8 dishes to find at the Filipino Noche Buena table
By Ryan General
December 25, 2023
Each year, the Christmas Eve feast known as the Noche Buena takes center stage in the heart of every Filipino home.
Centuries-old tradition: “Noche Buena,” Spanish for “good night,” is a Christmas Eve feast celebrated by Filipinos and other Spanish-speaking cultures. Tracing its roots back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century, the Filipino Noche Buena intertwines the Spanish Nochebuena with indigenous flavors to give the tradition a local twist.
So, bring out the banana ketchup, fire up the karaoke machine and grab a chair at the Noche Buena table as we dive into a world of flavors that can only be found on this Filipino feast.
Filipino hamon: No Noche Buena is complete without the iconic hamon, a sweet and savory ham glazed to shimmering gold. This festive ham serves as a perfect accompaniment to the other dishes on the table.
Queso de bqola: The queso de bola is a bright yellow sphere of cheese that traces its origins to the Netherlands. Influenced by the famous Dutch cheese, Edam, this big ball of cheese is often served alongside bread or fruit, adding a playful touch of richness to the spread.
Filipino spaghetti: This sweet and tangy pasta dish, infused with hotdogs and banana ketchup, is a testament to Filipino ingenuity and adaptability. The Filipino ingredients transform a familiar dish into something unique, bursting with flavor and personality (like most Pinoys).
Lumpiang Shanghai: A staple of any Filipino gathering, lumpiang Shanghai are crispy spring rolls packed with savory pork or vegetable fillings. With obvious Chinese culinary influence, these golden parcels are dipped into accompanying sweet and sour sauce, adding another layer of complexity to this delightful appetizer.
Pancit: Pancit noodles come in various forms, from stir-fried to “bihon” soup, and can be served as a main course or a side dish. In Filipino culture, long, thin noodles symbolize longevity and prosperity, making pancit a must-have for Noche Buena.
Fruit salad: Balancing the heavier dishes is the vibrant and refreshing fruit salad, composed of tiny slices of apples, mango, pears, papaya, pineapple, coconut gel and shredded buko (young coconut) flesh. This medley of fresh tropical fruits is complimented with condensed milk to make the ultimate holiday dessert.
Filipino morcon: This Filipino-style roulade is a stuffed beef or pork dish, infused with fillings of chorizo sausages, boiled eggs, cheese, pickles and spices. It packs a symphony of complex flavors and rich textures that pair well with a hot bowl of steamed rice.
Lechon baboy or manok: The lechon baboy, a whole roasted pig glistening with crispy skin, is the undisputed king of the Noche Buena table. This dish signifies abundance and celebration, bringing families together around a shared experience. Meanwhile, lechon manok (roasted chicken) offers a more accessible and budget-friendly alternative, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the Noche Buena tradition, regardless of budget or occasion.
This holiday season, embrace the spirit of the Filipino Noche Buena – the spirit of warmth, generosity, and the unwavering belief in the power of family and tradition. Let this festive culinary event be a reminder that the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
Share this Article
Share this Article
