Sago't Gulaman is a traditional Filipino refreshment characterized by tapioca pearls (sago) and colorful agar jelly (gulaman) sweetened with brown sugar syrup and served with ice. It is widely enjoyed in urban areas, food stalls, and restaurants, becoming a staple drink during the hot season. Max's Restaurant in Baguio City is one of the places where visitors can experience authentic local Sago't Gulaman as an example of this tradition.
The menu of Max's Restaurant refers to the diverse range of dishes served by the restaurant chain ""Max's Restaurant,"" which operates primarily in the Philippines. It features a fusion of traditional Filipino cuisine and American dishes. Established in 1945, the restaurant has long been cherished as a place for ""family-friendly, home-style dining."" Its menu, highlighted by its signature fried chicken, skillfully blends local cooking techniques and ingredients with elements of Western food culture. This distinctive combination has earned widespread popularity not only within the Philippines but also internationally.
Ube cone ice cream is a dessert consisting of ice cream made primarily from ""ube,"" a traditional purple yam from the Philippines, served in a waffle cone. It is easily enjoyed at parks and street stalls throughout the Philippines and is widely popular among both locals and tourists. In particular, it is a staple street food at Burnham Park in Baguio, a city known as a mountain resort destination.
Empanada is a traditional dish made by wrapping fillings such as meat, vegetables, and eggs in dough and then frying or baking it. It is especially popular in Spanish-speaking countries and the Philippines. In the Philippines, empanada has developed uniquely in each region through the fusion of Spanish culinary culture introduced during the colonial era and local ingredients. In areas such as the Ilocos region and Baguio City, it is enjoyed by many as a popular street snack known for its bright orange dough and crispy texture.
Mang Juan is a snack originating from the Philippines, widely known as a non-pork version of the traditional fried pork skin snack called ""Chicharrón."" Made primarily from soybeans, it is produced and sold by Filipino food manufacturers and has gained popularity against the backdrop of local food culture. Mang Juan is characterized by its unique texture and a variety of flavors using traditional Filipino seasonings, making it popular among consumers who avoid pork for health reasons or due to religious considerations.
Prawn crackers are a type of deep-fried snack made primarily from prawns and are widely consumed, especially in Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their distinctive light texture and prawn flavor, and various types and flavors exist depending on the region and brand. In the Philippines, mass-produced prawn crackers by major snack manufacturers are widely available and are enjoyed as a common everyday snack.
Red Horse is a high-alcohol beer brand originating from the Philippines, brewed by San Miguel Corporation. Since its introduction in 1977, it has gained popularity both domestically and internationally for its strong flavor and reputation as an ""extra strong beer."" Widely distributed throughout the country, including places like Baguio, it holds a significant place in local culture.
Pandecoco is a type of sweet bread widely enjoyed in the Philippines. It consists of a soft bread dough filled with a sweetened mixture of finely grated coconut, and then baked. This bread is believed to have originated from the fusion of bread-making culture introduced during the Spanish colonial era and native Filipino ingredients. It is commonly sold at bakeries and markets throughout the country and is favored as a snack or light meal not only by locals but also by visitors. Known for its natural coconut sweetness and fragrant flavor, pandecoco is considered one of the representative breads of Filipino food culture.
Steamed peanuts are a snack made by steaming or boiling raw peanuts in their shells. They are widely enjoyed in countries such as the Philippines, other Southeast Asian nations, southern China, and the southern United States, with subtle differences in preparation methods and names depending on the region or country. In places like Baguio in the Philippines, steamed peanuts are commonly served at night markets and street stalls, becoming established as a popular, affordable snack or light bite. The steaming process creates a soft texture and accentuates the natural sweetness and unique flavor of the peanuts.
Balut is a traditional food widely consumed in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines. It consists of a fertilized duck egg that is incubated for a specific period until the embryo develops to a certain stage, after which it is cooked and eaten. The incubation period, cooking methods, and ways of consumption vary by region. In the Philippines, balut is commonly available at street stalls and night markets, and is popular not only among locals but also with tourists.