It’s not really a mystery why we Pinoys love Japanese cuisine. As this article puts it, “Filipinos have a natural palate for the sweet and savoury, so it comes as no surprise that Japanese cuisine is popular here.”

And as F&B Report, well, reports, Japanese restaurants are high in demand here in the Philippines. So with many Japanese restaurants and different options for Japanese foods, what are the ones to try for beginners or for those who are about to experience Japanese cuisine for the first time?

Well, keep reading for our tasty recommendations. All of these on the list are best to eat in Japan itself, in our opinion, but the ones you can get here are pretty darn good!

Japanese Food You Must Try: Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi, the epitome of elegance and precision, is a must-try in the world of Japanese cuisine. Each piece is a work of art, combining vinegared rice with fresh fish or vegetables delicately wrapped in seaweed. The explosion of flavors in every bite will leave you craving for more, no matter the type of sushi you try.

Not far off from sushi is sashimi, another traditional Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced, fresh, raw seafood. It is typically served without any cooking or seasoning, allowing the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients to shine. Do yourself a favor and look for both every time you step foot in sushi restaurants.

You can also make your own sushi in your own home. Click here to enroll in our Modern Sushi and Maki Class!

Japanese Food You Must Try: Ramen

When it comes to Japanese comfort food, there’s nothing better than a bowl of ramen. A steaming bowl of rich broth, noodles, and toppings, such as thin slices of pork or beef, spring onions, and marinated eggs, is one of the things you must try in Japan or in Japanese cuisine. As you slurp the ramen noodle soup, you’ll feel a sense of warmth and contentment wash over you.

It’s a popular Japanese dish for a good reason! You’ll likely want multiple bowls of ramen in one go. And if that’s a yes, it’s probably best for you to enroll in our Ramen Made Easy class! You can make five different kinds at home, just like the ramen in Japan—sounds pretty delicious, agree?

Japanese Food You Should Try: Tempura

Go to any buffet here in the Philippines that offers tempura, and you’ll find, more often than not, a line for Tempura. That’s how popular this deep fried dish is! In fact, we think that if a tempura restaurant opened here which serves nothing BUT tempura, it would sell out pretty fast!

Well, tempura’s light and crispy batter IS a delightful contrast to the shrimp inside—and don’t forget the dipping sauce! And, of course, since we’re Pinoy, we’d enjoy this with a bowl of rice… or two!

Takoyaki: A Must-Try Dish

Takoyaki is a popular street food that comes from Osaka. This makes the list because it’s a street food that contains seafood (specifically octopus) and vegetables like green onions and pickled ginger. It’s topped with a special kind of soy sauce and bonito flakes.

Who knew octopus could be made into street food and be so delicious?

You know something else that’s cool? When takoyaki is made hot and fresh, you can see the bonito flakes dance!

And despite it being unusual, eating takoyaki is a joy, especially when you experience the combination of the crispiness outside and the softness and gooeyness on the inside. It’s going to be one of those memorable food experiences for sure!

Onigiri: Portable and Delicious

Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and in Japanese convenience stores. These handheld snacks are made by molding rice into a triangular or cylindrical shape and filling them with ingredients such as pickled plum, salmon, or seasoned seaweed. Onigiri is the perfect snack while you’re on the go, providing a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. 

Want to make your own rice ball version? Check out our free Onigiri class!

Japanese Food You Need To Try: Tonkatsu

When you say tonkatsu, you’re talking about crispy, breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets. The succulent meat with the breading offers a delightful contrast of textures. It’s served with rice and a tangy dipping sauce, shredded cabbage, and a side of miso soup.

We recommend savoring each pork cutlet you dip into the tonkatsu sauce and eaten with rice. No exaggeration: this is one of the best food in Japan!

Sukiyaki: The Japanese Hot Pot

Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that, just like ramen, will warm both your body and soul. As of this writing, it’s currently the rainy season in the Philippines, so sukiyaki will be more than appropriate! 

Imagine a sweet and savory soy-based broth that contains thinly sliced beef or other meat and vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Sounds good, right? And because the nature of this dish is communal, where the people you’re with gather around the pot, it’s a great bonding experience.

Good traditional Japanese food and people you love—what’s not to like with sukiyaki?

Want a twist on some of these Japanese dishes?

The traditional dishes of Japan are already good by themselves, but did you know you can make them taste even better? At least, that’s if you have the recipes of Chef Him Uy De Baron. Look at how he elevated these famous Japanese foods in his latest cooking class, Easy Japanese!

