Philippine Dishes | Mouthwatering Foods For Celebration

A family celebration of something significant such as a birthday, graduation, or anniversary, among others, makes the family close even more and significantly improves the overall health and balance of a family. The food served, regardless of how much of it, also makes the celebration happier and builds stronger connections.

Coming up next are some of the typical Filipino dishes that are served during such celebrations. These foods are what we had during our uncle's birthday celebration held in our family house.

First on the list is Afritada.

It is a Philippine dish that comprises tender pork, shredded carrots, cubed potatoes, and grated bell peppers blended with rich tomato gravy. The version of it in our place, as you can see, has more pork fat in it. Among the food on this list, this one is my favorite. It's definitely high on cholesterol, but it's just okay since it's not always. Besides, moderation is the key.

Next in line is the all-time people's choice - Igado.

In a celebration, this dish is mostly the number one food being served. In other words, it's the most sought after. It is rare to find it missing during celebrations. Not only because it is delicious, but also because it is an exceptional viand. The main ingredients of Igado are pig belly and pork liver. To enhance flavor, bell pepper, green peas, and a variety of other vegetables and condiments such as salt, pepper, garlic, onion, bay leaves, black pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, and some secret ingredients varying every cook are all used.

The classic adobo is also present.

This one is chicken adobo. To tell you honestly, every family has their own version of it. Tender chunks of chicken are pan-fried and then simmered in a soy sauce and marinade. A bit of spicy condiments is also added to make it tastier. The dish's convenience and tastiness contributed to its rise to fame. It is comfort food for all ages because of its mouthwatering taste. You can never go wrong with partnering this amazing ulam with a plate of freshly cooked rice or fried rice, which is much better for me.

Another favorite dish is Garlic Butter Shrimp.

What makes it distinct from other recipes using shrimps is cooking it with its head and scales. It has just four ingredients: shrimp, garlic, butter, and soda (in this case, mountain dew). It's important to remember that soda plays a significant role in the recipe. Thanks to this not-so-secret ingredient, the meal becomes tastier and has a pleasant sweetness that blends well with garlic butter.

Last but certainly not the least is pancit - pampahaba ng buhay!

Filipino families are easily recognized everywhere in the globe due to our unique birthday tradition of serving pancit. Pancit is a delicacy that may be distinguished by the specific noodles used to prepare it; for instance, pancit bihon uses bihon noodles. In this case, canton noodles are used, and it is mixed with other ingredients such as carrots, cabbage, pork, and sauteed and seasoned with soy sauce. I eat it along with other viands because all the tastes blend well.

Indeed, Filipinos are also known for having distinct and equally delicious dishes, which makes every celebration happier and worth celebrating. Yes, it made me crave it again while writing it. But I can't help but just look at it for now.

That's all for mean time!

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All photos are mine.