Trying new cuisines is an exciting experience. If you're an adventurous eater, take a bite of dinuguan, which is a stew composed of pork blood and meat, garlic, green chili peppers, vinegar, and spices. It’s usually served for lunch or as a light dinner, and it's often accompanied by rice. If you’re a fan of Filipino food, here's more information about this classic, savory dish.

The Origins

Although this dish was popularized in the Philippines, it may have Spanish roots. Spanish cuisine includes similar blood stews, and the Europeans may have brought their recipes to the Philippines when they colonized the islands. The Filipinos likely localized the recipe, using native pigs and spices to make the dish their own. While dinuguan's exact origins are unknown, it remains an important meal in Filipino culture, and it's even served during special events, like weddings.

Dinuguan likely gained popularity because it can be made with various cuts of pork. The versatility ensured no meat was wasted, creating as much food as possible for the meal. Today, many modern recipes continue to include the blood, innards, and other unconventional parts of the pig.

How to Eat It

Dinuguan is often served with rice since it's a hearty stew. In the Philippines, a common accompaniment is a steamed rice cake called puto—its slight sweetness balances the dish's thick savoriness. The rice cake is also used to soak up the stew's sauces so that every last drop can be enjoyed.

If you want to try this unique dish, head to Everything But The Kitchen Sink in Haleiwa, HI. This locally owned food truck offers authentic Filipino food, including dinuguan. All their dishes are made with fresh ingredients, and each meal is cooked to order. Get more information about the Filipino food they offer online, or call (808) 478-9214 to ask where you can find their truck.