Get to know Philippines' national dish, Adobo

The roots of the Philippines’ most well-known dish are not easy to trace, but we do know a few things about the origins of adobo, and how it’s evolved into the dish Filipinos love today. Read on to uncover the many faces of adobo, and why it inspires such devotion in its fans.

Few subjects in the Philippines raise as many differing opinions as the right way to make adobo. It’s a topic everyone feels passionately about, whether they cook or not. The reason is that a good adobo is a life-changing dish. Everyone wants everyone else to experience the epiphany, but the devil – as they say – is in the details, and the details can be squabbled about endlessly.

How to make Adobo

At its most basic level, adobo is a dish of protein braised in vinegar and spiced with garlic and black peppercorns. Beyond that, there is very little agreement. But let’s backtrack a bit.

We know the Malay voyagers who originally landed in the Philippines used vinegar and salt as a way of preserving food, keeping it edible for longer. In the hot tropical climate on the islands, vinegar appears again and again in traditional recipes, dating back to a time before refrigeration. Filipinos were already preparing their protein in a marinade of vinegar and salt before the Chinese traders arrived.

A simple pork Addobo/ Source Ernesto Andrade

Some of the Chinese traders, who ventured all over the region selling their wares, settled in the Philippines. They brought with them a number of ingredients that were quickly adopted by the locals, including ‘pancit’ noodles, and soy sauce. In many parts of the Philippines, soy sauce came to replace the use of salt in home kitchens, and so soy sauce is still considered a key ingredient of a good adobo in most households.

When the Spaniards arrived, they saw how the Filipinos used vinegar to marinate their chicken, pork, and fish. The Spanish word ‘adobar’ refers to a marinade or pickling sauce. In his writings, Pedro de San Buenaventura labeled the Filipino version ‘adobo de los naturales’ – adobo of the natives. The name stuck.

As each region of the Philippines has its own produce and preferred flavor profile, there are different versions of adobo across the islands. Where seafood was plentiful, adobo ng pusit (squid adobo with squid ink) became popular. In Southern Luzon, where heat and coconut milk are popular ingredients, adobo ng gata (adobo with coconut milk and green finger chilies) emerged. There are countless twists on adobo, and around the Philippines, you’ll find versions that include sugar, liver, potatoes, morning glory, laurel leaves, the list goes on.

Beef cheeks and tendons Adobo

In recent years, adobo has moved beyond its roots as a humble island dish, delighting diners at Filipino restaurant Purple Yam in New York and even the affection of former US President Barack Obama. Up-and-coming Filipino chefs shred the meat from adobo stew to create savory flakes to top salads, or to stuff in sushi. Adobo has featured on shows like Top Chef, and remains the ultimate test of any Filipino cook’s mettle.

Read more: Top dishes you need to try when visiting the Philippines

Home-made Adobo served with rice/ Source Pulaw

At its heart, adobo is a process of cooking, not a recipe. The tang of the vinegar is softened over low heat, intensifying the flavor of the meat, and creating a silky, mouthwatering sauce that is always, always served with fragrant white rice. Adobo’s long journey, its melding of cultures and ardent defenders all come together to tell a diverse and delicious story.

Source Esther De La Cruz/The Culture Trip

What to buy as souvenirs from Philippines

The Philippines is a country with full of culture and history. It is blessed with delicious cuisine, unique shops, beautiful scenery, white sandy beaches, and friendly people. It is a great way to spend a dream vacation. 

Filipinos have a word called “pasalubong.” This means “something for welcoming me back,” and shows the giving spirit of the Filipinos. There are many options available when looking for something to bring back to your friends and family, and they will surely love getting a little taste of the Philippines. Here is a list of popular things to buy in the Philippines.

Dried Mangoes

The Philippine mango is known worldwide for sweetness and silky texture. You can find the best mangoes in Guimaras, Zambales, and Cebu. They preserve it as a dried fruit to hold the full intensity of the flavor. Eat dried mangoes as a snack or use it to top your ice cream. It is chewy and leaves tartness in your mouth.

Chocnut or Chocolate Peanut Bars

Everyone loves Chocnut, especially the Filipino. It is a small candy bar that almost all of us is familiar with. It is a sweet mixture of peanuts, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. You will feel nostalgic after every bite.

The ‘I love Philippines’ T-Shirt

There is no way you can miss out on these perfect Filipino souvenirs. The T-Shirts that say ‘I love Philippines’ is truly one of the popular souvenirs picked by too many people.  Make it a point to wear this T-Shirt at least on one of the days when you are touring here.

Carved Wood 

Around the islands of the Philippines, you will find carved wood in the form of different figures, bowls, ashtrays and much more. Carved wood is such a gift that is both pretty and useful.

