Filipino food is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that make it a unique eating experience for any diner. With an assortment of vegetables, seafood, meat, and rice along with delectable desserts, a Filipino menu offers a little something for everyone. What makes Filipino food so special? Here are a few reasons.

Why Is Filipino Food Unique?

Cuisine Influences

Sometimes called the “original fusion cuisine,” Filipino food has a mixed background of influences from Spain, Malaysia, China, Japan, India, and even America. Because of this diversity, Filipino dishes range from salty to sweet to sour, and they include a spectrum of ingredients from chicken to more exotic choices like goat. This eclectic background and unlimited ingredient list make it a versatile cuisine to please any palate.

Depending on the region from which the chef hails, dishes may vary, incorporating different influences and techniques from surrounding areas and cultures. Because of this, no two regions make their dishes the same, creating a new eating experience every time.

Flavors, Colors, & Textures

Filipino food is both tasty and aromatic. It is also colorful, making it a full sensory experience at every meal. Even the cooking process for each dish is tantalizing, developing a one-of-a-kind cuisine that is as exciting and diverse as its origins. Watching someone compose a dish is like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. Each ingredient has meaning and everything simmering in the pot is carefully crafted for a balance of flavors.

As rich as Filipino cuisine may seem, it is actually not a heavy, fatty feast. It is rich in vegetables, lean meats, and seafood, and with the exception of soy sauce, most is naturally gluten-free. Even the desserts are carefully balanced to provide a decadent taste from a simple blend of ingredients.

Another reason favorites like pancit noodles, adobo chicken or pork, and pinakbet vegetable stew are so unique is the warm, inviting culture that surrounds them. Food and the cooking process are critical components of Filipino family life, and passion and love are evident in every hearty meal.

For the best Filipino restaurant on Maui, head to Plantation Grindz in Kahului. Residents and visitors alike come to enjoy their delectable Filipino food. The restaurant also offers traditional Hawaiian fare as well as Portuguese dishes, making it easy for everyone to find their favorites on the menu. Give them a call at (808) 873-3663 or check out their menu online.