After years of colonization by different countries, there’s no doubt why Pinoys have a wide variety of dishes that originate from different cultures. From menudo with Spanish origins to pancit from the Chinese, these influences have shaped our culture, traditions, and dishes we enjoy today. However, Pinoys also have a long list of weird food combinations. These are just some of the best ones we can’t get enough of:
Sundae and Fries
anyone who loves fries and sundae 😋❤ pic.twitter.com/3lFzOFC0bB
— ᶻʸ (@paakshiit) April 9, 2020
Who would dip fries in a sundae with gooey fudge? Yes, Pinoys. Some even add a pack of creamer, which is on another level of weird. Aside from the taste that seems to go well together, a reason why Pinoys love it is the nostalgia it gives; like the afternoons after school spent with your barkada in your favorite fast-food chain. Are there any food or dishes that remind you of a certain period in your life?
Coffee and Rice
View this post on Instagram
Rice and ulam is okay but coffee on rice? Some are actually repulsed by the thought the classic “sabaw kape” you’ve probably had as a kid. Either you did it out of curiosity or you just didn’t want to eat the ulam your mom cooked for breakfast. Some kids used to even take it to another level by replacing coffee with Milo or Ovaltine!
Champorado and Tuyo
View this post on Instagram
No one would ever say no to a rich bowl of chocolatey champorado made with tablea. Top it off with evaporated or powdered milk, and you wouldn’t notice that you’re on your second bowl of champorado already! However, some make champorado even better by pairing it with tuyo (dried fish). It’s a perfect fair, TBH. The salty tuyo contrasts the sweetness of champorado, making a perfect balance of flavors.
Ice Cream and Bread
Dirty ice cream sa tinapay 😋🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/JUlYX7Dz4b
— Ira Pablo (@IraPablo) January 31, 2017
And it wouldn’t hit the same if it isn’t dirty ice cream from the neighborhood sorbetero. Other countries have ice cream sandwiches but the cheap 10-peso dirty ice cream in soft bread is just god tier.
Pandesal Dipped in Coffee
View this post on Instagram
The Pinoy breakfast classic! Do you remember adults in your family giving an explanation of why Pinoys enjoy dipping their bread in coffee? Because Pinoys are so clean they wash their bread in coffee first before eating it… So corny but hey, it’s enough to put a smile on your face as you enjoy your breakfast!
Puto and Diniguan
View this post on Instagram
Pinoys really have a knack with dipping food in other dishes, noh? Dinuguan is a weird dish itself because it’s pork blood stew with liver, intestines, and other cuts but we still enjoy it. It’s good with rice but eating it with puto or steamed rice cake is heavenly. Also, you don’t even need utensils when eating this!
Hotdogs and Marshmallows
Best served when skewered on fruit or a banana tree trunk. Kids of the 90s will remember this odd pairing as a staple in Pinoy birthday parties back then. Whoever Tita invented this birthday staple, thank you for making our childhood memorable! Kids these days have the wildest cupcake and cake creations on their birthdays but seeing hotdog and marshmallows were enough to make kids wild back then.
Pancit Canton and Rice
only in the Philippines 😂
pancit canton + rice = 👌 pic.twitter.com/Sb77t3GQbC
— 🥀 (@liingaliing) October 9, 2019
We can’t forget the classic petsa de peligro meal! Pancit Canton is a staple in everyone’s kitchens. It’ cheap, easy to prepare, and very filling. Especially when you pair it with rice and a fried egg with a runny yolk; that’s one amazing meal already.
What are your favorite weird food combinations? Share with us below!
