Ah, Christmas in the Philippines! It’s a time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, the most delicious *filipino christmas food*. Each dish tells a story, evokes memories, and brings family together around the table. I can still remember the excitement in my childhood home as the aroma of lechon roasting filled the air, and the sound of laughter and holiday music danced through every room. From the sweet, sticky hamon to the warm, comforting bibingka, these traditional dishes are more than just food—they’re part of our heritage and celebrations. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Ingredients for Filipino Christmas Food
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a memorable feast! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lechon (roast pig) – 1 whole, seasoned and ready for roasting, the star of the table!
- Hamon (Christmas ham) – 1 kg, preferably with a sweet glaze for that festive touch.
- Pancit (noodles) – 500 g, any variety will do, but I love using bihon for its lightness.
- Putobumbong (purple rice cake) – 10 pieces, these sweet treats are a must-have!
- Bibingka (rice cake) – 10 pieces, fluffy and topped with salted eggs and cheese.
- Queso de bola (edam cheese) – 500 g, perfect for slicing and serving alongside the ham.
- Fruit salad – 1 kg, a refreshing mix of fruits with cream to balance the savory dishes.
- Soft drinks – 2 liters, chilled and ready to toast with family and friends!
How to Prepare Filipino Christmas Food
Now, let’s get cooking! Each dish is a labor of love, but trust me, the flavors are worth every minute. Here’s how to whip up this festive feast:
Preparing the Lechon
Start by seasoning your whole lechon with a mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s where all the deliciousness begins! Roast it over a charcoal pit or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-5 hours, basting occasionally, until the skin is perfectly crispy and golden brown. Yum!
Glazing the Hamon
For the hamon, mix honey and pineapple juice to create a sweet glaze. Brush this mixture over the ham and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes for that beautiful, sticky finish. It’s going to smell incredible!
Cooking the Pancit
Grab a large skillet and sauté your favorite vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and onions until they’re tender. Then, add 500 g of bihon noodles and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, adding soy sauce and broth for flavor. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying!
Steaming the Putobumbong
Prepare the putobumbong by placing the purple rice cake in a bamboo steamer lined with banana leaves. Steam for about 20-25 minutes, then serve warm with grated coconut and a pat of butter. Sweet and heavenly!
Baking the Bibingka
Mix your bibingka batter and pour it into a round baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. When it’s almost done, top with salted eggs and cheese, then bake for a few more minutes until the cheese melts. It’s a cozy festive treat!
Preparing the Fruit Salad
Combine your chopped fruits—like mangoes, bananas, and grapes—with cream and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. It’s the perfect sweet touch to balance the savory dishes!
Serving the Soft Drinks
Don’t forget to chill your soft drinks in the fridge! Serve them cold in festive glasses to toast with your loved ones. Cheers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This collection of traditional Filipino Christmas food is sure to make your holiday celebrations unforgettable! Here’s why you’ll love making these dishes:
- Rich flavors: Each dish is packed with unique flavors that reflect our vibrant culture.
- Family bonding: Cooking these recipes brings everyone together for cherished moments.
- Visual feast: The colorful presentation of these dishes is truly eye-catching.
- Tradition: Each recipe is steeped in history, making every bite meaningful.
- Festive atmosphere: The aroma alone creates a joyful holiday spirit in your home!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Filipino Christmas food, here are some pro tips! First, always season your dishes generously—flavor is key! Prepare as much as you can the day before; it not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the lechon, keep the skin dry before roasting for that irresistible crispiness. And don’t forget to garnish your dishes with fresh herbs or colorful toppings; it makes for a stunning presentation that’ll wow your guests. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the feast, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers, and I’ve got you covered! Store any uneaten dishes in airtight containers. The lechon can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but wrap it tightly to maintain its crispiness. For the hamon, slice and refrigerate for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat the lechon in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp it up. Other dishes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, just be careful not to overcook them!
Nutritional Information
When enjoying this festive Filipino Christmas food, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per plate:
- Calories: 800
- Fat: 45 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best *filipino christmas food*? Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I prepare these dishes a day in advance? Absolutely! In fact, many flavors improve overnight, so it’s a great idea to prep ahead.
What if I can’t find lechon? If lechon isn’t available, you can roast a whole chicken or pork shoulder as a delicious alternative.
How many people does this feast serve? This recipe is perfect for about 10 hungry guests, but you can easily adjust the quantities!
Do I need any special equipment? A good oven and steamer are essential, but most of these dishes can be made with basic kitchen tools.
Print
Filipino Christmas Food: 7 Festive Dishes to Savor
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Traditional Filipino dishes enjoyed during Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- Lechon (roast pig) – 1 whole
- Hamon (Christmas ham) – 1 kg
- Pancit (noodles) – 500 g
- Putobumbong (purple rice cake) – 10 pieces
- Bibingka (rice cake) – 10 pieces
- Queso de bola (edam cheese) – 500 g
- Fruit salad – 1 kg
- Soft drinks – 2 liters
Instructions
- Prepare the lechon by seasoning it and roasting it until golden brown.
- Glaze the hamon with a mixture of honey and pineapple juice, then bake.
- Cook the pancit by sautéing vegetables and adding noodles.
- Steam the putobumbong and serve with grated coconut and butter.
- Bake the bibingka and top with salted eggs and cheese.
- Mix the fruit salad with cream and sweetened condensed milk.
- Chill the soft drinks and serve cold.
Notes
- Lechon is the centerpiece of the feast.
- Prepare dishes a day in advance for best flavor.
- Include traditional music for a festive atmosphere.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking, Steaming, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: filipino christmas food, traditional dishes, holiday meals
