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Travel
Glam Halal | March-April . 2022
A taste of the Philippines Food is an important part of a tourism experience , giving a glimpse of a place ’ s culture and heritage
ONE OF THE charms for traditional Filipino hospitality is to ensure that the household provides the best food for its visitors . Questions such as “ Have you eaten ?” may be one of the first things that the host will ask the visitors to their house . When it comes to food , each region in the Philippines has something unique to offer to these visitors or tourists .
The Philippines Department of Tourism ( PDOT ) highlights the country ’ s food traditions through different programmes that encourage new dining discoveries , such as the Halal Culinary Heritage Series .
Launched in July 2021 , the initiative showcases amazing food available in Mindanao through a video series posted on the Department ’ s social media platforms , including Facebook , YouTube , and Instagram .
Bismillah Before Eating , a coffee table book , was also produced by the halal stakeholders . The book emphasises the diverse halal cuisine options of Mindanao ’ s five regions and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao ( BARMM ).
“ Food is an important part of a tourism experience . It gives us a glimpse of a place ’ s culture and heritage . By developing our Halal Culinary Tourism , we are encouraging the discovery and familiarity with the culinary traditions of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines ,” says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat .
The PDOT collaborates with the Brunei Darussalam – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area ( BIMP-EAGA ) on the Mindanao Halal Culinary Tourism project . Apart from promoting Mindanao ’ s legacy and culture , the initiative also intends to document the region ’ s culinary practises through food mapping , which will aid in the creation of new experiences and attractions in its different areas .
Halal food trip Halal food can be found in many forms across
Halo-halo ( c _ o Justin Ventura ).
Plate with assorted vegetables ( Ensalada with Guinamos ) and Fruits with Guinamos from Halal Culinary - Caraga
Beef Rendang from Halal Culinary - CDO
the Philippines . In Manila , some restaurants and eateries offer halal-certified food , such as stalls in Muslim Town , an area near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo that offers culinary delights such as Bakas Bamboo-smoked tuna and a glutinous rice cake called Dodol .
For halal-certified Filipino fare in the Makati district , the Berjaya Hotel Makati ’ s El Prado dining outlet serves dishes such as Tinolang Manok ( chicken in ginger broth with vegetables ), a halal Nilagang Baka ( boiled beef with vegetables ) and Sinigang na Baka ( beef simmered in a clear sour soup with vegetables ).
In the Caraga region , tourists are served with fruits and vegetables dipped in Guinamos ( salt fermented fish ) for starters . This tasty condiment is also a take-home souvenir courtesy of Radin ’ s Guinamos in Agusan del Sur .
Torogan Kape in Cagayan de Oro serves a dry curry Beef Rendang or a fusion version called Beef Rendang Penne . Piaparan a Manok , or chicken cooked in coconut milk , turmeric , and a unique paste made with scallions , ginger , and turmeric .
Local pastry snacks such as Tyatag , Lokatis , Apang a Margas , Browa , Dodol , and Tapay asa Torogan ( fermented cassava dessert ), are also available at the diner . Cagayan de Oro ’ s Babu Kwan , which celebrates Maranao and Tausug dishes and other Asian favourites , is another halal-certified restaurant worth visiting .