Filipino Obsession with Food

  From My Readings on Filipino Obsession for Food

The above photo is a typical food preparation of Filipino Food from a typical Middle Class Family in the Philippines. Rich Filipinos would have Lechon and other Exotic Dishes ( Non-Filipino Comfort Food Dishes) Prepared for Special Occasions.  Rich Filipinos would have European dishes  added to the native delicacies featured above.   
Some of my THD friends informed me that I may have obsession with foods, since it is one of my favorite and frequent topics in my blogs. They also wondered why I am not overweight. My blog readers informed my my writings on Food assumed that I consumed a lot of it, but I am not overweight. My response is Moderation! But variety, yes, indeed. I love all ethnic foods of the world. Yes, I have an adventurous palate because of my childhood years. 
 https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2025/01/gordon-ramsay-on-filipino-food.html

Here are some information why food is important to Filipinos in general. 

Cultural Significance: Food is a central part of Filipino culture. Many traditional dishes are tied to festivals, celebrations, and religious events, making meals an essential aspect of cultural identity. Social Connection: Meals are often communal, reflecting the Filipino value of ``bayanihan,'' or community spirit.

Why do Filipinos love eating all the time? - Quora

Why is food so important to Filipino culture?

A: Filipinos really represent 'family. ' It's family food. Food is always a big thing. Every Filipino – no matter where you go – and you go to their house, they will ask you if you're hungry.

What are the Filipino eating habits?

A typical Filipino diet in a day consists of about three and a half (3 ½) cups of cooked rice, one (1) matchbox of fried fish, and half (1/2) cup of boiled vegetables per day and these are usually consumed during the three (3) major meals of the day: breakfast, lunch and supper 

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What food do Filipinos eat the most?

Staples. As in most Asian countries, the staple food in the Philippines is rice. It is most often steamed and always served with meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Leftover rice is often fried with garlic to make sinangag, which is usually served at breakfast together with a fried egg and cured meat or sausages.

In Addition do you know that ‘Kumain Ka Na?’ is the traditional greeting in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, asking "Kumain ka na?" (Have you eaten?) is more than just a question about food—it is a warm and caring way to greet someone. Unlike in Western cultures where greetings are typically "Hello" or "How are you?", Filipinos use this phrase to show concern and hospitality. This reflects the deeply ingrained cultural value of pakikisama (smooth social relationships) and malasakit (genuine care for others).

The habit stems from the Filipino emphasis on communal eating, where sharing meals is a way to bond and strengthen relationships. It also highlights the value placed on food as a symbol of love and generosity. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even a casual acquaintance, asking "Kumain ka na?" is a way of ensuring someone’s well-being rather than just making small talk. In many cases, if the person responds with "Not yet," the one asking might even offer them food, reinforcing the Filipino trait of hospitality and generosity.

Moreover, Did you Know -The Filipino Habit of Leaving the Last Piece of Food on a Plate

In the Philippines, there is an unspoken rule known as "hiya" (shame or modesty) that influences dining etiquette. One peculiar habit rooted in this cultural value is leaving the last piece of food on a shared plate. Many Filipinos hesitate to take the final bite, fearing it may be perceived as selfish or greedy. This behavior is often accompanied by playful teasing, with people encouraging others to take it, yet no one wanting to be the one to do so.

To resolve this dilemma, some Filipinos jokingly assign the last piece to the youngest or to someone willing to take it after much persuasion. In more casual settings, it is sometimes cut in half or divided among diners to avoid awkwardness. Despite this habit, Filipinos are known for their generosity and hospitality, always ensuring that there is enough food for everyone.

Yesterday, Saturday, March 1, Dinah and I had lunch at Isla Grand Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. https://www.yelp.com/biz/isla-grand-pleasant-hill

Here the photos I took of our meal, enough left over for to-GO for my Freezer.

Meanwhile, Here's a train ride you may be interested!