Historias De Viajes

Filipinos take breakfast seriously, and so should you when you're on your Philippine tour. Breakfast in the Philippines can be hearty and savory, or light and sweet, or anything in between. What Filipino people eat for breakfast depends on regional traditions, as well as personal preferences. There are many varieties of "silog" breakfasts, for example. Whatever your breakfast preference, one of these three popular dishes is sure to hit the spot, and can be easily found in restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and homes.

1. photo by Pulencio (via Flickr)

   Tapsilog

   As mentioned above, there are many varieties of the silog meal, usually eaten at breakfast. It's hearty, and a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to start the day. Silog is a Tagalog contraction of the words sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg). A third component is added to this meal, in this case tapa, which is a kind of jerky. Thus tapa + sinangag + itlog becomes tapsilog. Other varieties include bangsilog = bangus (milkfish) + sinangag + itlog and hotsilog = hotdog + sinangag + itlog. There are many more combinations! You can find these meals at nearly any restaurant and cafe in the Philippines.

   
   

2. photo by Shubert Ciencia (via Flickr)

   Pandesal

   Pandesal is a very popular bread in the Philippines. Literally translated as bread of salt (pan de sal), this yeasty roll is formed into a log shape to rise before baking. Typically, it is served hot, often while being dipped into coffee. It's also eaten with butter, jam, peanut butter, and many other toppings and fillings… like cheese! Although it's called "salt bread," this baked goodness is actually more on the sweet side, which makes it perfect for a smaller breakfast, or breakfast on-the-go. It's definitely a food you won't want to miss!

   
   

3. photo by (via AngSarap.net)

   Champorado

   This sweet breakfast dish made its way to the Philippines via Mexico and the galleon trade. Mexican traders brought their drink, champurrado, which was adapted by Filipinos into this amazing chocolate porridge. This tasty treat is not just for breakfast, either – it's often eaten in the afternoon for tea time (merienda), or just a nice between meal pick-me-up. Many also enjoy it with tuyo (dried and salted sardines) to complement the sweet dish. Made with rice, cocoa powder, and sugar, it's definitely a must try! It's so easy to make, you can definitely try it on your own with this recipe from Ang Sarap:

   Ingredients

   • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
   • 1 cup glutinous rice
   • 1/2 cup sugar
   • 4 cups hot water
   • condensed milk
   • powdered milk (optional)

   Instructions

   1. In a bowl combine 1 cup water and the cocoa powder. Mix well until it dissolves.
   2. In a pot add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the glutinous rice and let it continuously boil for a couple of minutes.
   3. Pour in the diluted cocoa powder, then stir to combine.
   4. Continue to cook for 15 more minutes on low heat, while occasionally stirring.
   5. Add sugar and cook for 5 more minutes.
   6. Remove from pot then serve hot, either with powdered milk or condensed milk.

   Enoy!

   
   

You can experience these breakfasts and many other fantastic dishes on any of the Uncharted Philippines Adventure Tours, such as the Palawan: Adventure in Paradise, or the Heritage of Cordillera. Discover the magic of the Philippines for yourself.