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We’ve always been proud of Filipino food, and would often take the chance to brag about it. And why not? Adobo, sisig, and lechon (even the humble balut) evoke immense pride and hunger whenever we see it.
And it looks like we’re not alone. In a CNN poll that asked “Which destination has the world’s best food?”, the Philippines ranked second with 1,528 votes, just behind Taiwan’s 8,242 votes.
According to CNN:
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Blessed with an abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and creative cooks, there’s more to Filipino food than the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo).
Filipino food isn’t as well known as the other cuisines on this list, but with more than 7,000 islands and a colorful history, this archipelago has some delicious dishes of its own.
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The article also cited local favorites:
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Adobo, for instance, is an ubiquitous dish whipped up in every household in the Philippines. It’s Mexican in origin, but Filipinos found that cooking meat (often chicken and pork) in vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce and other spices, was a practical way to preserve meat without refrigeration.
Lechon, meanwhile, is the Philippines’ most popular party guest. An entire pig is spit-roasted over coals, with the crisp, golden-brown skin served with liver sauce, the most coveted part.
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Lately, Filipino food is enjoying international recognition, with Manila hosting Madrid Fusion Manila, the Asian leg of the prestigious food congress. Food critics like Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain also fell in love with Pinoy food.
In CNN’s poll, Taiwan and the Philippines are trailed by the following countries. Interestingly, only Italy and Greece are the countries outside Asia.
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1. Taiwan
2. PhilippinesÂ
3. Italy
4. Thailand
5. Japan
6. MalaysiaÂ
7. Hong Kong
8. India
9.Greece
10.Vietnam
What do you think? Do we deserve the spot? Share your thoughts below!
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