In the Philippines, Christmas is observed for the longest time. The Christmas spirit is already in the air at the start of the "ber" months. Even if it is the longest celebration, the conclusion of the celebration, the Noche Buena, is always followed by a feast. As many people return home to spend Christmas in their hometowns, the majority of us anticipate the cuisine that will be served at the dinner table. Some are passed down from generation to generation, while others are offered as a family custom. Those who enjoy cooking and have plenty of time to prepare for Noche Buena often add this opulent Spanish cuisine on their menu. Because Noche Buena is a wonderful event that the whole family looks forward to, a savory dish that symbolizes riches and is in keeping with the season would be ideal. Here are 7 Filipino favorites that most of us anticipate and would love to eat during Noche Buena.
1. Bibingka and Puto Bumbong
Attending the Simbang Gabi is much more fun when it's accompanied with bibingka and puto bumbong. Both rice cakes are sold outside churches, generally by individuals who have just left a liturgy. Both rice cakes are sometimes served during the Noche Buena feast since they represent Filipino culture.
2. Lumpiang Shanghai
It is a delicious meal that is perfect for finger food! Other countries name Lumpiang Shanghai spring rolls as well, but what they are constantly trying to be sure of before eating it is what is within these spring rolls. I'm not sure if it is because they are health-conscious or because they have incredible trust in the cooks.
3. Pancit
The pancit has long been one of the most popular Filipino meals served during festivities, big or little, due to its economical ingredients that can accommodate to a large number of visitors. And Christmas Eve is no exception; with a tray of pancit on the table, Filipino families not only enjoy this noodle meal, but they also believe it will give them longer lives. These varieties of noodles will damage your diet since you won't realize how much you have been eating. Since the introduction of noodles by the Chinese, this has become a staple of our local cuisine! Is it true that love at first bite? As they say, “Nothing is lost when you try." Aside from what I have just said, there are more types of pancit! Buko Pancit, Pancit Lomi, Pancit Miki, Pancit Morong, Pancit Lucban, and Pancit Luglog are just a few examples!
4. Embutido
It is a form of meatloaf made in the Philippines! It is, without a doubt, the Filipino equivalent of meatloaf! Embutido is also known as enchido in Spain and Portugal. It implies that the stuffings, such as hashed meat, spices, and herbs, are wrapped in the skin of the pig's intestines, but that the majority of the stuffings are wrapped in artificial, but edible skin. Ground pork, carrots, onion, eggs, liver spread, pickles, raisins, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper are traditional components! I believe I've had a few bites of this. According to my aunts, making embutido is one of the most difficult activities I've ever encountered, especially when using the skin of the pig's intestines. Nonetheless, why not if you're preparing it for the entire family to enjoy? I'm confident that your efforts will be rewarded!
5. Keso De Bola
If you see a red ball of cheese at the store, you can be sure that Christmas is approaching. Many people believe that the Noche Buena table is incomplete without Keso de Bola. Even if the Keso de Bola is not cut and served, simply seeing it makes us feel festive. Keso de Bola is best served with a variety of foods, particularly cold meats. It is also used to make macaroni salad, fruit salad, and keso de bola cheesecake in some situations.
6. Christmas Ham
A Christmas meal is never complete without hamon, or ham. The Germanic people are said to have initiated this custom, which eventually spread to other nations. Hams are often salty or sweet, so it is no surprise that many Filipinos prefer the latter, opting for pineapple glaze or sweet sauce varieties on the market. A piece of this preserved delicacy goes great with your rice dish or with queso de bola to form a delicious sandwich.
7. Filipino Style Spaghetti
The Filipino version of spaghetti is sweeter than the Italian version, with banana ketsup added to the mix. It also includes hotdog slices, which are the Filipino counterpart of meatballs. Filipinos, it appears, want their bolognese rich and hearty, with cheese gratings on top. A Filipino style spaghetti is a must-have during Christmas parties, since it is a popular favorite among the younger generation. It is like extracting rabbits from hats - the spirit and significance of Christmas in the hearts of every Filipino, wherever they may be in the globe. It is that time of year when families and loved ones are engulfed in the warmth of love, compassion, sharing, and joy, fostering closer family bonds and reunions. One of the most cherished Filipino traditions is the time spent with family at a somber and lavish meal known as Noche Buena, which takes place the night before Christmas.
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