What is Filipino Cuisine to Europeans: A Culinary Adventure
It is definitely more than balut!
European cuisine is rich and diverse, with a vast array of flavors and culinary traditions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing curiosity among Europeans about the lesser-known culinary gems from other parts of the world, including Filipino cuisine. Filipino food, often characterized by its unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences, has been gaining popularity in Europe, leaving Europeans intrigued and eager to explore its delicious offerings. Let’s delve into how Europeans perceive Filipino food, its status compared to other Asian cuisines, the increasing popularity of Filipino flavors in the European market, and the growing interest in Filipino food products like snacks, spices, and mixes.
How do Europeans see Filipino food?
Filipino food is often perceived as a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by Europeans. It may not be as widely known as Chinese or Japanese cuisine, but those who have had the opportunity to taste Filipino dishes have been pleasantly surprised by its delectable flavors and unique combinations. Many Europeans describe Filipino food as bold, flavorful, and a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy tastes.
“Adobo is the closest thing to a national dish in the Philippines, consisting of seared and browned chunks of meat, seafood, fruit, or vegetables mixed with white vinegar or soy sauce (or both), bay leaves, garlic, salt, sugar, oil, and black pepper.”
Filipino food vs other Asian cuisines
While Filipino cuisine may not be as prevalent as Chinese or Japanese food in Europe, it is steadily making its mark and gaining recognition among food enthusiasts. The distinctiveness of Filipino dishes, such as the iconic adobo, sinigang, and lechon, sets it apart from other Asian cuisines and contributes to its growing appeal.
Filipino food has also gained prominence due to the efforts of distributors like Heuschen & Schrouff, the largest Filipino food distributor in Europe. Their dedication to bringing authentic Filipino products to European markets has played a crucial role in introducing Filipino flavors to a broader audience. They carry exclusively filipinos most-loved brands like Boy Bawang, Century Tuna, Sky Flakes, Marca Pina, Argentina and of course Pinoy Kitchen to name a few.
Increasing popularity of Filipino flavors in the European market
In recent years, the popularity of Filipino flavors in the European market has been on the rise. As European palates become more adventurous and open to new tastes, the unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that define Filipino cuisine has started to captivate food enthusiasts across the continent. Restaurants and food establishments specializing in Filipino dishes have also been gaining traction, giving Europeans a chance to experience the vibrant and diverse tastes of the Philippines.
Growing interest in Filipino food products like snacks, spices, and mixes
Apart from the increasing popularity of Filipino flavors in restaurants, the demand for Filipino food products like snacks, spices, and mixes has been steadily growing in Europe. With the help of distributors like Heuschen & Schrouff, who import and distribute a wide range of Filipino food products, including snacks like chicharon, traditional sausages like longganisa, and flavorful spice mixes for dishes like adobo and sinigang, European consumers now have easy access to authentic Filipino ingredients.
Online shops like Asianfoodlovers have also played a significant role in catering to the rising interest in Filipino food products. These platforms offer a wide selection of Filipino snacks, sauces, condiments, and other culinary delights that allow Europeans to recreate the flavors of the Philippines in their own homes.
Sooo, why do Europeans need to try filipino food?
Exotic Flavors: Filipino cuisine offers a remarkable range of flavors that will tantalize any European palate. From the savory richness of chicharon (crispy pork cracklings) to the sweet delight of ube ice cream (made from purple yam), each bite is a journey of taste sensations.
Unique Ingredients: European food enthusiasts will be intrigued by the abundance of unique ingredients used in Filipino cooking. Ingredients like longganisa (Filipino sausages) and ube (purple yam) are not commonly found in European cuisines, making Filipino dishes a novel and exciting experience.
Community and Culture: Trying Filipino cuisine is not just about the food; it's also an opportunity to immerse oneself in Filipino culture and hospitality. Filipinos are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and sharing a meal with them is a chance to forge meaningful connections. Food is our language of love!
Filipino cuisine, with its rich tapestry of flavors and unique blend of influences, is a delightful culinary adventure waiting to be explored by Europeans. From the exotic taste of chicharon to the comforting flavors of adobo, and the sweet indulgence of ube ice cream, Filipino food offers a tantalizing experience for the adventurous food lover.
Are you ready to try filipino food?