San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar Island to Leyte Island
In June 2018, I went back to Samar. During my short visit, I enjoyed the fresh, tropical food there. I wanted to share with you the top 10 foods I enjoyed during my trip. But most of all, I wanted to share the spirit of ‘salo salo’ that I’ve encountered, the generous spirit of breaking bread with others. This spirit of sharing with others permeates all the food and delicacies that I’ve enjoyed.
Anthony Bourdain enjoying Philippine street food (photo courtesy of National)
The late Anthony Bourdain, American celebrity chef and author also enjoyed Filipino food. But most of all, he also experienced the joy of ‘salo salo’, the joy of sharing food with colleagues, friends, and family. Yes, the fresh tropical fruits were delicious. Yes, the fresh fish and seafood were terrific. But what’s really memorable are the conversations and friendship shared with the meal.
(left to right) Evelyn Castillo, Maria Grace Adina school district supervisor, and Marlefe Lo, teacher prepares impromptu ‘salo salo’ during visit (June 2018)
This is the spirit of ‘salo salo’ – the spirit of giving and sharing of food with others.
‘Salo salo (sharing food with others)/ Top 10 Foods I Enjoyed In Samar:
(left to right) Dale Asis enjoying tuba palm wine with Evelyn Castillo and Marlefe Lo (June 2018)
10. ‘Tuba’ (palm wine) – wine made from coconut and palm trees
‘Langka’ (jackfruit) related to breadfruit
9 – ‘Langka’ (jackfruit) a tropical fruit related to breadfruit. The ripe jackfruit has naturally sweet, subtle flavors. The flesh and seeds are also edible and sometimes cooked in coconut milk.
‘Saging’ bananas sold at a ‘sari sari’ (convenience store) in Giporlos, Samar
8 – ‘Saging’ (bananas). Bananas are found everywhere and it often comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors.
‘Biko’ sticky rice dessert served at a fiesta in Samar (June 2018)
7 – ‘Biko’ (sweet rice) dessert, made with sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It is often topped with toasted, shredded coconut.
Marlefe Lo enjoyed picking guavas (June 2018)
6 – Fresh guavas right off the tree.
Evelyn Castillo checking out the mangoes (June 2018)
5 – Fresh mangoes ripened from the tree. It could not be any better than this.
Dale Asis holding fresh tuna caught in Guiuan Bay
4 – Fresh fish caught right off the bay.
Grilled, fresh fish in Guiuan, Samar (June 2018)
3 – ‘Inihaw’ (Grilled) Fish caught right off Guiuan Bay
Tinitim, local dessert made with cassava and brown sugar
2 – ‘Tinitim’, local dessert made with cassava and brown sugar
(left to right) Evelyn Castillo, Maria Grace Adina school district supervisor, and Marlefe Lo, teacher prepares impromptu ‘salo salo’ during my visit (June 2018)
1 – ‘Salo salo’ the spirit of sharing food with others is alive and well in Samar and the rest of the 7,000 islands of the Philippines.
TV food networks in the US celebrate the latest trendy cuisine or heralds the hottest celebrity chef. The Philippines celebrates ‘salo salo’, the community spirit of sharing and giving with others.The spirit of ‘salo salo’ is what makes food special – the spirit of giving and sharing of food with others.
Heavenly foods! Lots of delectables in Samar. I am from Samar on the mother side. Tasted everything firsthand 🙂
Hello Elmer,
Salamat! Thank you for reading my blog entry. I’m glad that you enjoyed the foods from Samar as well but most of all the community spirit of sharing and giving.
Sincerely,
Dale