Lumpia Shanghai – Cereal Roll Original Cheese Flavor is a type of snack widely distributed in the Philippines. Although its name evokes the traditional Filipino spring roll known as Lumpia Shanghai, it is actually a stick-shaped puff snack made mainly from corn cereal and wheat flour. The exterior is crisp-fried and coated with cheese-flavored powder. This snack is popular as a convenient treat and is enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults. In recent years, it has become an established staple snack available at supermarkets, variety stores, school canteens, and various other locations.
Bibingka is a traditional baked dessert widely enjoyed in the Philippines. It is mainly made from rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and is characteristically baked on banana leaves. Bibingka is especially popular during the Christmas season and festivals, where it is often sold at markets and street stalls. Recipes and toppings vary by region and household, ranging from simple and rustic versions to those topped with cheese or salted duck eggs, resulting in a wide variety of types. Developed under the influence of Spanish colonial food culture, bibingka is now loved throughout the Philippines as a familiar and traditional treat.
Lomi is one of the representative noodle dishes of the Philippines, widely known as a specialty originating from Batangas province. It is characterized by its thick, rich soup and chewy thick noodles, generously topped with ingredients such as pork, fish balls, and vegetables. Lomi is served in a variety of places, from humble eateries and specialty restaurants to street stalls, and is popularly enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or a late-night meal in local communities. In cities such as Bacolod, regional variations and unique styles have developed, making Lomi a versatile and widely appreciated dish.
Sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the family Annonaceae, as well as the name of its fruit. The fruit is named ""Shakato"" (literally ""Buddha’s head"") in Japanese because its surface resembles the head of a Buddha statue. It is widely cultivated and distributed in warm regions around the world, including Taiwan, southern China, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. The sugar apple is known for its distinctive appearance and unique sweetness, and it is enjoyed in various forms such as eaten fresh, in juices, and as desserts. In Taiwan, it is called ""Shijia fruit"" and is considered a national fruit, particularly produced in areas such as Taitung.
Stinky tofu is a traditional food originating from East Asia, made from fermented tofu and distinguished by its strong, pungent odor. It is widely consumed in Chinese communities throughout China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, and is especially popular as a staple dish at night markets in Taiwan. The dish is commonly prepared in a variety of ways, including deep-frying, steaming, and stewing, and is beloved both as a symbol of local food culture and as a source of nostalgia.
Niushé bǐng, also known as niu she bing, is one of Taiwan's representative traditional baked pastries. The name comes from its oval and elongated shape, which resembles a cow's tongue. It is mainly made from ingredients such as wheat flour, sugar, and fats. Characterized by its thin, crispy texture and gentle sweetness, niushé bǐng is widely enjoyed at night markets and markets throughout Taiwan. It is especially popular in Yilan County, its place of origin, as well as at major night markets in Taipei City, such as the famous Shilin Night Market, where it is a signature product for both tourists and local residents.
Kong Rou Fan is one of Taiwan's representative rice dishes, featuring thick slices of pork belly simmered with soy sauce, sugar, and various spices, and served atop steamed rice. It is highly popular at eateries and night markets throughout Taiwan, especially at places like Taipei's Shilin Night Market. The dish is characterized by the tenderness of the meat, the sweet and savory sauce, and its combination with rice. It is commonly served with a variety of side dishes.
Aiyu jelly is a traditional dessert originating from Taiwan, commonly found at night markets and eateries throughout the country, including the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei. It is made from the seeds of the aiyu plant (scientific name: Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) and is characterized by its unique texture and refreshing taste. Served as a chilled jelly, it is especially popular during the hot seasons and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Halo-halo is a dessert originating from the Philippines, consisting of crushed ice topped with a variety of ingredients such as sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies, and often finished with condensed milk or ice cream. Its name comes from the Tagalog word meaning ""to mix,"" reflecting the colorful assortment of ingredients and the mixture of textures and flavors that characterize the dish. While halo-halo is especially popular in its birthplace, the Philippines, it is also enjoyed worldwide in Filipino restaurants, often with regional variations. Notably, it is served at ""Maya Bistro"" in Taipei, Taiwan, where the dish features local ingredients and preferences reflected in unique adaptations.
Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that originated in the Negros region of the Philippines. It is characterized by marinating the meat in a mixture of aromatic vegetables, citrus, vinegar, and annatto oil, then grilling it over charcoal, resulting in a vibrant color and distinctive aroma. The dish has been traditionally enjoyed mainly in the Western Visayas region, particularly around Bacolod City, and in recent years has become widely available in Filipino immigrant communities and local restaurants abroad. It is also popular at establishments such as ""WOW LITSON MANOK & INASAL"" in Taipei, Taiwan.