Discover the next level of these popular Japanese dishes:

• Sukiyaki is a time-honored Japanese hot pot masterpiece. But with this class, you don’t have to do any guesswork in making this. You’ll get the intricate techniques of crafting the perfect Dashi stock, infusing it with tantalizing flavors, and expertly arranging tender beef slices and fresh vegetables in a visually captivating way.
• Do you love tonkatsu? How about cheese? Then you’ll definitely appreciate Chef Him’s Cheesy Mille Feuille, his personal twist on the classic tonkatsu. You’ll get his secrets in achieving flawlessly crispy katsu, as well as how to place melty cheese and aromatic shiso leaves inside so you’ll get a symphony of flavors.
• Chef Him’s Beef Onigiri is not your ordinary kind of rice ball. You’ll get a savory combo of seasoned tender beef on a bed of delicious rice with a robust pepper sauce that gives your onigiri richness and depth. After eating one, you might consider onigiri more than a snack!

And the best part? Whether you’re a beginner or a devoted food enthusiast, this class is tailored to suit your needs and ignite your passion for Japanese cuisine. Unlock the gateway to the authentic flavors of Japan, all within the comfort of your own kitchen—sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today!

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking to explore the world of Japanese cuisine, here’s the scoop: there are a few must-try dishes that will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds:

• Sushi and sashimi, with their delicate flavors and artful presentation, are an absolute must. 
• Ramen, the ultimate comfort food, will warm your soul with its rich broth and delicious toppings. 
• Tempura, with its crispy batter and succulent shrimp, is a popular favorite. 
• Takoyaki, a delightful street food with octopus, is surprisingly delicious. 
• Onigiri, the portable rice balls filled with flavorful ingredients, make for a perfect snack on the go. 
• Who can resist the crispy and flavorful tonkatsu served with rice and miso soup? 
• Finally, sukiyaki, a communal hot pot dish, is perfect for bonding with loved ones. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take these dishes to the next level, Chef Him Uy De Baron’s cooking class, Easy Japanese, will elevate your culinary experience. So go ahead and dive into the world of Japanese cuisine. 

Ultimately, any Japanese food is something you must try—guaranteed!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Japanese Food You Must Try: Exploring Japanese Cuisine! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

He has been hailed as one of the biggest names in the culinary world. Why, you ask? Well, that’s one of the many things you’ll learn about Chef Him in this blog. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic chef who is part of The Bailiwick Academy!

Who is Chef Him Uy De Baron?

Did you know that Chef Him Uy De Baron has been a chef for over TWENTY YEARS? He started in 2001 and hasn’t slowed down at all. That makes it hard for me to list his many accomplishments, but let’s put some of the more notable ones.

• Chef Him graduated with a Le Cordon Bleu Diplome de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Sydney Culinary Arts Institute.
• He was an executive chef of a catering company called Chef Cuisine.
• Because of his kitchen prowess, he has gone into consulting for companies such as Rustan’s and ABS-CBN.
• He has had multiple restaurants, all with different cuisines, such as Nomama (Japanese), I Am Kim (Korean), Ping-Pong Diplomacy (Chinese/American), and Cocina Peruvia (Peruvian).
• Speaking of ABS-CBN, Chef Him and his team were in charge of the multimedia conglomerate’s food and beverage division.
• Chef Him has been featured countless times in different major media publications such as Philippine Star and Esquire.

Aside from those, he is seen as influential in and out of the industry. For example, he was tapped back in 2014 by a friend to support people in Tacloban after Typhoon Haiyan.

Chef Him also collaborated with Family Mart back in 2015 to make healthy, low-calorie, and vitamin-packed dishes; with Slappy Cakes back in 2016 where he created DIY skillets where diners can choose their meat, sauce and carbs of choice; and recently with Beyond Meat, an L.A.-based brand that makes plant-based meat alternatives for those seeking such options.

See how accomplished he is?

Chef Him: Thankful For Food

Chef Him admits that he wouldn’t be where he is now if it wasn’t for food. You see, years ago, he didn’t know what to do with his life. That was until he encountered food, at least. In fact, he now associates food with plenty of milestones in his life.

For example, according to this Filipino food blog, Chef Him’s love for cooking delicious food was influenced by his mom. He grew up with his mom manning the kitchen, especially for special occasions. He credits those memories as having influenced his own cooking.

And as a chef, you can bet that he has plenty more unforgettable memories, and that’s all because of food.

What is his cooking style?

As mentioned earlier, Chef Him can make delicious dishes, whether Filipino, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Peruvian, or even street-style hawker fare. You can describe Chef Him as a cooking chameleon. 

And it’s not just that he’s great with different cuisines. Chef Him is also known for creating vibrant flavors and his meticulous attention to detail just to make sumptuous meals. And if you’re wondering about how he developed his unique cooking style, he credits it to his curiosity back when he was still a child.

Every time he ate something, he would always wonder about the ingredients in the food. He would then attempt to replicate it when cooking. And, of course, the more he tasted as he grew older, the more his palate became sensitive–and the more attempts he made to put delicious tastes together.

That’s why even if he has learned to make different cuisines, Chef Him is not necessarily striving for authenticity. For Him, what’s more important is to borrow and combine different techniques and flavors of different cuisines that work well. For example, he has already tried developing a ramen recipe that wasn’t traditional at all: think of it as getting the best of Southeast Asian flavors and textures and mixing it in with Japanese fundamentals.

