Those who are heading to Manila or any of the Philippine tourist hotspots may be surprised at some of the norms of the local food culture. As an activity that locals treasure and consider a community experience, grabbing a meal in the Philippines is not a simple affair but loaded with cultural connotations. From adopting the right attitude to avoiding common mistakes that tourists make, here's your guide to winning like a Filipino during your trip to the country.
1. It's a Group Event
Unlike in the West, eating is a social occasion in the Philippines whether you are dining at home with a local family or heading to a restaurant with a few Manila acquaintances. This is why it is best to treat every meal during your holiday as a special event, a time to catch up with loved ones over a delicious meal. Food, according to local beliefs, brings people together and feasting is a national pastime for this very reason.
2. Meals and Snacks
You may be surprised to find how often and how much locals eat in the Philippines but there is a method to this madness as it is divided into 3 main meals and snacks. When it comes to big meals, Filipinos prefer rice, eggs, and a meat item but that does not mean they don't consume plenty of snacks in between those meals. Popular snacks in the country include noodle dishes, pastries, sweets, and sandwiches. If you're based at Ascott Makati or any similar serviced apartment in Manila, you can try to emulate the locals by breaking down your own meals and snack times accordingly.
3. Embrace Rice Culture
A meal isn't a meal if there isn't a bowl of rice in there somewhere – at least that's how Filipinos approach mealtimes. Most households will prepare a large quantity of steamed rice and place it in a big bowl at the centre of the table so that all family members can have access to it. Side dishes, curries and other viands are placed around the rice bowl and are there to balance out the taste of rice with other flavours.
4. Use the Right Utensils
Filipinos do not eat with a fork and knife like most westerners do but prefer to consume meals with a fork and spoon instead. While knives are often part of table settings at local restaurants, Filipinos rarely use utensils as they prefer to cut their meat with the edge of a spoon. Unless large cuts of meat are served to the table, it is best to avoid the use of knives for everyday meals.
5. Arranging Food on the Plate
While it may seem strange and even superfluous, Filipinos like to arrange the various food items on their plate in a specific order. The rice should be served to the centre of the plate while the side dishes or viands must be served around it so that the diner has easy access to each item. This is actually a clever way to minimise the use of utensils.6. Using Your HandsFilipinos all agree that food tastes better when one eats with one's hands but that does not mean that they dig into each meal without using utensils. If you wish, try "pag kinakamay" as it is locally known, make sure to wash your hands with soap first and only use your right hand to eat. Locals only eat with their hands at intimate family gatherings and during meals at home and rarely if ever in restaurants. There are "boodle fight" eateries or seafood restaurants, however, where eating by hand is common.