Holiday reunions always mean one thing—kainan. Laging present ang staples like lechon, lumpia, barbecue, at kung ano-ano pang comfort food. Masarap talagang kumain, pero ‘yung preparation? Minsan, nakakapagod at nagiging source of stress lalo na kung ikaw ang punong abala sa ulam. Tapos, may mga tito at tita pa na mataas ang standards pagdating sa lasa at presentation. Siyempre, gusto mo pa magdala ng masarap at presentable na hindi hassle gawin.
Keep it Simpol
Let’s talk about Chef Tatung’s first tip: “Huwag mong pahirapan ang sarili.” Hindi kailangang laging pang-Michelin Star ang ihahain. Sabi nga niya, “Sa Pasko, ang dami mong kailangang asikasuhin—guests, kwentuhan, kung anu-ano. Hindi mo kailangang magluto ng komplikado para lang masabing magaling ka.”
Ang mas mahalaga, ‘yung ulam na alam mong swak sa panlasa ng karamihan, at kaya mong lutuin nang hindi ka nagmamadali o natataranta. Kaya go-to ni Chef Tatung ang mga lutong-bahay na simple at familiar, pero may konting twist para hindi pa rin boring.
“Kung sanay sila sa adobo, lagyan mo ng konting twist. Huwag mo namang baguhin nang todo—just enough para mapansin at ma-appreciate,” he shared.
At dahil may MAGGI Magic Sarap, siguradong buo ang lasa kahit simple lang ang luto. It’s the all-in-one, all-around seasoning that makes any dish Simpol to cook, yet pang-fiesta sa sarap.
Regional roots with a holiday twist
Chef Tatung also loves putting a spotlight on dishes from his roots. One of his top recommendations for the holidays is Humba.
“Definitely Humba! Every Bisaya household has its own version — some with banana blossoms, some with black beans, others with boiled eggs. It’s sweet, savory, and rich, and the best part is it keeps well for days. That’s our version of practicality and celebration in one pot.”
With MAGGI Soy, Oyster Sauce, and Magic Sarap, you can easily achieve that depth of flavor that makes every spoonful taste like home.
Simpol dishes you can make ahead
For busy holiday schedules, Chef Tatung swears by make-ahead meals. “Ako, I’m a big fan of make-ahead dishes — especially during the holidays when the kitchen gets crazy.” These are dishes you can prep early, freeze, then just bake or reheat when needed para iwas panic.
One of his top picks is Corn Casserole. “It’s creamy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s made with ground meat, sweet corn, and a layer of smooth béchamel sauce topped with melted cheese.” It’s hearty, easy to assemble, and perfect for feeding a big group. “It’s like a hug in a baking dish — Simpol pero pang-fiesta!”
Other favorites include Baked Macaroni, Chicken Lasagna, and Embutido. “Assemble or roll them ahead, freeze tightly in foil, then bake or reheat when needed. You get all the flavor and comfort without the last-minute panic. Simpol pero sulit.”
And with MAGGI as your kitchen partner, you don’t need dozens of ingredients to achieve full, balanced flavor—isang timpla lang, solved na.
Simpol pero from the heart
At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck or planning your Noche Buena menu, Chef Tatung reminds us to cook with heart, not pressure.
“The best part of any holiday meal isn’t how fancy the dish is
—it’s who you share it with and the joy that comes with it.”
So go for what’s practical, flavorful, and made with love—made Simpol with MAGGI. Because when every dish is delicious and stress-free, you get to enjoy what truly matters: celebrating togetherness, one Simpol pero pang-fiesta meal at a time.