His various restaurants are also examples of this philosophy that he has.

Chef Him During The Pandemic: Heartbroken

Despite all the successes Chef Him had, one major setback he experienced was back in 2020. He had been contacted by ABS-CBN, and Chef Him had been gearing for big things to start the year. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which also meant a long lockdown in the country. 

That meant all that they were planning had to be stopped. And pretty soon, he and his team lost their job running the food scene in ABS-CBN.

How Him Bounced Back

Chef Him is a lot of things, but he is not one to sit on laurels and mope. One of the things he believes in is to always adapt to the times. And he realized that people were getting tired of always cooking the same thing or ordering out during the pandemic.

So Chef Him thought to teach his recipes to people looking for more enjoyment out of their food. And The Bailiwick Academy became one of his avenues to teach people how to make flavorful dishes! 

How is Chef Him Uy De Baron as a teacher?

Joining TBA isn’t exactly Chef Him’s first foray into teaching. After returning from Australia in 2001, he started teaching at a culinary school and appeared in other schools. He calls himself an accidental teacher, but in this field, he finds fulfillment by nurturing students and sharing what he knows. Chef Him actually feels mightily rewarded when he sees his students using what he has taught. 

Now, one impression of Chef Him the first time you see him is that he’s a very strict taskmaster.

But you’d be surprised how much fun he is to be with–check out this behind-the-scenes video during a recent shoot of one of his lessons.

One thing you can be sure about Chef Him is that if there’s anything he’s serious about, it’s developing the skills of his students–and making sure that he has recipes that will really tickle your taste buds. He’s a really hands-on instructor, too!

And based on some testimonies from his students at TBA, he’s been very successful. Check out what Adam had to say:

Maria agrees:

And so does Marilyn!

In other words, those who go under Chef Him’s tutelage can be sure that they will really level up their cooking skills. 

What’s next for Chef Him Uy De Baron?

Chef Him always believes in new opportunities in the food and beverage industry. That’s why he’s always looking for new ways to spread his culinary skill. Chef Him is a risk-taker too. 

As he said in an interview with Esquire: 

“If I think of putting everything in a business perspective, I might not have opened the restaurants I have opened. For me, if I feel that it is a really great idea, I go, ‘screw it, lets do it!’ “

You never know, you might hear of him opening a new restaurant soon!

Oh, and of course, new Chef Him classes are already lined up at The Bailiwick Academy! Just wait for us to release them. In the meantime, check out his classes that are already available:

Celebration Trays – great for leveling up your party fare.

Taste of Thai – experience one of the most popular cuisines in the world from the comfort of your home.

Flavors of India – taste a whole new palette of flavors and textures and demystify Indian cooking.

Dampa Seafood Feast – enjoy delicious seafood bursting with flavors that is Chef Him’s signature touch!

Hawker-Style Specials – have a different kind of street food experience with Singapore’s flavors.

Make sure to sign up at The Bailiwick Academy to access Chef Him’s delicious recipes today!

Final Thoughts

I’m going to leave you with what Chef Him thinks is important to truly become a great chef. The first is skill. You can’t become a great chef overnight–you really have to practice constantly and have the determination to have skill.

The second is to develop your taste. You can go to school to become a great chef, but taste is not something you can learn. It’s personal, something accumulated through the years.

And as a person becomes more experienced in cooking, they have to go from simply enjoying the taste of food to actually understanding how it was created. By honing their technique and experimenting with ingredients, a chef can develop a unique and personal style that sets them apart in the culinary world.

Such powerful and inspiring thoughts, agree?

Make sure to enroll in Chef Him Uy De Baron’s classes to get more nuggets of wisdom like these!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Chef Him Uy De Baron: The Bailiwick Academy Spotlight appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Well, that’s what we’re going to take a look at in this blog article. Keep on reading as we explore 5 reasons why food is important during these happy and festive moments! 

Key Takeaways

• Food is an important part of many celebrations and plays a significant role in cultural and social traditions.
• Food often symbolizes and commemorates special events or milestones, such as weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays.
• Food can also convey meaning and communicate and honor traditions, cultural values, and beliefs.
• Food can also be used as a way to express creativity and artistry, with many chefs and home cooks using their skills to create visually stunning and delicious dishes.

Why Celebrations Are Important In Our Life 

Before anything else though, why DO we have celebrations? Why is celebration important? 

Well, if you think about it, here are some good reasons to celebrate:

• It’s a great “excuse” to bond with friends and family members who you haven’t seen for a long time. We’ll get to connect with them again on deeper levels or simply catch up. That’s actually good for your health! 
• Celebrations also serve as significant milestones in our lives. Every birthday, every anniversary, every baptism makes us appreciate how far we’ve come, agree?
• Celebrating things also helps us to create amazing memories that we can look back to and enjoy. And believe it or not, good memories help you get through tough times! That’s why you should collect as many positive memories as possible.
• To celebrate is to have fun! It’s that simple. People need fun in their lives, including you! Yes, it’s backed by science.

