Let’s be honest: eating healthy when you’re in the Philippines isn’t the easiest thing. While this country is famous for its vibrant culture, white beaches, and entertainment industry, cuisine isn’t exactly why so many people enjoy visiting it. Typical Filipino food involves seafood and meat, which can be a great source of protein. However, it can be a struggle for those who want to try rich foods while still maintain a balanced diet.
That being said, not all Filipino dishes are heavy or unhealthy. Among common deep-fried street foods, you can still find lots of nutritious, flavorful meals that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
In this article, we will talk about the five healthiest Filipino foods.
1. Sinigang na Bangus
Sinigang is one of the most common dishes in the Philippines and is usually served as a main dish. Filipinos themselves just love Sinigang and never get bored with it. Most of the time, they eat this traditional comfort food during cold weather. But of course, it’s still tasty at any time, whether you're on a dinner date or playing Bonus.Ca. It also has such a high nutrient value that health-focused organizations often recommend Sinigang as a wholesome meal option.
The most typical version of Sinigang is cooked with pork, but for a healthier version, you could use fish like bangus, which translates as a milkfish, or tilapia, another fish that is popular in Filipino cuisine. By using fish instead of pork, you’d be receiving omega-3, thus getting the necessary fatty acids and improving eyesight along with brain health. The vegetables used in Sinigang, like okra, kangkong, and radish, are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Chicken Tinola
Chicken tinola is a soup that can easily be shared, which makes it a great dish for a family. Just like Sinigang, it is ideal to devour it in cold weather and while being sick, as the hot soup will easily warm you up. Also, Chicken Tinola soup is often eaten with rice.
This meal belongs to one of the healthiest Filipino recipes and yet it’s super simple to cook. Besides the chicken, it consists of papaya and chili leaves, giving it its signature taste. More importantly, chicken tinola has high levels of protein and fiber.
3. Laing
As unbelievable as it can be, Filipinos have made some incredible dishes using taro plants, that taste like delicacies. Laing is one of them. Laing, also known as Pinangat, comes from the Bicol region and is made out of taro plants, only using the edible parts, of course.
To cook Laing, you need to simmer taro leaves in coconut milk mixed with chilies and bangoong. Even though it already tastes fantastic, you can add some pork for protein and enjoy your healthy, delicious meal.
4. Pinakbet
Pinakbet is one of the oldest Filipino dishes that is still common. Originally, it came from the region of Ilocos. The name “pinakbet” comes from the same region as well, which translates as "shriveled." This tasty meal is a combination of local vegetables, giving it its distinctive flavor and taste.
Pinakbet is a combination of kalabasa, amapalaya, and sitaw with bagoon as the main flavor, that is rich in umami. The protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that all these ingredients consist of definitely make Pinakbet a suitable addition to your healthy diet.
5. Ginisang Munggo
Ginisang Munggo, or meatless Monggo, or as Filipinos call it, Ginisang Mongo, is a stew that will easily fill you up if you’re hungry. People absolutely love this dish and always leave enough space for it while eating. Usually, meatless monggo is enjoyed as a lunch or as a side dish of the lunch. To make it more satisfying, you can even eat it with rice.
Meatless Monggo is made with mung beans, squash, spinach, and bitter melon. For a better flavor, you can use onions, garlic, and soy sauce. It can be a great meal for vegetarians that will provide nothing but nutrients and an amazing taste.
Bottom Line
Filipino cuisine surely consists of quite intriguing and healthy dishes. Aside from getting to know which healthy foods you can try in case of visit this beautiful country, now you can also understand that to maintain balance, you don’t necessarily need to eat tasteless food. Either way, these five options are a great place to start expanding your culinary possibilities.
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