Local Cuisines: Manila, PH

Philippines is a melting pot of different cultures but when it comes to food, we've definitely had ours stirred by mostly Hispanic influences and Chinese as well. However, Filipinos, over time, have been cultivating recipes, making and whipping out sumptuous grubs! Anyway, here are some mouth-watering delicacies most people in the Metro enjoy:

TAPSILOG
Tapsilog is actually a combination of words: Tapa-Sinangag-Itlog, which means, dried/ cured beef-garlic fried rice-egg, it is usually eaten for breakfast but most people enjoy it any time of the day. It's usually salty and almost anyone can find Tapahans (places where they serve Tapsilog and other silogs) on almost street corners but the fun part of visiting tapahans is that they have their own versions of tapa, some could be a little sweet and some could be sour but still be tasty.
PHOTO CREDIT: hannahbreyno

HALOHALO

Halo, in Tagalog means "mix". It's a sweet concoction of shaved ice, evaporated milk and of colorful motley of sweetened beans, fruits, and tapioca then dabbed with sugar and usually topped with ice cream, leche flan and purple yam. Halo-halo is mostly savored during afternoon merienda or as dessert but mostly especially on hot summer days, it is usually cheap but food chains and restaurants also have their own versions.
PHOTO CREDIT: foodescapades

SINIGANG NA HIPON
Sinigang na hipon roughly translates to "shrimp in sour soup", the key ingredient is tamarind, shrimps and of vegetables native in the Philippines, not only making this yummy but also healthy. Even though some people have second thoughts on eating sour foods, sinigang na hipon has a distinct taste that is just irresistible and this is because of the unusual combination of the natural extract of shrimp and tamarind. People usually relish this for dinner but also on chilly days.
PHOTO CREDIT: entengvince

In all of its sublime culture, the most impressive part would be the dishes, included in the list of the most celebrated exotic foods of Asia. It is a reflection of the ingenuity of Filipinos using its opulent natural resources. Truly, a maximization of combined cultures they have been brushed upon in history. These delicate dishes are one that begets the love of foreigners, and the longing of Filipinos to their mother land abroad.