If you've ever visited the Philippines, you'll quickly notice how much Filipinos adore their food. It's not just about filling the stomach; it's a massive part of their culture, community, and celebrations. They absolutely love sharing their culinary delights with anyone who's up for a taste. Keep reading to find out how you can dive right into this essential aspect of Filipino life and truly experience the joy of their food culture.

Philippines Foods - Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

Eating in the Philippines is way more than just grabbing a bite – it's a social event. You'll hardly ever find Filipino families eating at different times or just zoning out in front of the TV during meals. That's because mealtime is all about bringing the family together. It's their time to chat, share stories about their day, and really connect with each other. In the Philippines, food is a powerful force that unites people. That's why at every Filipino celebration, you'll always find a feast at the heart of it all.

You might be surprised to learn just how much Filipinos eat throughout the day. Their daily routine includes three substantial meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each typically featuring hearty dishes like rice, eggs, and meat. But that's not all. Filipinos also love their snacks, known as merienda, which are enjoyed in between these main meals. For instance, Filipinos love ordering food from places like Jollibee Philippines – if you ever want to start a business, starting a fast food chain in the Philippines is worth thinking about.

Merienda can be pretty much anything that's not served with rice – think sweets, pastries, sandwiches, noodles, and more. It's a delicious and essential part of the Filipino eating experience.

In Filipino dining, a meal just isn't complete without rice. Typically, you'll find a big bowl of rice at the centre of the table, accompanied by several viands, or ulam as they're called in the Philippines. Rice is a constant feature in their meals. The ulam is often rich and flavourful, perfectly designed to complement the neutral taste of rice, creating a beautifully balanced meal. This rice-centric approach is a key characteristic of Filipino cuisine.

In the Philippines, the fork and spoon reign supreme at the dining table. Eating with a spoon, rather than a knife, is preferred as it's more convenient for scooping up rice, which is a staple in every meal. While you might find knives at restaurant tables, many Filipinos have become adept at using the edge of their spoon to cut meat, making knives somewhat redundant for most dishes. The exception is when larger cuts of meat, like steak, are served. This unique eating style reflects the practical and adaptive aspects of Filipino dining culture.

Filipinos have a particular way of arranging their food on the plate, which might seem quirky, but it’s all about convenience. The rice, being the centrepiece of every meal, is usually placed at the bottom of the plate, closest to the diner. The viands, or the main dishes, are then arranged around the rice. This setup is practical because Filipinos typically scoop a bit of the viand onto their spoon with the fork, and then add a larger portion of rice, all with minimal utensil movement. This method is efficient, requiring mostly just a back-and-forth motion across the middle area of the plate. It's a simple yet effective way of enjoying a meal.

Eating with your hands, or kinakamay, is a beloved practice in the Philippines. While it might not change the flavour, it definitely adds a more immersive and enjoyable dimension to the dining experience. This method is particularly handy when eating seafood or meats with bones, as it simplifies the process of peeling and eating.

The technique involves first portioning off the viand and rice on the plate. Then, using the four tallest fingers, the food is brought together. The thumb plays a crucial role in this process – it helps to compact the food and supports it as the hand moves towards the mouth. As the final step, the thumb shifts from supporting to pushing the food from behind, right into the mouth. This method is not just practical, but it also adds a fun and authentic touch to the Filipino eating experience.