The great thing about celebrations is that you don’t have to reserve them for big happenings or for holidays. You can celebrate even just a win, whether it’s at work or something personal. Just go cook something up, bring people over, or invite them to come over, and enjoy!

Now, going back to the main topic: what is the importance of food in these happy moments?

Food in Celebrations: Religious Reasons

So why is food used in celebrations? Well, one is because of religious reasons. Religious moments throughout history have happened with food serving as symbols to commemorate these events. For example:

• In Jewish culture, the Passover Seder is celebrated with symbolic foods such as matzah, bitter herbs, and wine. Each piece is used to represent the story of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.
• In Christian tradition, bread and wine, used by Jesus Christ to symbolize His boy and blood, are used symbolically at every mass or during special feasts.
• One of the most important celebrations in China is the Mooncake Festival. It’s a celebration of the rice harvest and many fruits. The role food plays here is important: eating mooncakes! That’s to achieve a reunion with families and happiness for the year. 

In short, specific foods represent important events for different religions and cultures.

Food in Celebrations: Another Reason To Bond With Loved Ones!

The importance of food in celebrations is rooted in the fact that food is often shared with family and friends. People need to eat to live, after all. What better way to bring people together than to invite them to a gathering with food?

And of course, who else will you invite to a gathering with food other than people you like to hang out with? You’ll get a space for bonding and connecting with them and will bring you closer to one another. Remember that next time when you get invited to a birthday: you’re not just there to eat some birthday cake but to really hang out and build better relationships with the people there.

Food in Celebrations: Psychological Benefits 

Here’s another role foods play in celebrations. When you eat some good food, aside from filling your tummy, don’t you feel good? Having good food just makes you feel even better during a special event!

The science behind this is that eating food releases “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, like serotonin. That helps you relax and actually enjoy the party or event, aside from bonding with your loved ones.

Plus, you’ll be able to associate delicious food with good memories. And as mentioned above, that helps you deal with any negative events that may happen in the future. 

Food in Celebrations: Honoring The Culture

Why are cultural celebrations such an important part of society? Why is food important in culture? That’s because food is an important part of a person’s or country’s culture. For example, Singaporeans identify with hawker food as a part of their culture. 

Cultural celebrations are important because they allow people to celebrate and show pride in their cultural identity. When people serve food from their culture during celebrations, it’s a way of sharing and preserving their cultural heritage.

Celebrations also provide an opportunity for people to showcase their culture to the world, promote and preserve traditional recipes and customs, and keep them alive for future generations. For example, the taco is a symbol of Mexican culture and by serving them during celebrations, Mexicans can share their cultural identity with others. The same goes for any country!

The Last Reason: Just Because They’re Delicious!

Sometimes, we don’t have to think too much about the role food plays in celebrations. It’s enough that they taste good, and we want to eat yummy things! Life is too short to not enjoy it, and it’s okay to simply have a good time eating food during these occasions. 

Food is a source of pleasure, and celebrations are a time to enjoy and indulge in the foods we love. It’s that simple.

Want to eat and make food that will really make you celebrate?

Has reading this made you want to put an event together and have a celebration? Well, you can do that with our classes here at The Bailiwick Academy! And if you’re looking for a particular one that brings “foods and celebrations” in one class, we’ve got you!

Check out our latest class by Chef Him Uy De Baron: Celebration Trays!

In Chef Him’s latest class, you’re going to learn to make four amazing dishes that are great for parties and other special occasions:

• Polla Ala Brasa: A chicken dish with the rich and distinctive flavors of Peruvian cuisine. It is a succulent and juicy roasted chicken with a distinct and bold flavor. It comes with three amazing sauces, too!
• Braised Beef Paella: No Pinoy celebration is complete without rice–and that’s where this Braised Beef Paella comes in! It’s a flavorful melange of tender beef chunks, rice, and crisp vegetables. This dish comes with a side of roasted bone marrow, too!
• Fish and Chips: This iconic English dish has many versions–and Chef Him can show to two ways to make it. Choose from the crumbly and tasty Butter-Crumbled Fish and the crispy on-the-outside and pillowy on-the-inside Beer Battered Fish paired with a Greek Salad and some crispy “chips.”

Enhance your upcoming celebrations with a curated selection of exceptional dishes that are perfect for special gatherings–and your food business! Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and start making your parties’ dishes unforgettable!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Why is Food Important in Celebrations? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

It’s an excellent place for a seafood diet, for sure. You’re doubly assured of the food quality as you can see the food getting cooked right in front of you. Plus, it’s a great place for some family bonding time.

Let’s take a closer look at this seafood feast experience that’s a hit with Pinoys!

