Here is the list of some of the traditional Christmas food in the Philippines that complete the “merry” in Christmas.
Filipinos, who celebrate Christmas with utmost anticipation every year, culminates on the night of December 24 or Christmas Eve, where a long-standing tradition of ‘Noche Buena’ or “night of goodness” is practiced through the gathering of family members over a sumptuous meal.
Like the rest of the world, food is a big part of festivities and despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the thanksgiving meal can still be celebrated in the comforts of our home.
Some of the classic foods common in almost every Filipino home during Christmas range from the favorite meat dishes like ‘lechon,’ and ‘crispy pata,’ to captivating desserts like ‘buko salad’, and ‘leche flan,’ to Filipino-style spaghetti and Pancit Malabon.
Check out below these traditional Filipino Christmas food and where to buy them:
Lechon
Lechon, a meat dish that was named in Taste Atlas’ Top 100 Best Traditional Dishes In The World, is a mark of a grand occasion for every Filipino.
The suckling pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives and is then slowly roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire.
If you want to save a little and not get a whole pig, you may order online per kilogram at a popular place ‘Rico’s Lechon’ that specializes in the original flavor and spicy lechon.
You may order here: https://ricoslechon.com/
Pinoy-style spaghetti
Spaghetti, originally from Italy, is patronized by most Filipinos which is why Filipino-style spaghetti was born. Even Chicago residents raved over the Pinoy style pasta during Jollibee’s opening in 2016.
The noodle pasta is coated with tomato sauce topped with hotdog instead of bolognese, ground beef/pork, and cheese. It is distinctively sweet compared to the original Italian style.
Most Filipinos can afford this dish which makes it a popular food on almost every occasion. But if you want to save the hassle of preparation, you may order online at Dencio’s: https://delivery.dencios.com.ph/
Hamon
Hamon is another dish that is usually only served during Christmas in the Philippines. It is a bit on the pricey side but it is also a mark of celebration.
Hamon, the Tagalog term for Ham, is pork from a leg cut that has been preserved by wet or dry curing, with or without smoking. It is best eaten with bread topped with cheese and some vegetables.
You may order at Santi’s Delicatessen: https://www.santis-deli.com/
Pancit Malabon
Traditional food like Pansit Malabon is a must for the Christmas celebration.
Pancit Malabon is a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish, which originated in Malabon City, Metro Manila. Its sauce has a yellow-orange hue, attributable to achuete, shrimp broth, and flavor seasoned with patis and crab fat.
You may order at Pansit Malabon Express. Message them here: https://www.pansitmalabon.com/
Buko Salad
Another classic Pinoy dessert is the ‘buko salad’ with the localized variation of the buko pandan
Buko pandan is a Filipino fruit salad dessert made from strips of fresh young coconut with sweetened milk or cream. It is one of the most popular and raved over Filipino desserts served during celebrations.
You may order at Nathaniel’s Bakeshop’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NathanielsBakeshop/
Here are 7 Pinoy Christmas recipes also recommended by a Chicago food blogger.
SHARE with us in the comments below, what are your favorite Christmas dishes?
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