DUBAI: From the ubiquitous adobo, a spillover from 300 years of Spanish rule, to the kare-kare, must-have at birthdays and town feasts, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has taken on the role – unwittingly in most instances – of food ambassadors spreading good taste across the world.
Dubai, an international city of over 200 nationalities, is by itself a Petri dish of different cuisines, is witness to this as, owing to the OFWs’ sheer number, restaurants catering to Pinoy dishes have been mushrooming all over the place – and guess what? Locals and other nationals sampling the buffet spread and developing particular preferences as well.
These dishes and more viands will be served at the largest Pinoy fiesta of food offerings – The Filipino Food Festival, a 3-day festival happening from April 4-6 at the Rove Trade Centre Hotel organized by organized by the Philippine Consulate-General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and The Filipino Times, UAE’s biggest Filipino newspaper and the largest digital platform for Filipinos in the region!
Here then are the top Pinoy comfort food that are making waves in the global gastronomic stage:
Kare-Kare
Born and raised in Pampanga of Central Luzon, kare-kare, a name as mystifying as its tase, is a thick peanut-based stew prepared with an assortment of meats and vegetables. To fully enjoy this piece of heaven, a little side dish of bagoong (shrimp paste) is a must.
Sinigang
Loved for its concoction of veggies and meat – also doable with fish or shrimps – is the “national gang,” or sinigang. Best served piping hot with steamed rice and a dip of fish sauce with bird’s eye chili and a dash of lemon on the side.
Adobo
Basketball is the national pastime; and adobo, the national food. For most OFWs, this comfort food is a staple; always available because it is so easy to prepare: just throw in the meat, garnish with pepper, dried bay leaf, garlic, onions showered with soy sauce and vinegar then boil and voila! Dinner is served with “Probinsyano” showing on cable.
The list goes on but for now, enjoy the top ones. Till next. Remember go easy on the waist line.
