Pinoy Wit

Cultivating the Filipino soul through culture and history

Culinary Heritage

Kinilaw History, Origin and Evolution – Into the Heart of Freshness

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I’ve had experience researching and writing about the origins of Filipino dishes before, but while dinuguan, Bicol express and sisig seemed straightforward enough, kinilaw / kilawin proved surprisingly complicated. What I thought would be a walk in the park has morphed into a wild ride around a vast, evolving culinary universe (Oops). :) It behooves me to say therefore, that … [Read more...] about Kinilaw History, Origin and Evolution – Into the Heart of Freshness

Dinuguan Origins and Regional Variations across the Philippines

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I only eat dinuguan when the meat in it is prime cut pork. I do know of course, that the more traditional versions of the dish contain animal innards. In Cris C. Abiva’s A Quick Guide To Filipino Food & Cooking, part of dinuguan’s description includes, “Pork, beef or chicken and innards stewed in fresh blood…” Often the question for me is, how far will I go with … [Read more...] about Dinuguan Origins and Regional Variations across the Philippines

Sisig Origin – How the Perfect Beer Match Came to Be

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Sisig and beer are like peanut butter and jelly; coffee and cream; pencil and paper; running shoes and socks; Kris Aquino and controversy. They just really go well together. To be clear though, this popular Kapampangan dish isn’t just for beer drinkers, happy hour patrons or people who want to drown their sorrows (or the cause of their sorrows) in a potent mix of alcohol and … [Read more...] about Sisig Origin – How the Perfect Beer Match Came to Be

Bicol Express Origins – Manila or Bicol?

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There is no doubt that Bicol Express is one of the Philippines' most popular dishes. This is thanks in no small measure to the heat this flavorful dish packs. As the story goes, it’s named after the train that plies the Manila-Naga route. For obvious reasons, it is a common assumption that the dish naturally hails from the Bicol region.   Interestingly, the story … [Read more...] about Bicol Express Origins – Manila or Bicol?