Why Do Filipinos Enjoy Eating & Celebrating? (2024)

Filipinos are united by their love of food. Food can be nostalgic for Filipinos and it shows a strong emotional bond between people. When food is served, everyone gathers around it and becomes one. Regardless of lifestyle differences, food preserves cultural identity while unifying people and families.

The way Filipinos express themselves via food is reflected in their cuisine. Food not only satisfies hunger and cravings but also serves as a representation of culture and beliefs.

Discover why Filipinos love eating and celebrating. Read on!

Food Reflects Filipino Culture

Food has changed the way Filipinos live. Aside from the cuisine, beautiful memories are shared with whomever they are with, making the experience even more special. Food brings together neighbors, friends, and families. It is more than just a source of nutrition for Filipinos. It’s a way for them to share their cooking techniques, such as making ‘adobo’ in a variety of styles. Of course, everyone from family members to casual acquaintances can have their version. Food is an important part of their culture, community, and celebrations. You’ll be able to experience a significant piece of Filipino culture if you immerse yourself in the Philippines’ rich native cuisine.

Filipinos Love Rice

Filipino meals are traditionally served in the middle of the table, with a huge bowl of rice and a variety of dishes, ensuring that your “ulam” or viands, are truly delicious. The aroma of a freshly cooked ‘Dinorado’ or ‘Sinandomeng’ is required at every meal. Filipinos want to eat their best dishes with the best-prepared rice. Without that well-cooked staple food, a wonderful dish and viand are incomplete.

Food Bonds Relationships

Filipinos enjoy eating to celebrate culture and traditions. Enjoying food can be unique by enhancing eating experiences. Eating is best done in the comfort of one’s own home, at fiestas, or with friends. Eating altogether is expected to bring the family closer. Everyone is welcome to share their stories, discuss their daily lives, or simply join in the conversation to enjoy the time. People are brought together by food. This is why Filipino celebrations are focused on a feast.

Filipinos Love Creative Food

Filipino delicacies such as “balut”, a developing bird embryo, and “dinuguan”, a pork blood stew, may appear unusual. Despite their strangeness, these regional cuisines may surprise you with their taste! Moreover, special vinegar concoctions or sawsawan (condiments) bring more flavor to a variety of Filipino dishes. From banana ketchup to a soy sauce and calamansi (lime) combo, there are a lot of combinations that make a delicious meal a lot tastier!

The Takeaway

There are two reasons why Filipinos love their food: the food itself, and how they share it with their significant others. “Tara, kain (Let’s eat)” is a phrase you’ll hear all around the Philippines. It’s not only courteous, but it’s also a manner of inviting others to enjoy the moment.

Dining is so much more delightful when you’re eating the best food, but it’s even better when you’re sharing it with family and friends. Enjoy moments with your loved ones! Balikbayan Pasabuy is here to give you a great and delicious experience!