Key Takeaways

• Dampa is a type of seafood dining experience that’s popular in the Philippines.
• The origin of the word “dampa” is unknown.
• In a dampa restaurant, customers can select live seafood from tanks or displays and have them cooked to order.
• Dampa restaurants typically offer a variety of cooking styles, including grilling, frying, and steaming.

What does dampa mean?

What is dampa, anyway? As in, what does it literally translate to, exactly? Well, the word “dampa” literally means “hut” or in Filipino, “kubo.”

You can also answer the question “What is dampa”? with an old Filipino game that involves rubber bands. So what do these two have to do with a place where you can get fresh fish to cook and eat? 

Well, we actually have no idea, just like we have no idea about some of the weird food names in the Philippines. There are plenty of theories though:

• For example, it could be referring to the huts by the sea (common in the Philippines) where people live, catch fish, and sell them fresh or as cooked seafood.
• Some think that it came from the word “dalampasigan”, or sea shore.
• Humorously, you can also think of it as a combination of two words: DAMing (many) and PAgkain (food). Dampa in short, although that’s a stretch.
• We also tried asking ChatGPT, and this is what it answered, although take note that this should be verified!

What does dampa mean in English? There’s no exact translation for it, to be honest. I guess English speaking people will have to get dampa as a loan word!

Going back, we guess we might never find out the true dampa meaning. But from now on, let’s just think that dampa=seafood. And not just seafood: fresh seafood.

Yum!

What is the usual dampa experience?

So, how does the usual experience go? Let’s break it down!

• First, you go to a store or stall in the wet market side of the venue. There are usually plenty, but they all offer the general same price. Pick the one you think has the freshest products.
• Buy your preferred seafood ingredients in the amount you prefer.
• After that, choose a restaurant where you want the ingredients to be cooked. Alternatively, if you don’t want to do step 1, some restaurants offer a buying service for an additional fee. Of course, you won’t have a choice in terms of ingredients.
• Wait for the food to be cooked, and enjoy!

It’s that easy!

Some things to remember

Here are some quick things to remember when dining at a dampa, especially if it’s going to be your first time:

• Actual dampas are not a fine-dining experience. Expect the places to be crowded, noisy, hot, and feel like the usual wet markets in the Philippines. Some restaurants are now air-conditioned but that kind of takes the fun out of it.
• Dampas are especially great for large groups. Rates are cheaper when you compare them to the usual restaurants, but you’ll have bigger servings.
• Speaking of large groups, if you can, just bring 1 vehicle so that you can park faster, especially if the crowd is a lot.
• It’s best to go to a dampa in the morning to ensure the freshness of the catch.
• Make sure to have cash on hand. It’s 2023, but some establishments still don’t accept electronic money or credit cards.
• Speaking of restaurants, they usually charge a service fee – don’t forget to include that in your computation.
• If you or one of your companions is allergic to seafood, make sure to bring antihistamines! Of course, it’s better to just not eat seafood, but hey, seafood is delicious.

What seafood is available?

What is dampa food, you ask? Well, as mentioned above, a variety of seafood! This includes the following:

• Mantis Shrimp
• King Crabs
• Tilapa
• Lobsters
• Lapu-lapu
• Mussels
• Bangus
• Mackerel or Galunggong
• Anchovies or Dilis
• Salmon

And a whole lot more. Get the restaurant cooks to grill, boil, fry, bake, cook with chili or with butter (and pretty much everything else you can think of) your seafood!

Is a dampa experience possible at home?

Now, sometimes, you want to eat some seafood made with dampa-style cooking, but you’re too tired to go out. Can you make your own dampa setup at home and treat yourself as well as your family to some delicious seafood?

You can, thanks to The Bailiwick Academy’s latest class: Dampa Seafood Feast by Chef Him Uy De Baron!

Not only will you learn how to do dampa-style cooking when you take this class, you’ll also learn recipes with Chef Him’s signature deliciousness!

You’ll make:

• Jasmine-Glazed Prawns with Glass Noodles – plump juicy prawns glazed with a honey-jasmine sauce on a bed of flavor rich glass noodles.
• Laman Dagat Chowder – rich, creamy and umami-filled broth with fresh seafood.
• Cantonese-Style Steamed Fish – a fresh succulent steamed fish finished with a light flavorful sauce
• And a bonus recipe of Salted Fish Fried Rice, because really, Filipino food isn’t complete without rice, right?

Get the fresh and delicious seafood feast you want right at the comfort of your home. Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today!

And hey, you never know, you might put up a dampa-style food business as well not long after.

Wouldn’t that just be fin-tastic?

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What is a Dampa? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

That’s what we’ll take a look at in today’s blog. That way, when you’re in front of a Singapore hawker, you’ll know what to get or look for!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

What is hawker food?

Hawker food is called hawker food because they’re sold by hawkers that are in hawkers centres. Each hawker stall in these centres usually carry their own cuisine, whether Indian, Malaysian, Chinese, and so on.  

