Here is our list of staple Pinoy food faves every holiday season.
Pancit
Not just for birthdays (believed to bring ‘long life’), pancit — bihon, canton or malabon — is always a welcome alternative when everyone’s already tired of spaghetti.
Pinoy-style spaghetti
Also known as sweet spag or ketchup spaghetti, the local version of the Italian classic is almost always present in every handaan because it goes good with everything (lumpiang shangai, fried chicken, etc.) and it’s something the kids will never say “no” to.
Puto bumbong
You know it’s Christmas when puto bumbong stalls start mushrooming outside the church. While there are those of us who treat ourselves to an order every weekend or every other day, the best times to enjoy this purple delicacy is each day of the simbang gabi, preferably with hot chocolate. Yammy (as Coco Martin would say).
Queso de bola
Not everyone is a fan of the Edam cheese because it’s hard to appreciate at first bite. Let’s just say it’s an acquired taste. The interesting thing is that no matter how infamous it is (but not as infamous as the fruitcake!), it’s still around! One way to enjoy it is to use it in making pimiento cheese spread.
Sweet ham
Nothing beats a sweet ham sandwich for a December breakfast, complete with mayonnaise and cheese. Sprinkle some sugar to caramelize your ham slices. You’re welcome.
Fruit salad
Making this dessert may be pretty simple (a can of fruit cocktail without the syrup or juice + all-purpose cream + condensed milk) but it never fails to satisfy every Pinoy. To make it more special, add bananas, buko strips or even marshmallows.
Fruitcake
This concoction may be infamous but it doesn’t deserve all the flak it’s been getting. While there are so-so and horrible versions out there, there are also good ones. The fruitcake — believe it or not — has a following. It’s still around, isn’t it?
