asian food

Filipino Food vs. Other Southeast Asian Cuisines: What’s the Difference?

Filipino vs Southeast Asian Food

Let’s play a quick game. Close your eyes and picture Southeast Asian food. What comes to mind? Maybe the bright herbs of Thai basil and lemongrass, the fiery punch of Vietnamese pho, or the coconut-rich curries of Malaysia. Now, where does Filipino food fit into that mix? If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. …

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Filipino Food Culture: What Makes It So Special?

Filipino Food Culture

Picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, and your entire family is crammed around a table piled high with steaming rice, tangy stews, fried spring rolls, and a whole roasted pig. Plates are passed, laughter erupts, and someone’s aunt insists you take a third serving of pancit because “it’s good for you.” This isn’t just a meal—it’s …

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The History of Filipino Food: Spanish, Chinese & Indigenous Influences (And How They Collide Deliciously)

History of Filipino Food

Picture this: You’re at a potluck with a lechon (crispy roast pig), a platter of pancit (stir-fried noodles), and a bowl of kinilaw (ceviche-style fish). It’s a feast that feels familiar, but also… not. That’s because Filipino food isn’t just Filipino. It’s a time capsule of centuries of trade, colonization, and cultural mashups—like a culinary …

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Top 10 Filipino Food Dishes You Must Try (And Where to Find Them)

best filipino food dishes

Have you ever craved something new—a meal that’s both comforting and a total flavor adventure? Let’s talk about Filipino food. Imagine tender meats simmered in tangy sauces, crispy bites dipped in sweet-sour dressings, and desserts so vibrant they belong on Instagram. Filipino cuisine is like that friend who’s always up for a good time: warm, …

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Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe: The Best Version You’ll Ever Try

Chicken Adobo recipe - masarap

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug from the Philippines, it’s chicken adobo. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a salty-sweet sauce with garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s the kind of meal that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate—and honestly, no one would blame you. …

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Ginisang Ampalaya (Sauteed Bittermelon with Egg)

I was quite adventurous in tasting unfamiliar food when I was a child. My parents are both great cooks so a lot of ingredients, which were foreign to me then, would show up at the dining table once in a while. Ampalaya was one of them. With new food they always said, “Try it once …

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Adobo-Glazed Crispy Chicken

I must admit that I often cook Adobo when I have lots of things going on and there’s not much time to think “creatively” as dinnertime approaches. What I love about it is,  everything happens in one pot and no “babysitting” is required. But there are times when my family gets tired of the usual …

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Peach Mango Pie

We live in the part of Canada where the US border is a mere 20-minute drive. In fact, it’s much closer than going to downtown Vancouver. Every summer prior to this pandemic, we crossed the border to go to the nearest Jollibee (when the Vancouver one was still nonexistent) … which is about 2 ½ …

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Minatamis na Saging (Plantain Bananas in Sugar Syrup)

Summer is always the time when my brain is constantly thinking of some icy treats. Sure there’s tons of ice cream flavors (and brands) to choose from and a whole lot of frozen treat options available in North America. A lot of times they do the trick, but there are these moments when my mind …

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Deep Fried Pork Ribs (Moist and Tender)

Pork ribs are definitely one of my family’s favorite proteins. Whenever it goes on sale at Costco, I always grab a pack and freeze it until my kids ask for Pork Nilaga, Pork Ribs Sinigang or the Fall-Off-The-Bone Pork Barbecue Ribs. These are the 3 dishes that they think of when it comes to pork …

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