How did hawker centres come to be? Well, we have to go back and take a look at history.

According to National Geographic, hawker culture has roots way back in the 1800s. The hawkers at the time would sell their delicious and affordable meals wherever they could. That also meant there were plenty of chances their food would not be clean or safe to consume.

Years later, the Singapore government, with the desire to get things organized and for people to eat only hygienic food, made the move to bring the hawkers under one roof. 

And that’s how these food centres or hawker centres came to be. That’s actually a good thing, since now people know where to go if they’re looking for a particular food, right?

Thank you Singapore government!

Where in Singapore do you try hawker food?

You won’t run out of options in Singapore for hawker food stalls. This is not a definitive list by any chance, but these are some you can check out when you’re in their particular areas:

• Chong Boon Market
• Lau Pa Sat
• Makansutra 
• Seah Im
• Maxwell Food Centre
• Albert Food Centre
• Amoy Food Centre
• Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre
• Changi Village
• Ci Yuan Hawker Centre
• Dunman Food Centre
• East Coast Lagoon Food Village
• Golden Mile Food Centre
• Pasir Ris Hawker Centre
• Newton Food Centre

Oh, fun fact? What you might find say, in Lau Pa Sat, is not necessarily in Changi. That makes hawker centre hopping so much fun because the hawker stands have variety!

How much is hawker food in Singapore?

Hawker food has always had the reputation of being affordable meals, but how much do they cost? Are they really affordable?

Well, according to ValueChampion, hawker food meals typically cost less than 5 Singapore dollars. It just gets more expensive if there are more ingredients involved.

5 Singapore dollars as of this writing is around Php200. Expensive for street food? Compare that to prices at Singapore restaurants.

For example, if you get chicken rice at any of the hawker stands in Singapore, you’ll get it at around 3.5 Singapore Dollars or Php145. But if you get it at a restaurant, the price becomes around 7 Singapore Dollars or almost Php300!

And seeing as Singapore is ranked as the second-most expensive place in the world, we bet you’d appreciate the savings, yes?

Why is hawker food popular in Singapore?

Well, for one thing, you can’t beat the variety. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks, there’s something for you in any hawker center. They come in different cuisines too!

And don’t look down on the taste of street food. At one point, a hawker stall earned the prestigious Michelin Star! That means it’s really, REALLY good.

The lower price is also always a good thing, plus the open-air factor of each food court allows for a different feel of community dining. Think of it as something experiential.

But for a deeper reason, it’s really pride. You see, hawker stalls represent family recipes that have been perfected for generations. Imagine, that one recipe puts one family after another through life! 

That’s why hawker culture in Singapore is still going strong. It’s unlikely to lessen, much less disappear. After all, even millennials are putting up their own stalls. That’s the start of their family hawker culture.

Oh, and it’s also worth noting that the whole hawker culture of Singapore has been declared as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Isn’t that something to be proud of, indeed?

So what is THE hawker food to try when in Singapore?

Now we get to the big question: what is the most popular hawker food in Singapore?

Well, we can’t really answer that definitively. But you know what we can answer?

The must-try hawker foods in Singapore!

Well, ten of them at least. Check out our list!

Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese chicken rice is one of those dishes that you’ll see in all hawker centres. It’s arguably one of the most popular dishes associated with Singapore culture. It’s also their national dish! 

It was created by Hainanese immigrants from Southern China. It involves a poached chicken served with the skin attached, with rice seasoned with chicken oil made from the chicken fat and also cooked in the poaching liquid. It’s served with three sauces for added deliciousness.

Char Kway Teow

This is a stir-fried rice noodle dish. That’s just what the name means, actually, but in Chinese. Aside from the noodles, it’s filled with garlic, soy sauce, chili paste, whole prawns, clams, chives, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. 

It has a unique flavor thanks to the combination of the ingredients plus how it’s cooked. 

Char Kway Teow is popular with people who are looking for cheap ways to get filled up, but it’s not necessarily healthy! It has high saturated fat content thanks to it being stir-fried in pork fat and pork lard.

But hey, you only live once, right?

Shaved ice desserts

Hawkers make this dessert by combining a tall mound of shaved ice with various flavors like rose or pandan. You can also garnish it with red beans, peanuts, seaweed jelly, condensed milk, sprinkles, and more!

What makes it different from other shaved ice desserts are the flavors – you’ll only usually see those in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries.

Oh, and do take note that this is the only sweet on this list, so that means you should get one!

Chili crab

If you like crabs, and you like spicy food, then Singapore has combined both into one iconic dish. This hawker food is actually listed as number 35 of the World’s Most Delicious Foods, so you should really try it if you’re in Singapore!

What makes it special? Well, it has a trademark spicy and sweet sauce that gets absorbed by the crab. It mixes very well with the crab itself – and tastes even better when you eat the whole thing with rice!

