National Filipino Food Month: Bridging cultures and cravings nationwide

April is “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino” or Filipino Food Month as a tribute to the rich tapestry of Filipino culinary heritage.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Filipino cuisine has found its way into the hearts and plates of Filipinos everywhere in the country. Thanks to online food and grocery delivery platforms like Foodpanda, the accessibility to Pinoy delicacies has never been easier, bridging the gap between craving and satisfaction for Filipinos and food enthusiasts everywhere.

Filipino cravings

Foodpanda has experienced a significant surge in Filipino food orders, coinciding with an increase in its partner vendors offering Filipino dishes. Currently, nearly 60 percent of its partner vendors include Filipino dishes in their offerings, with nine percent of these restaurants specializing only in Filipino cuisine.

The platform reveals fascinating insights into the Filipino palate. Topping the list is the favorite halo-halo, a cool treat perfect for the country's warm weather. Not far behind are Pinoy faves like pandesal, puto, tusok-tusok and turon, all easily ordered with a simple tap.

When it comes to hearty meals, the silog dishes, sisig and lechon win big as comfort food. Interestingly, orders for silog have more than doubled those for sisig, which proves just how much Pinoys love this combination of garlic rice, fried egg and meat.

But Foodpanda isn’t just about ready-to-eat meals. It’s also great for those who want to cook Filipino dishes at home or grab their go-to local snacks, offering products from well-known brands like Gardenia for bread, San Miguel for beer, Nature's Spring for water, Rebisco for biscuits and Universal Robina for a variety of snacks.

Pinoy pride

Filipino Food Month is a chance to dive into dishes packed with tradition and flavor. In celebration of National Filipino Food Month, here are some restaurants that are not just serving meals but are ambassadors of Filipino culture and culinary excellence:

Beginning in Metro Manila, Gerry’s Grill is a Filipino favorite not just because of its iconic dishes like beef kare-kare, pork sisig and inihaw na pusit, but also because it evokes the feeling of home with restaurants designed to accommodate families and large groups. "Wherever Filipinos are in the world, Gerry’s Grill is their go-to for authentic Filipino dishes, flavorful desserts and a one-stop shop for everything related to Pinoy food. By being available on Foodpanda, we can bring that homey feeling to the doorsteps of our Pinoy customers," said Gerry’s Grill Segment Marketing manager Kenneth John Dela Cruz.

In Visayas, Hukad is one of Cebu’s must-visit restaurants for its endless serving of Filipino dishes, from lechon Cebu to grilled pork belly and special Bantayan baked scallops. Their commitment to authentic Filipino cuisine and culture shines through their carefully chosen recipes, ingredients and cooking methods that are true to the traditional Filipino way of life.

“We work with Filipino chefs and experts to ensure our dishes authentically represent the Philippines' culinary heritage while educating customers on the cultural significance of our food. With the support of foodpanda, we have significantly enhanced our visibility, helping us share the joy of Filipino cuisine with as many people as possible,” shared Kristine Paula R. Kokseng, Hukad general manager.

All the way from Southern Philippines where the Tuna Belt lies, Mindanao-based Tuna Republik is famous for its sutukil dish, which is a combination of sugba (grilled), tuwa (stewed) and kilaw (raw tossed in vinegar). Harnessing the rich abundance of tuna in their region, their dishes not only tantalize the Filipino palate but also offer exceptional value at an affordable price.

Owners of Tuna Republik Jerome and Shiella Aranas revealed, “While our menu incorporates tuna in every dish, we were also able to preserve the authentic Filipino cooking technique because some of our skilled cooks hail from the Indigenous People sector. Foodpanda’s steady and efficient platform has been a great help to us in introducing Tuna Republik to first-time customers and keeping loyal ones.”

"Supporting partner vendors with Filipino-centric menus is close to our hearts. It's not just about business, it's about keeping our culture alive through our food. By helping these restaurants, we're boosting local communities and keeping our traditions strong for the next generations to enjoy and carry on,“ said Louie Lim, foodpanda Philippines head of account management.