Good news for Filipino food lovers as several pork dishes from the Philippines has made it to the international food guide, TasteAtlas's list of 100 best pork dishes in the world.
Lechon, lechon kawali, Bicol express, and sisig have earned high scores above 4 out of 5, ranking 17th, 22nd, 23rd, and 28th respectively.
TasteAtlas acknowledged the uniqueness of these dishes, citing the distinct ingredients used and how they are prepared and served.
For instance, lechon is cooked by stuffing the pig with lemongrass, garlic, onion, and chives before being roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire.
Photo from Lutong Pinoy Recipe
This dish is usually served on special occasions, such as weddings and Christmas.
According to TasteAtlas, the crispy, reddish-brown, crackling skin of lechon is especially beloved.
Lechon kawali, on the other hand, is a deep-fried pork belly with a golden brown crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
It is boiled first in water with aromatics like bay leaves, lemongrass, garlic, onion, peppercorn, and salt, before being cut into chunks and served with vinegar or liver sauce.
Bicol Express, a spicy dish that originated from the Bicol region, consists of sliced pork, kakang gata, bagoong alamang, and lots of green and red chilis.
It is believed to have been invented by Cely Kalaw, a native of Laguna, who named the dish after the train service operating from Manila to Bicol.
Sisig, which originated from Pampanga, is made from boiled and grilled pig head or maskara, grilled chicken liver, vinegar, kalamansi, salt, pepper, onions, and chili. It is served on a sizzling plate and topped with a raw egg.
Modern versions of the dish may also include mayonnaise and crushed chicharon.
TasteAtlas earlier recognized Sinigang na baboy (sour pork-vegetable soup) and Bulalo (beef soup) as part of the Top 50 best soups in the world.
Two popular Pinoy meriendas, Turon and Maruya, also made it to its best deep-fried desserts in the world list.
