Merry Meriendas

Snacking? Count Pinoys in! We’re known all over the world as a people who know how to enjoy ourselves. You can see—and taste—this in our delicacies, especially in our meriendas, snacks, or streetfood. Just like how we always have a smile to spare, we always have a dish to serve and share—it’s the Filipino brand of hospitality in practice!

Instead of just talking about these delicacies, why not have a more hands-on approach to learning? Head on over to the kitchen and prep a tasty merienda batch with these ideas to get you started: 

Tour the Tasty Side with Turon

If you have to explain this dish to the unacquainted, “deep-fried banana and sugar spring rolls” is not far from the truth, but the fun part is when you add a little more in there. Normally, it’s a bunch of jackfruit strips joining the banana slices inside, but you can give your turon a twist by replacing bananas with apples. No matter the mix, it’ll always end with that crispy, sweet, and filling sensation!

Stick Around for Biko

Filipinos and rice are two concepts stuck together by desire—we even have rice in our desserts! It’s a staple in traditional Filipino food. Biko is a type of sticky glutinous rice cake that’s sweet and chewy. Afternoon breaks are best enjoyed with a plate of Biko on the side, whether you’re having coffee, tea, or any other beverage.

Wrap your Tastebuds Around Lumpia

Ah, the party staple. No Pinoy celebration is complete without these tasty bundles of joy. Whatever’s happening inside these wraps is up to you, but you can never go wrong with sautéed veggies like carrots, cabbages, and bean sprouts. Fold them into lumpia wrappers, deep fry to perfection, and serve with the trademark vinegar dip or sweet and sour sauce. 

Put a Smile on your Face with Cheesy Puto

Our fascination with romance flicks is proof that we Pinoys do get a little cheesy sometimes—that spills over into our snacks! Think soft and fluffy rice cake meets savory melted cheese–the one true pairing our tastebuds have loved for years! Just like other rice cakes, cheesy puto works well with coffee, tea, or any other beverage you’d like to fill your breaks with.

Fire up your Snacks With Chicken Barbeque

This delicacy promotes itself very well, from the smoke of the charcoal signaling the coming flavors, to the scent of the meat cooking on the grill. The magic, however, happens way before,  

when you choose the marinade that seeps in the flavor. Poolside and beachside parties go best with these tasty proteins on sticks, but nothing stops you from having them anytime, anywhere. Go for chicken breasts if you prioritize protein, or chicken tenders with a bit of skin left if you want maximum flavor.

A sense of community is part of our identity as Filipinos. The next time you prepare any of these tasty treats, make a little extra and share some with friends and family—the affection you pour into your delicacies makes the dishes taste a little sweeter!