Isla Kulinarya: Introduction to Philippine Cuisine

Welcome to ISLA KULINARYA – Island Pacific’s regular column featuring Filipino culture through its varied cuisine. Starting today and every MDWK issue of the Asian Journal, we will feature free delicious recipes from chefs, culinary experts and ordinary Pinoys who just love to cook – from all-time Philippine favorites to local, unique fare from different regions. Enjoy new and traditional Filipino food recipes that are simple to cook and always a pleasure to serve and eat... dishes that are always welcome on the dining table.

Apritada, a Spanish influence dish

Like Philippine fiestas, Filipino recipes are rich in flavor & color. Philippine cuisine is as diverse as the different regions that make up the 7,000 islands. It is flavored by a rich variety of herbs and spices found all over the islands. Aside from the many tropical fruits and vegetables grown in the mountains and plains, seafood, meat and poultry are also a major part of the Filipino diet.

The Filipino culinary expertise has been greatly influenced by Spanish, Chinese, European, American, Arab and Asian cuisines. It is a fusion of various recipes adopted from earlier traders, Asian immigrants and former colonizers. Foreign trade brought in all kinds of spices and plants to the Philippines. And like the Filipino today, its cuisine is a gastronomic feast from different countries and cultures - from east to west.

Chicken Feet or most commonly referred to by the locals as "Adidas"

Filipinos have embraced as their own cuisines form other countries like the noodles from the Chinese, rice and meat dishes from the Spaniards, steak and burgers from the Americans and pasta from the Italians. All these now form part of the Philippine cuisine – made even better with the Filipino creativity.

Korean BBQ,  Asian influence dish

Get to know the Philippines more through its culinary treats. Experience the tastes and colors of Philippine food. The cuisine is a gastronomic delight that has been savored through many generations. Discover and enjoy the free Filipino food recipes, only from Island Pacific’s Isla Kulinarya. Happy Cooking!

Island Pacific Proudly Presents ISLA KULINARYA

For Filipinos, no matter how many different cuisines they can enjoy in many places in the world, there’s nothing like the taste of Filipino cuisine. The Philippines with its 7,000 beautiful islands offers a wide array of culinary fare with each region having its own culinary specialties. Truly,the Pinoy culinary experience offers something to please every mood and palate.

Culinary traditions are important elements of our culture and history. Cuisine and the technology of its production show how people cope with food sources, vegetation, climate and the numerous other aspects of their environment. The Filipino's culinary expertise has become an important source of pride and livelihood. How the people of the Philippines transformed tropical ingredients into delicious meals and splendid edible fancies is a tribute to culinary creativity.

To celebrate the culinary distinctiveness of our Islands, the Island Pacific chain of supermarkets is launching its special ISLA KULINARYA. We will proudly showcase the story of our multifaceted culinary heritage not only in California, but to the rest of the world.

Island Pacific with its chain of supermarkets catering to the Filipino American community is the perfect vehicle to showcase the banquet of culinary creativity  of the Filipinos. Isla Kulinarya will feature an array of distinctive regional dishes created with local ingredients with their very special flavors. These dishes reflect the influence of the various foreign cultures that impacted the Philippines for half a millennium. There’s the spicy hot dishes from Bicol, the sweet desserts and kakanins from Bulacan and Pampanga, the salty vegetable dishes from Ilocos or the unique herb-filled Lechon from Cebu.  All so delicious,  all distinctively Filipino.

Through ISLA KULINARYA, Island Pacific aims not only to celebrate our culinary expertise but also to educate and familiarize the second and third generation of Filipinos about our culture and food. As many chefs love to say, the way to know one's culture is through the stomach.

Each week, Isla Kulinarya will feature a special region of the Philippines, showcasing

important information about the place, the famous landmarks, and of course, recipes of its distinct native delicacies. Island Pacific has gathered together the best chefs and authors, as well as ordinary homemakers with delicious recipes to bring to you the world of authentic flavors of the Islands Philippines. Watch out for the Isla Kulinarya regular column at Asian Journal and on the Island Pacific website at www.islandpacificmarket.com

So, be prepared to engage in a rich tapestry of epicurean delight. There is so much to discover... so much to experience... so much to taste... thru ISLA KULINARYA!