After trying various dishes in the Philippines during my recent trip, here is a list of 10 dishes that Helen recommend for Vietnamese palates to try when they have the chance:

1️⃣ Halo Halo: A mixed shaved ice dessert topped with condensed milk and a variety of ingredients such as peanuts, fruits, jellies, and a purple yam flavored ice cream scoop. “Halo Halo” in Filipino means “mix“. True to its name, diners must mix all the ingredients together to fully appreciate the creamy richness of the ice cream, the crispiness of the toppings, the chewiness of the jellies, and the harmonious sweetness of the fruits…

2️⃣ Ube-infused dishes: Ube, a purple yam native to Bohol region, has caused a sensation in the culinary world with its vibrant purple color, appearing on various social media platforms. Ube-flavored cakes, candies, ice creams, and puddings are eye-catching and a “must-try” delicacy when visiting the Philippines.

Filipinos share a legend from the Bohol region that during a prolonged drought leading to famine, ube was the only surviving crop providing sustenance to the people of Bohol. Ube is revered to the extent that Boholians would kiss and apologize to a dropped ube, a gesture demonstrating respect for the food bestowed upon them by the deity Bathala.

3️⃣ Crispy pork pata: A dish influenced by European cuisine, resembling how Germans enjoy Scheinehaxe during Oktoberfest. The pork leg is deep-fried to crispy perfection while retaining the succulent tenderness of the meat inside.

4️⃣ Pancit: A traditional stir-fried noodle dish that’s incredibly satisfying to eat. Each region has its own variation of pancit, but most feature a tangy flavor from calamansi, making it suitable for Vietnamese palates.

5️⃣ Tsokolate (also known as Sikwate): A hot chocolate beverage made from traditional Filipino chocolate. Chocolate tablets are dissolved in hot water and whisked using a traditional set of tools consisting of a metal pitcher and a wooden whisk called a Batirol. Batirol helps create froth and smooth texture for this irresistibly rich and flavorful drink.

6️⃣ Ensaymada: A soft and fluffy sweet bread topped with a generous amount of grated cheese, creating an exquisite and delicious flavor. Ensaymada is often enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee.

7️⃣ Dynamite Lumpia: Jalapeño peppers stuffed with meat and cheese, wrapped in spring roll wrappers and deep-fried similar to Vietnamese spring rolls. The crispy and fragrant exterior, combined with the spicy flavor of jalapeño peppers, resembles Vietnamese spring rolls but with a uniquely delicious aroma of green peppers.

8️⃣ Boodle Fight: A feast where food is served simultaneously on banana leaves spread out on a table. People gather around and eat with their hands, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.

9️⃣ Palitaw: Sticky rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour, flavored with the aroma of coconut and coated with grated coconut on the outside. A sweet and aromatic combination that’s characteristic of Filipino cuisine.

🔟 Egg Tart: A famous Portuguese dessert widely loved in the Philippines, featuring a crispy layered pastry crust enveloping a smooth and fragrant custard filling, with charred spots on the surface adding to its allure.

  • 1️⃣ Halo Halo: A mixed shaved ice dessert topped with condensed milk and a variety of ingredients such as peanuts, fruits, jellies, and a purple yam flavored ice cream scoop

Don’t forget to try these delicious dishes when visiting the Philippines! 🇵🇭

🍽️ #PhilippinesFood #FoodAdventure #ExploreWithHelenLe