10 food quirks Pinoys are guilty of

MANILA, Philippines – When it comes to dining, Filipinos have no shortage of distinct habits.

From our colorful recipes to the way we ask for the bill, our food-related quirks add that distinct Pinoy flavor – or Timplang Pinoy – to any gathering that involves hearty meals.

But perhaps the most “Timplang Pinoy” quirk of them all is the way we see every meal as a shared experience with our friends and loved ones.

This list includes food quirks we identify as very Pinoy. Are you guilty of practicing any of these habits?

1. Using bare hands while eating 

Most Filipinos have no problem with eating using their bare hands. We put this habit to good use especially during boodle fights – a buffet-style setup that originated from the military where long tables are arranged together and food is served on banana leaves. 

2. Starting and finishing meals together 

“A family that eats together, stays together.” Most Filipino families consider meal time as a sacred ritual. For Pinoys, meal times aren’t just about sharing food – it’s also about sharing conversations and quality time. We always make it a point to start and end our meals together, to the point that no one leaves the table until every single person is finished eating.

3. Having merienda between lunch and dinner

 As soon as the clock strikes 4:00 pm, a Filipino’s stomach would be grumbling for some merienda. Favorites such as barbecue, pancit, or the classic banana cue are just some items in the long list of afternoon snacks that Pinoys munch on to get re-energized for the rest of the day. Most of us grew up enjoying these snacks with a tall, cold glass of orange juice drink.

4. Using sulit packs

From shampoo, to toothpaste, to food, Filipinos love to buy products in sachets, which are usually more affordable and convenient than buying regular-sized packs. Sari-sari stores all over the country cater to this need. For our favorite drinks, we prefer “sulit” packs, since we get the perfect amount for sharing! 

5. Being hospitable to guests

Ask foreigners about what makes Filipinos different, and a common answer you’ll hear is our endearing hospitality. We’re proud of the fact that we always treat our guests like royalty, making sure to serve them only the most delicious food and drinks, and always in plentiful amount!

6. Eating rice with everything

If Koreans have kimchi and the Germans have beer, Filipinos must have their unlimited supply of rice. So much so that we will eat anything with rice – meat, soup, and even noodles. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Filipinos love their rice and will eat every grain of each serving.

7. Pointing with our lips 

Filipinos are often called out for the way we use their mouths to point at something. From providing directions to a lost passerby, to asking for a refill from that pitcher across the table, this act is as natural to Filipinos as breathing. 

8. Having multiple sauces for meals

Filipinos are fans of sweet and salty food, and this carries over to the various array of sauces that we like to dip our food in. Having sawsawan (dipping sauce) – and a number of it at that – during meals entails mixing, experimenting, and having a swell time tasting all the possible food flavors that we love.

9. Taking comfort in rainy day food 

When the weather gets tough, the Pinoy gets going. Besides being resilient during the rainy weather, we make it a point to indulge in our favorite comfort food as well. Rainy day food favorites like champorado (sweet chocolate rice porridge) and arroz caldo (Filipino version of congee) are paired perfectly with a refreshing glass of orange juice drink – a surefire way for Filipinos to chase the rainy day blues away.

10. Using containers for different purposes

For Filipinos, instead of one-size fits all, many sizes fit all. Jars and glass containers are reused for condiments, powdered products, and as drinking glasses, too! Specifically, these “multi-purpose” containers are used to store items like sugar, juices, salt and similar products. Cheers to being resourceful and ingenious!

So, can you relate to any of these Filipino food habits? Are there other notable quirks that should be part of this list? Tell us! – Rappler.com