanced flavors that stands out as uniquely Filipino.

To cite a true favorite, the chicken porridge known as arroz caldo is a Chinese-Spanish-inspired dish which is best served hot, any time of the day.

And who would forget the most requested appetizer or ulam for every Filipino gathering, lumpiang shanghai? A Filipino version of Chinese spring rolls that goes perfectly well with sweet and chili sauce.

Pinoy cuisine is truly an explosion of flavors, and it is good to know that you can discover more at Manila Food Mart! Their menu allows you to satisfy your cravings with your all-time favorite Filipino dishes, making it the best Filipino restaurant in Orange County!

#2 A Mixture of Native and International Ingredients

As a land abundant in different spices, Filipinos love to enhance the flavors of their dishes by combining foreign and native ingredients.

For those who prefer a spicy kick in their meals, pork binagoongan is a dish that uses the native ingredient bagoong (shrimp paste) and Thai chili peppers. This recipe has a resemblance with the mouthwatering, spicy Bicol express but with the addition of coconut milk.

To add, the juicy chicken inasal is another crowd favorite that every Filipino enjoys during get together. This char-grilled chicken is marinated in calamansi (Philippine lime) and lemongrass native to Sri Lanka and India, giving its savory-citrusy taste.

With a wide range of spices, each Pinoy dish will guarantee a flavorsome experience in every bite! Indulge your senses with the enticing aromas and rich flavors of Filipino foods in Lake Forest, where each plate is served with freshly prepared ingredients!

#3 Truly a Perfect Blend of Flavors

Every Filipino household must have the essential seasonings in their pantry to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty. After all, that is what Filipino dishes are known for!

Aside from the usual salt, pepper, and sugar combo, the use of vinegar, soy sauce, patis (fish sauce), and banana ketchup is crucial in preparing aromatic and delicious Pinoy meals.

Imagine the tangy and savory taste from the soy sauce and vinegar mix, boiled to perfection in your all-time favorite adobo. Or the combination of soy sauce and calamansi (toyomansi) as the dipping sauce for the popular pulutan, crispy pata.

Like your favorite home-style cooked afritada and chicken curry, the generous use of seasonings is the key to preparing flavorful, aromatic, and colorful Filipino dishes. At Manila Food Mart, you can expect the perfect blend of seasonings that make every Pinoy meal authentic.

#4 A Reflection of Various Traditions

Beliefs and practices from other cultures also have an influence that brought about the mixed cuisine of the Philippines.

Filipinos share customs with Malaysians and Indians in the so- called kamayan. This practice requires diners to use their hands instead of utensils when eating grilled or fried foods such as inihaw na bangus (grilled milkfish).

Not only does this complete the traditional Filipino dining experience, Pinoy foods are definitely tastier when we eat using our hand!

To cite more of these traditions, noodles are a must-have during birthdays and new year festivities as this usually represents long life and good luck for the celebrant. For this reason, Filipinos will always prepare their own version of Chinese noodles like our fully-loaded pancit canton or pancit bihon.

From appetizers to ulams and desserts, Manila Food Mart serves a vast range of Filipino dishes that bring you the culture and traditions of our country as well as the Pinoy spirit and excitement of whatever event or occasion you are hosting, making it the best catering in Orange County!

#5 A Platter of Creativity

Filipinos are known for using a variety of ingredients and serving styles to express their creativity, leading to the creation of delectable and mouth-watering dishes filled with unique flavors.

One of these dishes is the Spanish pastel de pollo, or chicken and mushroom pie that Filipinos turned into a dish called chicken pastel, an ulam that is perfect with steamy white rice.

The same goes for the Filipino-style spaghetti, which is not your typical pasta dish. This Pinoy version is abundant in ground beef, hot dogs, and the famous banana ketchup, which gives its distinct sweet flavor. This often comes in party tray sizes, making it the ultimate party hit!

If there is one field that Filipinos are creative in, then it is definitely preparing the most unique and colorful dishes in the kitchen. Experience creativity at Manila Food Mart, where you can have quality and creative Filipino dishes catered for you on your special occasions!

The Takeaway

Many of the recipes prove that Filipino dishes are a fusion of various cuisines all around the world but still continue to stand out because of their distinctive flavor, creativity, and traditions like how Turo-Turo is made available in Orange County.

And even though Filipino food draws inspiration from several influences, for Pinoys, it will always be about reminiscing the warm memories of time spent with family as well as surprising guests with catering services that capture the authentic Filipino dining experience.

So don’t miss out on the nostalgia and choose from a diverse menu of delicacies to let the unique aroma, flavors, and colors of Pinoy dishes in Orange County make you feel at home with your loved ones.

Experience first hand “original fusion cuisine” with the best Pinoy food in Orange County, Manila Food Mart! We are waiting for you!