The Philippines is known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, beginning as early as September and culminating in various celebrations throughout December. A vital part of Filipino Christmas traditions is the food. Filipino Christmas dishes represent a beautiful blend of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous influences, creating a vibrant culinary culture that is central to family gatherings during this festive season.
This article explores 15 traditional Filipino Christmas foods that bring warmth, comfort, and flavor to Filipino homes, each offering a unique taste of the holiday spirit.
15 Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods
1. Lechon (Roast Pig)
A Filipino Christmas Centerpiece
Lechon, or roast pig, is perhaps the most iconic dish during Filipino Christmas celebrations, especially for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner). Lechon is slowly roasted over charcoal, creating a crisp, golden skin and tender, flavorful meat. Traditionally, it is seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and other local herbs.
Cultural Significance of Lechon
Lechon is more than just a dish; it is a symbol of abundance and togetherness. The process of roasting the pig is often a communal activity, reflecting the spirit of Filipino bayanihan (community cooperation).
2. Bibingka (Rice Cake)
A Sweet and Savory Delicacy
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, topped with salted egg and cheese. It is commonly sold outside churches during the Simbang Gabi (midnight masses), symbolizing the unity of faith and food during the Christmas season.
How Bibingka Is Prepared
Bibingka is cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves, giving it a distinct smoky flavor and aroma. It’s typically enjoyed fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of coconut or butter on top.
3. Puto Bumbong
A Unique Holiday Treat
Puto Bumbong is a purple-hued sticky rice delicacy steamed in bamboo tubes, often paired with bibingka. It is traditionally served after Simbang Gabi, topped with grated coconut, muscovado sugar, and butter, offering a combination of sweet and slightly salty flavors.
Symbolism in Puto Bumbong
The color and unique preparation of puto bumbong make it a festive treat, enjoyed with family and friends as part of the Christmas celebration.
4. Hamon (Filipino Christmas Ham)
A Sweet and Savory Holiday Staple
Hamon is a cured and smoked ham, often glazed with a sweet pineapple or sugar sauce. It is one of the main dishes during Noche Buena, and is traditionally paired with queso de bola (edam cheese) and bread.
The Tradition of Hamon
The practice of serving hamon is a Spanish-influenced tradition, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. It is often gifted during the holiday season and shared among loved ones.
5. Queso de Bola (Edam Cheese)
The Cheese That Complements Hamon
Queso de bola, literally meaning “ball of cheese,” is a Dutch-influenced Edam cheese coated in red wax. It is a Christmas staple in Filipino households, often served alongside hamon and bread during Noche Buena.
Symbolism of Queso de Bola
The round shape of queso de bola is said to symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year, making it a cherished part of the holiday feast.
6. Embutido (Filipino Meatloaf)
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
Embutido is a Filipino-style meatloaf made from ground pork mixed with raisins, carrots, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. It is wrapped in foil and steamed, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Why Embutido Is Popular During Christmas
This dish is often prepared in advance and served cold or reheated, making it a convenient and delicious option for large family gatherings during the holiday season.
7. Leche Flan
A Creamy, Caramel Custard
Leche flan is a rich and creamy dessert made from egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar, with a layer of caramel on top. This popular Filipino dessert is often served during Christmas and other festive occasions.
The Spanish Influence
Leche flan is a Spanish-influenced dessert that has become a beloved part of Filipino holiday celebrations, symbolizing indulgence and sweetness during the festive season.
8. Morcon (Stuffed Beef Roll)
A Hearty Christmas Dish
Morcon is a Filipino-style beef roulade stuffed with pickles, sausages, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs, then braised in a rich tomato sauce. It is a labor-intensive dish often prepared during special occasions like Christmas.
Why Morcon Is a Christmas Favorite
The festive and elaborate presentation of morcon makes it a centerpiece dish during holiday feasts, symbolizing the effort and care put into preparing meals for loved ones.
9. Pancit Malabon
A Flavorful Filipino Noodle Dish
Pancit Malabon is a noodle dish made from thick rice noodles, seafood, and a rich sauce made from shrimp broth, annatto, and other seasonings. It is often garnished with boiled eggs, crushed chicharrón (pork rinds), and green onions.
Symbolism of Pancit in Filipino Culture
Noodles are considered a symbol of long life in Filipino culture, making Pancit Malabon a common dish during festive occasions like Christmas, where wishes for health and longevity are expressed.
10. Kaldereta
A Rich and Hearty Stew
Kaldereta is a Filipino stew made from beef, goat, or pork, simmered with tomatoes, liver paste, and a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Its rich, savory flavor makes it a popular dish for Christmas celebrations.
Kaldereta’s Role in the Filipino Christmas Feast
This dish’s warmth and heartiness make it perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season, symbolizing the rich and flavorful experience of Christmas in the Philippines.
11. Rellenong Manok (Stuffed Chicken)
An Elaborate Christmas Chicken Dish
Rellenong Manok is a stuffed chicken dish where the chicken is deboned and stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, raisins, vegetables, and eggs, then roasted to perfection. It’s a labor-intensive dish that is often reserved for special occasions.
Why It’s a Holiday Staple
The elaborate preparation and rich filling of Rellenong Manok make it a luxurious dish perfect for Noche Buena or Christmas day meals, symbolizing the special effort put into holiday celebrations.
12. Suman (Sticky Rice Cake)
A Simpler Filipino Christmas Dessert
Suman is a sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender. It is usually served with sugar or latik (coconut caramel) on top, making it a favorite Christmas dessert.
Why Suman Is Important During Christmas
Suman is not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of simplicity and tradition. It is often served during the holiday season as a dessert or snack after Simbang Gabi.
13. Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)
A Vibrant and Sweet Dessert
Ube halaya is a sweet dessert made from purple yam, milk, and sugar, offering a vibrant and creamy treat during Christmas. It’s typically topped with latik or grated coconut.
Ube in Filipino Culture
The vibrant purple color of ube halaya makes it a festive addition to Christmas spreads, representing the bright and joyful spirit of the season.
14. Tsokolate (Hot Chocolate)
A Warm and Comforting Beverage
Tsokolate is a thick, rich Filipino hot chocolate made from tablea (pure cacao tablets). It is traditionally served during Noche Buena alongside various Filipino Christmas treats like bibingka and puto bumbong.
The Role of Tsokolate in Christmas
This warm, comforting beverage is enjoyed during the cool December nights, symbolizing warmth and togetherness during the holiday celebrations.
15. Fruit Salad
A Sweet Ending to the Christmas Feast
Filipino fruit salad is a popular dessert made from a mixture of canned fruits, condensed milk, and cream. It is often served cold and is a refreshing treat after a hearty Christmas meal.
Why Fruit Salad Is a Christmas Favorite
Fruit salad’s creamy and sweet flavors make it a perfect dessert to cap off the Filipino Christmas feast. It’s easy to prepare and is often made in large quantities, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
See Also: What Do Egyptians Eat for Christmas? 10 Traditional Foods
Conclusion
Filipino Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition, and food plays an integral role in bringing families together during the holiday season. From the savory indulgence of lechon and hamon to the sweet comfort of bibingka and leche flan, these traditional dishes offer a taste of Filipino culture and the spirit of giving, sharing, and unity. By serving these 15 traditional Filipino Christmas foods, families honor their heritage and enjoy the flavors that make Christmas in the Philippines truly special.