“Max’s proudly presents “Tour of the Philippines” – an exclusive menu celebrating the diversity of the Philippines through its delicious food, where each food has a story of its own.”
Available at all Max’s Restaurants in Qatar, the Tour of the Philippines is a limited-time menu highlighting some of the culinary capitals in the regions. As colorful as the diverse cultures from more than 7,000 islands of the country, these 7 dishes will answer one of the frequently asked questions in the food blogging circle: WHAT IS A FILIPINO FOOD?
Unlike our other Asian counterparts where you can easily identify Chinese food, from Thai, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian and Malaysian, to even Vietnamese food. But for the Philippines, many expats are curious to know the distinct taste of our dishes.
More than just fried chicken and the popular PHILIPPINE ADOBO (meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce), each region in the Philippines can offer a unique take on their local produce. The poultry raisers will have all the varieties of poultry meat dishes, the fishermen on the coastal towns can offer an array of seafood dishes, while the farmers in the central areas can also showcase their crops and vegetable dishes.
Around the Philippines in 7 Dishes
1. ILOCOS: ILOCOS DINENDENG
A Bagoong-based dish of mixed vegetables topped with fried bangus belly. Also called “Abraw” or “Inabraw”, this popular Ilocano dish is similar to the Pinakbet of the Tagalog.
2. BATANGAS: SINIGANG NA BANGUS BELLY
Milk fish belly, kamias, garlic, and onion slow cooked in vinegar stock, originally from the coastal towns of Batangas, Sinaing na Tulingan is a unique Filipino fish recipe that literally translates to braised fish.
3. BICOL: BICOL EXPRESS
Fried, marinated beef simmered in spicy coconut milk with shrimp paste, long chilis, onion, and garlic. Known natively in Bicol as sinilihan. this Filipino dish was popularized in Malate, Manila,
4. AKLAN: CHICKEN BINAKOL
Lemongrass, onion, garlic, and chicken simmered in coconut water and cooked in bamboo to sel the natural flavor of the ingredients. This popular Aklanon dish is similar to Tinolang Manok.
5. ILOILO: KANSI ILONGGO
Beef shank, lemongrass, tomatoes, red and green chilis, annatto oil & jackfruit. A combined version of Bulalo and Sinigang, this beef soup with a sour broth originates from the Ilonggo region.
6. BACOLOD: BACOLOD CHICKEN INASAL
Marinated and char-grilled chicken leg quarter, served with calamansi, chili soy, garlic vinegar, and atchara. Simply known as Inasal, this Visayan variant of lechon manok is best enjoyed with rice, calamansi, soy sauce, chicken oil, and vinegar.
7. DAVAO: BEEF HINALANG
Beef short ribs, spring onion, and ginger in a spicy beef broth soup dish that is best enjoyed with rice to minimize its hotness. derived from the word “Halang” which means hot, this popular Davaoeno soup dish is like the spicy version of Nilagang Baka.
Highly Recommended
If you can’t decide what to choose from among the 7 dishes, ask the staff for their recommendations – the Bacolod Inasal and the Bicol Express are some of their bestsellers. However, you can also try all the others on your next visit to get to know more about the authentic Philippine Cuisine.
But don’t leave without trying the popular desserts. Filipinos love sweets and desserts and during the summer season in Qatar, @maxsrestaurantme is also offering their Summer Temptations: 3 varieties of ice shaved desserts namely – halo-halo, mais con yelo, and banana con yelo, all topped with vanilla or purple yam ice cream.
Locations:
Max’s Restaurant – B Ring Road: Beside New House Complex, B Ring Road, Al Muntazah – 4412 6297
Max’s Restaurant – Al Sadd: Al Sadd Mall, Ground Floor, Al Difaaf St, Doha – 4444 6297
It’s a good intro to filipino food. thanks for sharing!
You’re most welcome