Probably not the most delectable dish in a renowned restaurant or something savory that tickles your taste buds on an exotic destination, but it is the most appetizing food that entices my soul, yeah one good thing about going home - having a taste of food at the comfort of your beloved province.
These simple food, yes the ones I grew up eating, has a special spot in my s̶t̶o̶m̶a̶c̶h̶ heart. It's amazing how every bite has the unique ability to capture moments in time and evoke a firm connection to my roots.
Hello, everyone!
During my vacation to my hometown this recent holiday season, allow me to share with you how the simplicity of foods in the province life has always kept me coming back. Aside from that, since I find solace in the mundane and chaos of the city, it is also a place where I can get to bite again the simple taste of life here. Aside from its mesmerizing scenery, not to mention its relaxing atmosphere, the foods here do not merely nourish my body, but the heart as well.
Here are some of the simple foods that kept me coming back to the warm bosom of home;
Fresh foods and vegetables.
Of course, courtesy of none other but my Mama's green thumb, she has grown lots of fruits and vegetables in our backyard. The good thing about growing your food is that you can have a taste of a healthy meal without spending any money.
Adobo Bisaya
Unlike the usual adobo that is cooked with soy sauce and vinegar, Mama cooked this one using salt only.
Buwad/Fried dried fish
I don't know what makes it different from the ones I have tasted in the city but maybe the fact that it is cooked in the traditional way using wood makes it a lot different. Or maybe simply because of the thought alone that I am eating it at home with people that are dear to me adds the spices and aroma that spread magic to it.
Freshly cooked grilled fish
Here in the province, we are so privileged that we are in a coastal town since there's no need for us to go to the market since the people in the neighborhood are the ones who go door-to-door to sell their freshly caught fish or any seafoods.
And yes, the privilege of savoring the delicious meaty grilled fish on a blissful meal you get to share with your family.
Inun-unan/Stewed Fish
This is usually cooked with vinegar, salt, and pepper. But here in my province, our version is wrapped in banana leaf which makes it more tastier.
Tuba
This is our version of red wine which is extracted from the inflorescence of the coconut palm. It has always been an overflowing witness of the locals, mostly here in the Visayas regions, as we celebrate life during town fiestas, family reunions, birthday parties, and other joyful celebrations.
Cheers to the good life!
And the secret ingredient, the magical touch of Mama's home-cooked meal. Just seeing her smile is already a feast on my heart. It's just so comforting to know how she put her heart into sprinkling a dose of tender, loving, care and a pinch of happiness that elevates the taste of everything she cooks for the family. Don't get me wrong, I know how to cook, lol! But being away from home for so long makes me miss eating the food that she used to prepare for me.
Happy eating, everyone!
Mangaon ta!