It’s that time of the year when streets are filled with colorful lights, night bazaars are sprouting left and right, and Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in our Hearts” is blasted again in every radio station. But what better way to show the warmth of this Christmas season than through our food?
Yes, it is the dishes we all grew up with that make celebrating in the Philippines a one of a kind experience. Here in EvrythngMNL, we rounded up the top dishes served at every Pinoy Christmas table. So hop on, we’ll take you to the ultimate Christmas food trip that will surely make your mouth drool. 🤤
EvrythngMNL Picks: 6 Filipino Dishes You Should Never Miss on Your Christmas Table
Pick #1: Hamonado
For most Filipinos, Christmas is all about the grandest of grandest and special of all specials. This is why the classic Hamonado is often reserved only for Fiestas and Christmas celebrations. The dish, which originated from the Spanish era, is made of marinated pork cooked slowly in a sweet pineapple sauce, giving it a sweet-savory taste. Best paired with white rice!
Quick and easy Pork Hamonado recipe courtesy of Kawalingpinoy.com. For the complete recipe, view this link.
Pick #2: Lechon
Who would forget the star of every Filipino celebration? Lechon, the number one “pampabata”, has come as a staple in Noche Buena dining tables across generations. From the crunchy skin to the savory meat and the flavorful filling, the Lechon truly is a temptation that is hard to resist. Be careful with the cholesterol though!
Pick #3: Bibingka and Puto Bumbong
Often sold outside churches during Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo, the Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are two of this season’s delicacies you should never miss in your Filipino Christmas dessert arsenal.
The Bibingka is a type of baked rice delicacy that is often served with cheese, salted eggs, and grated coconut sprinkles.
While its partner, the Puto Bumbong, is a special variety of glutinous rice cake prepared and steamed inside Bumbong (bamboo) tubes and is distinctive of its bright violet color. Sprinkle it with slightly toasted coconut sprinkles, and you’re all set
Pick #4: Fruit Salad
It is only rightful to end a savory Lechon or Hamonado dinner with a sweet-delectable dessert of the same caliber—the Fruit Salad is indeed one of the rightful fits.
Another staple in Noche Buenas, the Fruit Salad is made up of a combination of the season’s finest fruits, mixed with cream and condensed milk. It is often served frozen, though some (me included) prefer a chilled version.
Pick #5: Quezo De Bola
There’s no food that resembles Christmas better than the big red Quezo de Bola. This semi-hard cheese has been a consistent partner for the Pan De Sal since the Spanish era. It is also the favorite giveaway item in your office during the Christmas season (Pun intended).
Pick #7: Hamon
Another favorite office giveaway (lol), the Hamon is also one of the icons of the Christmas table. Not to be confused with Hamonado, the Hamon is a type of glazed ham that often resembles a ball or a pear form. Also a perfect combo with Quezo de Bola for the Pan De Sal.
Pick #8: Pancit
Yes, the food for a long life’s wish. The Pancit, alongside Lechon, is also a dish a Filipino family couldn’t miss in every festivity. One of the greatest gifts our Chinese brothers have brought in the country, the Pancit has sprouted into many variants and was etched deep within local districts throughout the past century.
All types of Pancit are welcome during the Christmas season, from the popular Canton to the equally famous Bihon and rich Palabok. After all, you would need all the long life’s wishes after feasting on that irresistible Lechon. Lol
Paskong Pinoy, Better with Pagkaing Pinoy
True to singer Yeng Constantino words “Iba talaga ang Pasko sa Pinas”, spending Christmas in the Philippines is truly a unique and memorable experience. Make it more memorable by spreading love to the people around you and sharing the blessings that you have.
And of course, don’t forget to have a munch of those Christmas specialties. We have the best ones in town!