Tonkatsu ramen is a creative dish that combines ramen and tonkatsu, served at Japanese restaurants and food stalls overseas. While it is not commonly enjoyed in Japan itself, it has become popular in regions such as Southeast Asia, North America, and Hawaii, spreading amid the Japanese food boom through fusion with local food cultures. The details of the dish vary depending on the region and restaurant, but it is generally based on Japanese-style ramen with unique local ingredients or cooking methods added. This article provides an overview of its characteristics, historical background, and international development, using the example of tonkatsu ramen served at the Botanical Garden in Baguio City, a tourist destination in the Philippines.
Banana Cue (also known as Banana Q) is a traditional snack originating from the Philippines. It is primarily made by skewering whole or large pieces of saba bananas (a variety of cooking banana) and deep-frying them in oil with sugar. During preparation, caramelized sugar is coated onto the surface of the bananas, resulting in a sweet, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy texture inside. Banana Cue is widely enjoyed at local food stalls and markets, and is recognized as a popular, easily accessible street food in the region.
Green Mango & Bagoong is a traditional snack widely enjoyed in the Philippines. It features unripe green mangoes that are sliced thinly or cut into sticks and served with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. The combination of the mango’s refreshing sourness and the strong saltiness of the bagoong is loved by many. This snack is easily found at street stalls and markets, and is also commonly seen at tourist spots such as Mines View in Baguio.
Sisig rice is a dish popular in Filipino street food culture, where ""sisig,"" a mixture of finely chopped pork meat and offal seasoned with a tangy and spicy flavor, is generously served over steamed white rice. Based on the traditional sisig from Pampanga province in Luzon, which is considered its place of origin, the dish has developed various regional variations. Especially in places like the night market of Baguio City, it is a popular and easily accessible meal for both locals and tourists. Sisig rice is regarded as one of the representative street foods found throughout the Philippines, symbolizing the vibrancy of local food culture and the lively atmosphere of food stalls.
Isaw is a traditional Filipino street food consisting mainly of chicken or pork intestines skewered and grilled over charcoal. Known for being inexpensive and easily accessible, it is widely enjoyed especially in urban areas and is a popular item at night markets such as those in Baguio. Isaw is characterized by its unique texture and savory aroma, and is often served with sweet and spicy sauces or vinegar-based dips. For both locals and tourists, Isaw is more than just a meal; it also serves as a means to experience the region's street food culture and social atmosphere.
Buko Pandan Jelly is a popular cold dessert drink widely enjoyed in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. The main ingredients are the flesh of young coconut (buko) and vibrantly green jelly made from the extract of pandan leaves (a plant from the screwpine family). Sweet milk, condensed milk, or cream are often added, resulting in a refreshing sweetness and a distinctive aroma. In the Philippines, this dessert is especially common during the hot season and is frequently served at night markets and food stalls, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Japanese Cake (Oyaki) is a street dessert sold at night markets in places such as Baguio, Philippines, said to originate from Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese sweets such as ""oyaki"" and ""imagawayaki,"" it has developed its own names, adaptations, and variations locally. The small, pancake-like confection is easy to eat by hand and is characterized by its various filled styles. Popular in stalls and night markets especially in tourist destinations like Baguio, it has become an integrated part of the local culture.
Shawarma rice is a dish mainly enjoyed in the Philippines, adapted from the Middle Eastern-originated shawarma to suit local tastes. It is characterized by a serving style where seasoned meat, vegetables, and sauces are placed over rice. This meal is widely enjoyed as a daily food, especially at urban food stalls and in food courts. Shawarma rice is popular in various regions, including the city of Baguio, and shows unique variations with different ingredients and seasonings.
Kiwi beer is a type of fruit beer made by adding kiwi fruit during the brewing process. It is characterized by its distinctive acidity and refreshing aroma. In recent years, it has garnered attention primarily among craft breweries in Asia and Oceania. In Baguio City, Philippines, local craft breweries serve this beer to offer a new taste experience to both residents and tourists. Its unique character, different from traditional beer and other fruit beers, has led to its growing popularity.
Beer Chicken is a dish in which chicken is cooked using beer, and it features a wide variety of regional variations that reflect the local beer culture and available ingredients. Particularly notable is the Beer Chicken served at Craft Brewery in Baguio, northern Philippines, where locally brewed craft beer imparts a unique aroma and flavor that has gained popularity. The dish is characterized by cooking methods that harmonize the umami of beer with spices, as well as distinctive local dipping sauces. In recent years, Beer Chicken has been internationally recognized alongside the growing popularity of craft beer.
