Monday 28 October 2019

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines


To cool off in the tropical heat, Philippines locals do one of three things: head for the nearest air-conditioned mall, dip into a swimming pool, or indulge themselves with a cup of their favourite ice-cold Halo-halo. It’s a Filipino dessert classic that warms the hearts of many with glowing pride and nostalgia, and is an absolute must-try when visiting the country.

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines
This icy treat is known for its flavorful taste, and has a rich history that dates back to the pre-war Japanese period. While its Filipino name means ‘mix-mix’ in English, this favourite shaved ice dessert was introduced to the Filipinos by the Japanese settlers. According to historians, the Japanese had sweet desserts called ‘Mitsumame‘ or ‘mongo con hielo‘ and ‘kakigori’ which closely resemble the Filipinos’ Halo-halo.

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines
The Japanese Mitsumame is an icy refreshment which has lots of monggo beans as the main ingredient. According to historical accounts, Nippon immigrants (who were also found to be part of the Nippon Army) were its proprietors and after they introduced the dessert, locals made variations by adding fruit preserves and custards. The cheapest order at that time was priced at 1 kusing or 1 centavo.

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines
But according to a historian named Ambeth Ocampo, Halo-halo was inspired by a different Japanese sweet treat called kakigori, which is an ice-shaved dessert sweetened with condensed milk. Japanese farmers brought over the kakigori and added monggo, red, and kidney beans into the refreshment – hence, they later called it ‘mong-ya.‘

During that time, Filipinos were only beginning to familiarize themselves with ice cream and frozen treats as there was limited supply of ice before the Americans built the Insular Ice Plant. Thus, there was a positive reception towards the Japanese dessert. On the other hand, the Japanese settlers saw it as an opportunity to earn profit and soon, a number of places selling ‘mong-ya’ became a hit in the Metro Manila area. While the Japanese settlers left after World War II, the Filipinos took hold of the dessert’s popularity and adapted it to suit their preferences – for instance, adding ube jam or ube ice cream to the concoction.

Halo-Halo: Favourite dessert of the Philippines
Since then, Halo-halo has become one of the Philippines’ best comfort food dishes. Apart from the ice-shaved dessert mixed with condensed milk and monggo beans, some variations of the dessert make use of sago, nata de coco, pinipig, sweetened banana, macapuno (coconut sport), and leche flan (caramel custard). In some places, they even add cheese, cornflakes, polvorón or chili into the sweet mixture. Indeed, recipes for Halo-halo vary widely, depending on your preferences or a locality’s specialty.



Source The Culture Trip

Friday 26 July 2019

What to eat in Palawan, Philippines

What to eat in Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is considered a melting pot of different cultures and this is apparent in its cuisine. Its biggest attraction is the wide offerings of sumptuous seafood. Palawan also houses small hole-in-the-wall restaurants that tourists flock to, such as Ka Lui’s and Kinabuch’s Bar and Grill.

Halo Halo

Halo Halo
Literally translated, it means “Mix-Mix” in Filipino. Halo Halo is a popular refreshing drink which consists of a mixture of sweetened preserved fruits, evaporated milk and crushed ice. The topping is either ice cream or leche flan. The best place to try Halo Halo in Puerto Princesa is Noki Nocs Savory House on Rizal Avenue.

Crocodile Sisig

Crocodile Sisig
Another exotic dish you can try in Palawan is crocodile sisig, a variation of the sizzling dish that typically uses pork. Crocodile meat is said to taste like beef but leaner. Kinabuch also serves this popular dish, as do most local restaurants.

Lato Seaweed

Lato Seaweed
Lato seaweed, also known as or sea grapes or green caviar is a very popular dish in Palawan due to its soft and succulent texture.  It is best served with either salt or vinegar and is a perfect match to any dish especially fried ones. Lato seaweed is very common to the Philippines and nearby countries, however, the best quality comes from the municipality of Cuyo in Palawan.

Tamilok

Tamilok
You cannot talk about Palawan cuisine without mentioning the tamilok. The tamilok, a wood worm harvested from rotting mangroves. The slimy greyish worms (which are actually molluscs) do not look appetizing at first, but it is been said to taste like oysters. Most restaurants serve tamilok, though the more popular location is Kinabuchs in Puerto Princesa.

Chao Long Noodles

Chao Long Noodles
Chao Long noodles have been introduced to Palawan by the Vietnamese immigrants. Puerto Princesa’s Chao long is flat, thin rice noodles in a sweet-savory broth with meat (beef or pork), served with the requisite plate containing sprigs of mint and basil, raw bean sprouts and calamansi. You can try Chao Long noodles and other Vietnamese dishes at the Rene’s Saigon Restaurant on Rizal Avenue.

Bandi

Bandi
Palawan is a major exporter of cashew nuts, so this list would not be complete without a cashew dessert. A crowd favorite is the bandi, which are cashew nuts encrusted in pakaskas or hardened brown sugar. Consider bringing this home as pasalubong.

Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal
Chicken Inasal is a delicious grilled chicken dish. The chicken is marinated in a unique blend of spices and herbs, then grilled until done. Several restaurants in Palawan island serve this special grilled chicken dish and they are all very good.

See more: Palawan, the incredible paradise for a perfect getaway

Source Internet