Grab a fork and your playlist!
What if we told you that none of these are accidental: your love for savory Filipino dishes or sinfully sweet desserts could reveal more than just a simple preference—much like when you mention there’s one specific Taylor Swift song that speaks to your soul at any given time?
Yes, dear reader, we’re diving into the Swiftie-Filipino food realm, and we hope you’re ready for it!
Debut – Tinola
Like the self-titled Debut album, tinola can be said to be an acquired taste for some. It has been a subject of online debates, whether the dish is a target of unpopular opinions for not being flavorful enough compared to other Pinoy dishes, or for the specific ingredient added to the dish. Should it be sayote or papaya?
Anyway, it’s a comforting dish that will somehow remind you of your younger years: experiencing first crushes and teenage heartbreaks. It’s warm enough to thaw the heart of someone as cold as you(r first crush).
Where to get tinola in the metro: Crisostomo, Victorino’s Restaurant, and Provenciano Restaurant
Fearless – Kare-kare
Kare-kare is such a complex dish because of the many steps it takes to serve that nutty and thick sauce with perfectly tender meat. On top of that, you eat the dish with rice and salty (and sometimes spicy) bagoong. All the distinct flavors of the ingredients, adding up together and meshing well perfectly, remind us of how complex life can be—love, friendship, and growing up.
It’s always a love story for kare-kare fans out there, and we’ll always say yes to more rice. We’re not sorry, though!
Where to get Kare-kare in the metro: Cabalen, Lugawan Republic, and Pepeton’s Grill & Catering
Speak Now – Sinangag
For Swifties, we know that Taylor wrote all the tracks in Speak Now, which can be said to assert her independence as a young artist. The same can be said for sinangag, a fried rice dish that can be enjoyed by itself, especially when it already includes ulam like eggs, meat, and even mixed vegetables.
This household breakfast staple is very convenient and can be enjoyed on its own, but the fact remains that garlic fried rice is also a versatile member of the silog trios.
And for that, long live sinangag!
Where to get sinangag in the metro: Sinangag Station, Sinangag Express, and Yahu! Kitchen
Red – Adobo (and its other versions)
Red marked Taylor’s 180-degree turn toward pop. Though some notable songs are about heartaches and regrets, it had us partying to the upbeat music. Still, despite the evolution, we knew it was Taylor!
This genre shift is akin to adobo, also a Filipino household staple. Despite having different versions of adobo on our tables, we still enjoy them and welcome other variations. Whether it’s adobong manok, adobong pusit, adobo sa asin, or other versions, we definitely know it’s adobo!
1989 – Mango float
Being young, discovering yourself, and enjoying the company of your friends—there’s nothing better than these. For 1989, Taylor went full pop with a layered masterpiece, blending catchy melodies—just like a mango float!
Mango float is also a party favorite. Having a bite of this sweet and creamy dessert brings joy and sometimes nostalgia, as we usually have it on special occasions. This is not to say that you can’t enjoy it on a regular day because after all, mango floats, and its iterations, never go out of style!
Where to get mango float in the metro: Giligan’s Restaurant and Mango Float Supreme Manila
Reputation – Champorado (with tuyo)
Look what the cravings made us do!
A usual merienda treat, we pair champorado with tuyo and enjoy that sweet and salty combination perfect for bed weather. There is sweetness for Reputation, which was about a you-and-me-against-the-world type of situation, but there’s also saltiness needed because sometimes, you need to be aggressive and protective about the people and things you care about.
Where to get champorado in the metro: Kanto Freestyle Breakfast, Max’s Restaurant, and La Luna Cafe
Lover – Halo-halo
The best way to beat the cruel (literally) summer when we need to calm down in this sweltering environment? Halo-halo!
There’s nothing more enjoyable than digging in and finding your favorite halo-halo ingredient, eating it first before actually mixing the whole thing (because duh, it’s halo-halo). Admit it, having a halo-halo once in a while makes you feel a bit more optimistic about life, and sharing a big bowl of halo-halo with a loved one makes you feel authentic and vulnerable.
Where to get halo-halo in the metro: Balay Dako, Bebang Halo-Halo, and Halo-Halo Story
Folklore – Lomi
Heart-warming, authentic, and perfect for rainy days—we’re talking about Folklore and lomi here. There’s a variety of textures in the ingredients, like the meat, veggies, and chicharon (fried pork belly or fried pork rinds), just as there are varied stories within the album.
Where to get lomi in the metro: Andy’s Famous Batangas Lomi & Bulalo, Mann Hann, and Max’s Restaurant
Evermore – Lugaw
Ah, Folklore’s sister. Different albums, but both give the same feels. Long story short, both Folklore and Evermore, like lomi and lugaw, are heartwarming and comforting. Lugaw is just there, whether you’re craving it or need some comfort during rainy or sick days (which hopefully won’t be for evermore).
Where to get lugaw in the metro: Goto Believe, Oink, and Goto Monster
Midnights – Pandesal
Our midnights (snacks) become our afternoons (meriendas).
The humble pandesal and the record-breaking album Midnights show us one thing: late-night contemplation is perfect with a soft and warm pandesal and any palaman (bread filling) we are craving—hotdog, scrambled eggs, or even instant pancit canton.
Where to get pandesal in the metro: Balai Pandesal, Pan De Manila, and Panaderya Toyo
The Tortured Poets Department – Sinigang
The feelings of jealousy in the song “Fortnight” are like the lingering sourness of the Filipino crowd favorite sinigang. In this case, the souring agents can either be tamarind, green mango, calamansi, or even guava—or your ex-lover moving in next door with their new lover. One of these sucks, and it’s definitely not sinigang.
Where to get sinigang in the metro: The Wholesome Table, Locavore Kitchen x Drinks, and Sentro 1771
Cover photo art by Booky | Images from Balay Dako, Kanto Freestyle Breakfast, and Andy’s Famous Batangas Lomi & Bulalo
All the coolest bars, cafes, and restaurants are on Booky. Download the app for free and type in a restaurant name or location and we’ll give you all you need to know about the place. Menu, location, and more. It’s all on Booky!