Oh and if you want to try it but you don’t like spicy food so much, don’t worry. The sauce is well-balanced, so you won’t experience any burning tongues.

Satay

We’ve talked about satay before in our blog about Thai cuisine. There’s nothing different about this one – satay is still skewered meat. But the satay served in Singapore is usually with the Malaysian flavor or taste.

Also, aside from the meat, the skewer can include cucumbers, onions, and pressed rice cakes. Don’t forget the thick and sweet peanut sauce for added yummines!

Roti Pratha

It’s another food item we’ve talked about before in our sandwich spreads blog post! Roti Pratha is a flatbread with flaky layers that’s a perfect accompaniment for flavorful saucy dishes – or, as we mentioned in the blog, condensed milk. It’s definitely a great snack or an accompaniment to main dishes.

Mee Goreng

Mee or Mie Goreng is an Indonesian noodle dish. Think of it as the equivalent of Filipino pancit canton, but this version has a sticky, savory sweet sauce. Hawkers traditionally make Mee Goreng using stir-fried yellow wheat noodles, shallots, onion, and garlic, as well as soy sauce seasoning, eggs, vegetables, and their meat of choice.

Imagine biting into chewy egg noodles covered in the aforementioned sauce and tasting meat, shrimp, and so much more. Now that’s a different kind of street noodle!

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a Malaysian dish. It’s made of rice cooked in coconut milk and is served with anchovies, cucumbers, peanuts, and boiled eggs. There’s also sambal, a spicy chili paste for an added kick.

According to Taste Atlas, it was first invented as a breakfast dish, but soon became the Malaysian national dish that can be eaten anytime.

Fish cakes

Another name for this is Tod Man Pla. Sounds complicated, but they’re just Thai fish cakes. They’re made with fresh fish and Thai spices and are best eaten with sticky rice or a salad. There’s also an option for sauce.

Char siew

Char siew or char siu is simply a Cantonese style of barbecued pork. Eat it with rice or noodles and enjoy the sweet and salty taste!

One last tip: don’t bother wondering “Is hawker food healthy?” when you’re in Singapore. After all, you’re on a vacation! 

Is there any other way to try hawker food if I’m not in Singapore?

If this post got you craving authentic hawker food, then you might already be Googling “hawker near me” or “nearby hawker food.”

But what if you’re not in Singapore?

Well, you don’t have to travel far. The Bailiwick Academy has the answer for you!

Check out Chef Him Uy De Baron’s latest class: Hawker-Style Specials!

Just follow Chef Him’s delicious recipes and you’ll be able to make hawker foods (some are from the list) right from your home, namely:

• Nasi Lemak with Malaysian Style-Chicken Curry
• Roti Paratha
• Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Prawn Mee Goreng

Serve it all as a meal, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to Singapore via your taste buds!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy, enroll in his course, and get started cooking!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What is THE Hawker Food to Try When in Singapore? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Check out the Indian cuisine menu list we compiled, and see if it’s going to pique you enough to actually Google “Indian cuisine near my location”. And we’ll also take a quick look at what makes Indian cuisine stand out, as well as answer any questions you may have about it.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Wait… Will I like Indian food and basically, all of the Indian cuisine menu contents?

Well, if you like strong flavors, eye-popping colors, and most of all, spices, then you’d definitely appreciate it! Even non-Asians love it, like this guy:

Give it a try. You never know, after eating in an Indian restaurant, you might find yourself wondering, “Why is Indian food the best?”

Isn’t Indian food just curry?

Well, no. According to The Atlantic, there’s no such word in the Indian language. 

So why is Indian food called curry? It’s basically a translation error. Fun, huh?

What does Indian cuisine consist of?

Okay, so since we’re in the Philippines, you might be asking this question immediately: “Do Indian dishes come with rice?”

And the quick answer here is yes, Indian cuisine has plenty of rice dishes. 

But for a more detailed answer, the staple foods of Indian cuisine include (aside from rice), pearl millet, whole-wheat flour, and lentils. Meat, while eaten in India, is not as common. A common Indian food menu is vegetarian-friendly.

Indian food is either gravy or dry dishes and is generally eaten with rice or bread.

And while you may know that the usual Indian cuisine description is “spicy”, that’s not actually the case. They are full of spices though, and that’s different from spicy. Those spices are what add a whole lot of depth and flavors, which is the answer to the question “Why is Indian food so flavorful?”

Does Indian cuisine use beef?

There’s a misconception about Indian food: they don’t have beef dishes. That’s because most people believe that Indians have religious reasons to not do so. For example, in Hinduism, cows are sacred, which is why they’re not eaten. 

Plus, there are regions in India where the consumption of beef is considered illegal. 

However, some Indians are Muslims, who don’t eat pork but will eat beef, for example.

In short, while it’s rare, you CAN find beef and pork dishes on an Indian cuisine restaurant menu.

