Top 5 Filipino Snacks to Make When You’re Feeling Homesick
When you're away from home, cravings for familiar flavors can hit hard. Filipino snacks are not only delicious but also bring back memories of home. Here are five easy-to-make Filipino snacks that can satisfy your cravings and make you feel closer to your roots.
1. Banana Que
Banana Que is a popular street food made from caramelized bananas, typically saba bananas, skewered on sticks.
How to Make It:
1. Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe saba bananas
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups cooking oil
- Skewers
2. Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Roll the bananas in brown sugar until coated.
- Fry the bananas in the hot oil until golden brown and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Skewer the bananas and enjoy!
Why It’s Special: The sweet, crunchy coating of the caramelized sugar paired with the soft banana inside is a nostalgic treat that many Filipinos adore.
2. Turon
Another saba recipe, Turon, or banana lumpia, is a delightful snack made of bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried to a crispy finish.
How to Make It:
1. Ingredients:
- 4 ripe saba bananas
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Spring roll wrappers
- Cooking oil
2. Instructions:
- Peel the bananas and slice them in half lengthwise.
- Wrap each half in a spring roll wrapper, sealing the edges.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the wrapped bananas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Roll them in brown sugar while still hot for extra sweetness.
Why It’s Special: The crispy texture combined with the sweet banana filling makes Turon a comforting snack that reminds many of their childhood.
3. Puto with Yema
Puto is a steamed rice cake often topped with a thick, creamy yema sauce made from egg yolks and condensed milk.
How to Make It:
1. Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Cheese (optional for topping)
- For Yema:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
2. Instructions:
- For Puto:
- Mix rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into puto molds.
- Steam for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For Yema:
- In a pan, mix egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
Why It’s Special: Puto with Yema is often served during special occasions, bringing back memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
4. Champorado
Champorado is a sweet chocolate rice porridge that is enjoyed as a snack or breakfast, often paired with dried fish.
How to Make It:
1. Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar
- Condensed milk (for topping)
2. Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot and add the glutinous rice.
- Cook until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in cocoa powder and sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Serve warm, drizzled with condensed milk.
Why It’s Special: The rich chocolate flavor of Champorado, especially when enjoyed with salty dried fish, brings warmth and comfort, reminiscent of home-cooked meals.
5. Lumpiang Shanghai
Lumpiang Shanghai is a Filipino version of spring rolls, filled with ground pork, vegetables, and spices.
How to Make It:
1. Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped green beans
- 1 onion, minced
- Spring roll wrappers
- Cooking oil
2. Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, carrots, green beans, onion, and season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap a spoonful of the mixture in a spring roll wrapper and seal the edges.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Why It’s Special: Lumpiang Shanghai is a staple during celebrations and family gatherings, and its savory taste brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals.
Making these snacks can transport you back to the Philippines, even if you're miles away. Whether it’s the sweetness of Banana Que or the comforting warmth of Champorado, these treats are sure to lift your spirits. So, gather your ingredients and bring a taste of home into your kitchen!