In the Philippines, when it comes to soup, it doesn't matter if it is raining or not. Every day is always a perfect day for a bowl of soup. That’s why when Taste Atlas, an online experiential travel guide to traditional food, posted its list of 50 best soups in the world this month, we are no longer surprised that many of our favorites are included.
Seventh on its list is the siningang. A favorite by many, this soup dish has been dominating many of Taste Atlas’s food lists. It stands out because of its fresh selection of vegetables, sour taste, and its many versions, depending on the meat or seafood you’re using. This one-pot soup can be made with pork, beef, shrimp, or fish. While local fruits and vegetables like guava, sampalok (tamarind), santol (cotton fruit), kamias (tree sorrel), among others, are used as souring agents.
Next is bulalo at the 19th spot. According to Filipino food historian, Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, this soup is named after the Tagalog word for kneecap. A true comfort food, bulalo is made with cow’s bones with marrow. They are boiled in a pot with select greens like pechay, beans, cabbage, and sweet corn added into the mix. This is best served with a side of fish sauce with kalamansi and Bird's eye chili.
Lastly, the tinolang manok at he 23rd spot. This may come as a shocker to others, especially after the online debate about the Filipino chicken soup, but tinolang manok is just as delicious as the other Filipino soups and viands. It is made by boiling chicken with ginger, green papaya or chayote, and moringa or chili leaves.
Check out the full list below:
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