Of course, the most commonly used meats in any Indian food menu are chicken, fish, and mutton. So again, if you’re looking for something different (especially the mutton part), give Indian food a try!

Okay, so what Indian food should I order?

We’re glad you asked! Now, you might find the typical Indian restaurant menu intimidating with very unfamiliar names, but that’s why we’re here. We’ll try not to overwhelm you with too many options – instead, we’ll just give seven, in no particular order.

Oh, do take note that not all restaurants may carry the same items, since food in India varies by region.

Okay, on to the list!

Samosas – an entry into an Indian snacks menu list

Samosas are appetizers in a typical Indian restaurant. They’re fried, shaped like triangles, and stuffed with mashed vegetables. They’re also typically served with sauces like mint and tamarind. 

Bite into one and you’ll immediately taste some light, delicious spices!

Palak paneer

Palak paneer is a smooth, rich, and creamy curry dish that consists of spinach, onions, spices, and pieces of paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese.

Indian restaurants usually serves palak paneer with rice, bread, or even both. It’s packed with flavor and slight spiciness. You won’t be able to resist dipping your bread or mixing your rice with it!

Naan

Naan is one of the many breads in Indian cuisine. It may look like pita bread (which you encountered in our article about Middle Eastern foods), but it’s far softer and much fluffier. It has more eggs and yogurt in the dough. 

You can eat it on its own, or use it to scoop up sauces. Some restaurants even offer naan with condensed milk for a yummy snack or dessert!

Chicken tikka masala – An Indian cuisine menu staple

The chicken tikka masala is arguably one of the most popular items in an Indian food menu. It features a tender and spice-marinated roasted chicken with a spicy curry and tomato sauce. Try it for a very intense flavor!

A variation of this is the butter chicken tikka masala. Instead of using a tomato paste, it uses a type of curry made with chicken, spiced tomato, and butter sauce. You’ll enjoy its rich texture! 

It’s also less spicy and creamier than the tikka masala.

Biryani – an example of Indian food without curry

Biryani is a rice and meat dish that includes aromatic spices and can be made with chicken, mutton, vegetables, and even shrimp or other seafood. In short, it has plenty of varieties. 

The general preparation is the marination of the meat in spices and yogurt then combining the meat with a delicious-smelling rice. Think of it as a rice bowl, Indian version.

In other words, YUM!

Roghan Josh

If you want to try out lamb, you can’t go wrong with this dish! It’s composed of braised lamb chunks cooked with gravy made from browned onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and great-smelling spices. 

And yes, in case you’re wondering, this is a super spicy dish. If you want to try it out but don’t appreciate spice so much, try eating it with rice or naan to somewhat deflect the spiciness in your mouth.

But it’s definitely mouth-watering and a must-try, worth the spiciness you will face.

Masala Chai

Masala Chai means “spiced tea”. It’s usually made of a mixture of spices and herbs including cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and black tea leaves. You can also combine it with hot milk for added flavor.

People actually consume this drink not just in India, but also around the world. That only means you should try it, don’t you think? 

Are Indian cuisine favorites healthy for me?

So here’s something you have to consider, especially if you’re being health conscious: Are Indian foods healthy?

Like we say many times (like in our article about the Keto diet), we’re not doctors or nutritionists. But according to a health coach, eating traditional Indian food gives you a lot of health benefits like boosted immunity and protection against inflammation.

Ask your nutritionist or doctor for more details. Just keep this as a rule of thumb: moderation is key!

Okay, I want to try Indian cuisine! Where is Indian food near me?

Well, you don’t have to worry about finding Indian food in the Philippines. There are a lot of Indians in the Philippines, so you can be sure that there will be restaurants catering to the food they like.

Of course, if you’re impatient to eat Indian food, you don’t live near an Indian restaurant, and you’d rather make it by yourself, then you’ll like our latest class.

Introducing: Flavors Of India by Chef Him Uy de Baron!

Discover the rich and flavorful Indian cuisine through our latest class. You’ll learn how to cook Indian cuisine in the same way Indian restaurants prepare food! 

And think of this class as Indian cuisine for beginners – it’s easy to follow, even if it will be your first time cooking Indian food. Chef Him will take you on a culinary adventure that demystifies the seemingly complex process of Indian cooking.

Here’s a teaser of him discussing the class more, especially about what makes Indian food so different.

Are you excited to start? So are we!

When you enroll in this class, you’ll learn to make the following:

• Dum Shrimp Biryani 
• Butter Tikka Masala and Naan 
• Palak Paneer 

That’s four remarkable and easy-to-make Indian cuisine favorites – and all guaranteed delicious ones! If you noticed, four of them are on our list of must-tries.

So what are you waiting for? Open your taste buds to a whole new palette of flavors and textures. Learn how to make these four Indian cuisine menu items – sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and get it at a discounted rate (lasts only up to 8PM today, August 20, 2022, Philippine time!)

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Indian Cuisine Menu Items You Should Try! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.