Happy New Year! Christmas celebrations this year have been the most meaningful and flavorful, thanks to the traditional potluck gatherings the Pinoy way. They say you never truly appreciate Filipino food traditions unless you’ve been invited to one of these intimate home celebrations. This year, you also get to identify your true friends and family as they are the ones who spend time with you despite the busyness of the season.
Here are some foodie tips to make the potluck celebration more meaningful and flavorful:
PANG-UNA
Tom Yum Goong by @SiamThaiBBQ
Soup. In all the potluck events, most people forget to bring soup, which serves as a good starter to stimulate the palate. Additionally, it functions as a palate cleanser between delicious bites. We brought Tom Yum Goong from Siam Thai because it’s the best one we’ve tried, and the chili helps cleanse your palate.
Jamon by @hearttoheart and Honest Sausages by @honestcraftdeli
(To order Jamon, directly contact: Rom +63 917 804 3991 Karizia +63 995 762 4500)
Jamon and Sausages. Most potlucks typically entail bringing all the food in one big spread and waiting for everyone to arrive to eat all at the same time. However, the best potlucks are usually experienced in three courses: the appetizer bar setup, where you can carve your own Jamon and enjoy sausages, cheese, and wine while waiting for everyone to arrive. Then comes the main feast, concluding with a delicious array of different desserts trending during the season.
Roka Salata by @cymarestaurants and Strawberry Burrata Salad @ginosbrickovenpizza
Salad. I enjoy having a salad before my main meals, and I believe most food enthusiasts would choose a salad to incorporate something healthy into their dining experience before the main course. Ensure there is variety in the potluck, and assign someone to bring the token salad dish.
Viet Spring Rolls and Fried Shrimp with Bacon by @stevieshainanesechicken
Stevie’s. In Manila, Stevie’s food has become a potluck favorite, ranging from healthy spring rolls to fried shrimp with bacon. It’s an excellent choice for pica pica or appetizers that you can serve while waiting for other guests to arrive. If you’re unsure about what to bring to a potluck, Stevie’s is a safe and delicious option.
ULAM
Pepita’s Stuffed Lechon by @lechon_diva
Lechon. This dish reigns as the king of Pinoy potlucks and is consistently the highlight of any celebration. Dedet unveils her latest stuffing—crab fat rice with chorizo and chili—during our foodie potlucks this Christmas season.
Homemade Pares by @mybabypat
Pares. We crave for this “pares,” and I believe it is a mainstay in our foodie celebrations, homemade by Pearl, renowned for her ensaymadas. It is served boiling hot with rice or noodles, accompanied by a bit of onions and greens. Sarap nito!
Fabada with Roasted Eggplant by @chefedward and Japchae by @chefsharwin
Chef’s Special. It’s always an honor to have celebrity chefs as part of your potluck celebration. They bring their own creations, which are usually unique, providing variety and creating memorable moments amidst the different delicious dishes. Typically, they share their favorite recipes or something they are currently craving or perfecting.
Hainanese Chicken Rice by @stevieshainanesechicken
Chicken. Typically, people bring lechon manok or other chicken dishes to potlucks. However, for a unique twist, Stevie’s claim-to-fame dish adds a special touch to any potluck. The chicken has a clean taste and is served with a variety of rice and side sauces. Interactivity is crucial in any potluck, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
Beef Tacos 🌮 ala pancake house by Ernest the Mexican man
Guest Specialties. If you are a foreign guest and are invited to these intimate potluck dinners, the best way for you to contribute is by cooking dishes from your own culture. Ernest often comments that the tacos in Manila are not as good as back home, so he prepared Beef Tacos for the potluck celebrations.
PANGHIMAGAS
Ice Cream Sandwiches by @sebastiansicecream and Macadamia Sansrival by @gayvazquez
Dessert Game. It’s essential not to bring just any dessert; it should be the best to make the calories count. Typically, you bring the latest desserts of the season or tried-and-tested specialties. Ice cream is always a preferred option, and a specialty cake like Sansrival adds a delightful touch.
Butter Cake and Pili by @ggsantos
Homemade Specialty. The best dessert to bring is sometimes the one you bake yourself or a special recipe from your family. You can also bring special candies, chocolates, or sweet treats for a deliciously sweet ending.
Tesseron Cognac by Spanky
Digestive. A well-rounded meal is often complemented by a fine digestive such as cognac, perhaps a whisky, or a dessert wine to conclude the celebration with a toast.
SALAMAT!
Happy Gang. This is the best potluck ever, featuring the first-ever shocking relationship reveal.
Animo Barkada. We always look forward to lunch to sawa reunions with this gang.
Food Avengers. Thank you for the most delicious potluck ever with these foodies and chefs.
Soria Clan. First time to reconnect with the Soria Clan and a new reunion tradition is born!
Happy New Year, everyone! May 2024 bring you prosperous blessings and strong relationships!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. You know it was a good potluck celebration when it ends at midnight or so but still nobody wants to leave.