The King & Queen of the Filipino Barbeque
The Filipino Barbeque.
It is somewhat of a rarity in the American culture, something that the average American has unfortunately not been a part of. But rest assured, after experiencing a Filipino barbeque, the average American will never forget it. So what exactly is a Filipino Barbeque and what makes a barbeque a Filipino barbeque? Well, to answer that question I will have to bring you under my arm, and guide you through the cultural phenomenon that makes up of so many of my childhood memories.
Barbeques are a primal thing. A gathering of people, the gentle rising volume of people’s voices, the smell of grilled meats…it is one of the purest experiences that we as human beings can be a part of. But what exactly makes one such barbeque a Filipino barbeque? First, you’ll need the vast array of “Tita’s” and “Tito’s”. Ones that your mother has somehow invited from all over the state of Michigan, ones that you’re unclear if you’ve ever met before. They’ll greet you, pinch your cheeks and sometimes asks invasive-personal questions such as your current marital status. After the pleasantries, they’ll give you a signature Filipino hug and then hand you a plate of something delicious.
Second, you’ll need a nice day. Filipino barbeques are unequivocally BANNED during days that aren’t at least 70 degrees and sunny. If the weather isn’t compliant with the tough guidelines of your Filipino mother, then the barbeque is promptly canceled and rescheduled a later date.
And third and certainly not least, the food. The most important variable in a filipino-style barbeque is the food! Pancit, fried rice, kare-kare, adobo can all be found on the table, but a filipino barbeque is NOT complete without the legendary Lumpia and the crowd-pleasing Pork-on-a-stick. These two foods are so essential they warrant their own paragraph.
The Pork-On-A-Stick food kind of speaks for itself. It’s pork…on a stick. But don’t be mistaken by its simplicity. This is one of the more umami-blasting, plate-filling foods on the planet. A simple dish made by marinating cubes of pork overnight in a mixture as secret as the Krabby Patty’s secret ingredient, it is cooked to perfection by your Filipino grandma (or mom) during barbeque day. The grilling of the pork can be a challenge within itself, as you try to hold yourself back as the sweet-sticky smell starts to consume every thought in your mind. You try to keep yourself focused on conversation, but cannot help glancing over at the grill in mouth-watering anticipation. Then, when the dish is finally served; pure ecstasy. When you taste this dish you do not simply use your tongue. When this dish hits your pallet, the feeling emanates outwardly and courses through your whole body. Then all of a sudden, you’re already sixteen Pork-On-A-Stick’s deep. If given the chance, I believe that this dish can achieve world-peace. Learn how to make it here.
Spring rolls, egg rolls, any type of roll cannot usurp the king of all the rolls. The unique x-factor in Filipino cuisine: Lumpia. A dish so good, it is rumored that The Most Interesting Man in the world once tasted these and was brought onto his knees. A dish so well known amongst Filipino-American children, that it’s mere mention makes our mouth water and stomach’s rumble. The near mythical Lumpia can be filled with a variety of things. In my family, it is usually filled with vegetables and pork. Some families can fill it with chicken, beef and even plantain banana’s that make for a sweeter version of the savory dish. But what propels Lumpia above the competition is the signature crunch of its super thin and crispy fried layer. The fact that they are so small, make for a good complementary dish or simply a snack within itself. It also posseses utilitarian qualities in the fact that it can be pre-made, frozen, and then fried at a later time (this is something I can speak on from personal experience). Learn how to make them here.
There you have it. A totally unnecessary yet potentially life-altering piece on my childhood’s most prominent foods. I hope you walk away from this article with a curious mind and a hungry stomach.
P.S: Barbeque season is almost upon us, I suggest you contact any and all friends of Filipino descent and request to be invited to their family barbeque’s this summer.