Polvoron

Polvoron is a favourite childhood treat, for adult as well. It is a crunchy and crumbly fun-to-eat snack that comes in different flavours. Ingredients are mainly powdered milk, butter and toasted flour. They are moulded into oval or round shapes. Traditionally, polvoron was made special with rice crisps added to the mix. These sweet treats are great anytime. They are also great as gifts or giveaways during the holidays.

Tikog Slippers

Tikog is a grass that grows in the swamp near the ricefield. The locals dry and use it to create handicrafts like slippers or flip-flops, decorations, and adornments.

Tikog slippers is a comfy partner to your feet on any walk. Get trendy with its vibrant colors and good-looking designs. The product earned international recognition with exposure in magazines, websites, and other printed materials.

The Philippine Tea

If you are a tea lover, this is surely one of the things you need to grab. The Philippines tea tree which is known as Carmona Retusa is truly famous and the leaves of the tree are known to be effective in curing cold, cough, fever and lot more too. So, bring home some of this specific tea and your friend and family would appreciate it.

Read more: Taste the most popular desserts in the Philippines

Source Internet

Things you should not do when visiting Myanmar

Most of the norms in Myanmar are heavily influenced by the richness of its ancient history steeped in Buddhism. The following list is a guide to understanding the layers of tradition in the culture as well as its quirkiness. It’s important to remain tolerant and aware of what could be considered insulting to locals, while also discovering why Myanmar enchants so many.

Don’t wear a longyi without underwear underneath

Myanmar people enjoy seeing foreigners dress in local garb, particularly for special events such as weddings and temple outings. But, wearing traditional attire takes practice to ensure it’s worn just right – or you risk the potential to give everyone an eyefull as you walk down the street.

While going without undergarments might be a preferred way to cool off during Myanmar’s hot summer months, it’s not recommended for first-time longyi wearers, especially, in order to prevent public humiliation.

Don’t ride a motorbike in the city center of Yangon

This is actually a law. Motorbikes are supposedly banned in the main parts of Yangon for safety reasons. This may take some getting used to since most other major hubs in the region allow the use of motorized bikes. Motorbikes and electric scooters can be ridden in townships on the outskirts of Yangon as well as in other cities.

Don’t sleep without a mosquito net

Myanmar is tropical, and with tropical climates come monsoon rains, excessive heat and humidity, relentless mosquitos, and supersized pests. Sleeping within some sort of protective netting is advised whenever possible, and not only to keep out the mosquitos. Think spiders, cockroaches, and other creepy crawlies.

Dengue Fever is prevalent in several locations including the Yangon region, but Malaria tends to stay put in more rural areas. Nets can be found at most stores for a decent price. The majority of hotels or guesthouses don’t provide them.

Don’t pat someone on the head

The head is considered the highest, holiest part of the human body in Myanmar. This belief is deeply rooted within Buddhist spirituality, and has set the scene for a possible cross-cultural blunder to take place. It’s true that travelers are often granted much more grace should a head be accidentally or unknowingly touched, but it could be considered a sign of disrespect to older generations in particular.

Don’t let your feet do the pointing

Contrary to the head, feet are seen as the lowest, dirtiest part of the body. It’s very rude to point at religious objects, at people, or really at just about anything with your feet in Myanmar – whether that pointing is done unintentionally or not. It’s also thought of as quite rude to point a finger at an image of Buddha, or even in the general direction of a well-known religious site.

Don’t wear shoes or socks in sacred spaces

It’s of utmost importance to respectfully remove socks and shoes or sandals before entering sacred spaces in Myanmar. Many pagodas even have a place to store footwear for a minimal fee. Ancient, less traversed temples such as several found in Bagan don’t offer the most comfortable or safe terrain to go barefooted upon, so use caution when stepping.

Don’t improperly use the image of Buddha

Portraying the image of Buddha in ways deemed inappropriate in Myanmar may result in severe consequences. A good example of what not to do happened in 2015 when a man from New Zealand was jailed for approximately 10 months. His crime? Using a depiction of Buddha wearing headphones in an advertisement. News of this case made international headlines, and serves as a testament to how serious Myanmar takes religious mockery.

Images of Buddha in the form of tattoos should be covered (especially if on the lower extremities), prints resembling Buddha on clothing shouldn’t be worn, and posing inappropriately with a statue of Buddha should never, ever seem like a good idea at the time.

Don’t forget to bring toilet paper

Toilet paper isn’t always an option in public restrooms throughout Myanmar, so be sure to pack some tissues if this is a necessity. Sprayers or ‘bum guns’ are usually available to help rinse after going to the bathroom. In less populated parts of Burma, it’s more common to see an area near the toilet bowl or squat toilet filled with water, and a smaller dish to help with flushing and cleansing.

See more: 6 reasons why you should visit Myanmar

Source: Internet