Comments on: Eating the Philippines

By: Theodora

Theodora — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:33:48 +0000

In reply to Peter Garant. Thanks, Peter. I do adore crispy pata, but you're right, if there's more fat than crispy fat it can be a bit of a grossout...

By: Peter Garant

Peter Garant — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:21:36 +0000

KNockout Knuckle – I suppose you mean Crispy Pata – which yes is overly delicious if not too fatty 🙂

Ka Lui in Puerto Princesa is a very unique place, I loved it as well and the only place I have seen Fish Cordon Bleu – Delicious!!!!

It’s worth mentioning that Ka Lui is seafood only 🙂

– Peter

By: MummyT

MummyT — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:39:21 +0000

In reply to stacey.

Wow! Thanks for the link. And great pics. I’m pretty blase about what I eat — though Z won’t let me eat shark or stingray as they are endangered — but pinikpikan did sort of pull me up. I do think — despite the “eat anything that moves” syndrome that’s common to poor countries (there are no animals left in the Cambodian national parks because they’ve all been eaten) — edible animals in the Philippines seem to have (until they die, and when they’re not being transported) a much better quality of life and much more freedom than they do in the West. Have seen a lot of very, very happy-looking pigs, chickens, etc, all over SE Asia. Also heard some not so happy ones being killed…

By: stacey

stacey — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:23:29 +0000

In reply to MummyT.

No, never dog meat! Though my boyfriend tells me it’s common in the Philippines. Ferile dog problem + hungry poor people = common sense. Unfortunately though he sometimes must keep watch over his own pet! 😉
I linked to my Pinikpikan pics in my link above.. it took forever to find!

By: MummyT

MummyT — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:23:54 +0000

In reply to Stacey.

Ahhhh… so glad you like the site. And pleased that someone’s had the guts to try pinikpikan, and that I haven’t missed much by not doing so. Currently in Hanoi, and contemplating trying dog meat for curiosity… Have you tried???

By: Stacey

Stacey — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:34:57 +0000

I just found your blog and am loving it.
I, too, don’t understand Asian desserts, not bad enough for you to taste good I suppose. The pinikpikan is not really worth it.. like tinolang, yes, but less spices and some ordinary vegetables like potatoes and beans. The chicken is rather chewy because of the way it is prepared 😉

By: MummyT

MummyT — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:22:29 +0000

In reply to butalidnl. I will look out for these bigtime...

By: MummyT

MummyT — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:19:45 +0000

In reply to Toni.

Lordy! I’ve just looked this up… Now, how different is the taste to Tinola? Is it much, much better? Z wasn’t very keen when he saw a pig being taken away from the market tied to the back of a tricycle by its legs, and squealing in protest, so I think he’d probably object to eating this…

By: MummyT

MummyT — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:17:33 +0000

In reply to Marc. Wow! Thank you for all of these suggestions. Will check out some of these once we are back in Manila in 2-3 weeks...

By: Marc

Marc — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:18:38 +0000

Not to miss are some of the best Spanish restaurants in Asia – for obvious reasons. Try La Tienda, on Polaris Street in Makati near the red-light district. Or El Cirkulo, near Greenbelt for their beef belly. Even Casa Armas and Barcino are safe bets when it comes to tapas.

More Filipino food? Try Abe at The Fort. Or Mesa and Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt.

And yes, tso-ko-la-teh eh. A rich, thick and earthy chocolate you drink or dip your churros or ensaymada in(local brioche topped with shaved Edam Cheese). Cafe Adriatico or Dulcinea.

And of course, San Rival. A hyperbole of a dessert cake similar to Napoleon. Layers of buttercream, merengue and nuts. Le Souffle Restaurant has the best one in Manila.

Last but not least, go to the Salcedo Village Farmer’s Market on Saturday. Savor regional Filipino cuisine without leaving Manila.