#FilipinoFoodLakeForest

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Did you know what makes Manila Food Mart remarkable? Our wide range of Filipino recipes will make you feel at home and loved! Visit us at Orange County!

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Let us have a better look and understanding of our tasty adobo!

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What is it about Filipino food that truly makes it unique and delightfully tasty? Does it go beyond its interesting past? Let’s try to learn more! Read on!

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Stressed out? Enjoy some sweet Buko Pandan from Manila Food Mart! We're waiting for you here at Orange County!

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For every Filipino, an authentic adobo with steaming hot rice is a taste of home! But how much do you know about this iconic Filipino dish? Let's find out today!

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10 Most Insanely Good Filipino Merienda

Sweets produce “happiness hormones.” In fact having that sweet dessert after a hearty feast is the most satisfying part of the meal.

Filipinos typically prepare delicious treats that the whole family will enjoy using tropical ingredients like coconuts and fruits. Rice, particularly sticky rice and even glutinous rice, is a common ingredient used in merienda recipes like the famous sapin-sapin and palitaw.

The sweet treats you hear about such as a special Halo-halo are just a tiny portion of the fantastic merienda that Filipinos enjoy! Anyone can have a taste of these authentic Filipino recipes at the Manila Food Mart ,Lake Forest, Orange County.

Let’s see how much you know about some yummy Filipino merienda favorites! Read on!

#1 Buko Pandan

Talking about a crowd pleaser during gatherings, Buko Pandan is one of them. There are three main ingredients in this sweet and cooling Filipino treat: Sweetened cream, gelatin laced with pandan, and coconut.

Is it difficult to prepare? All you need to do is combine all the ingredients with the right proportion, then refrigerate it. A bowl of joy is in your hands after a few hours! Buko Pandan is aromatic and coconutty. This dessert is truly tropical and no wonder, a winner at every birthday party or during simple warm midday.

#2 Cassava Cake

Gluten-free diet? Good news for you!

The name Cassava Cake refers to a classic Filipino cake made with grated cassava and coconut milk coated with molten custard at the top. Its texture is interestingly firm but also soft and just a little chewy. The ingredients used are absolutely gluten-free!

The extra ingredients from making the cake itself also work perfectly as toppings! The most well-liked ones include Macapuno, a sweet type of Filipino coconut, and light cheddar cheese shreds to balance everything. Yum!

#3 Turon

Thought you could never be satisfied with Lumpiang Shanghai? Wait until you try Turon!

Falling in the category of widely consumed lumpia dishes, Turon is one of its sweet varieties. Made with Saba banana and jackfruit wrapped in a thin wheat wrapper, you can never miss this famous Filipino treat hitting the street when it’s Merienda time! Fried to a golden crisp, turon can be drizzled with caramel or dusted with roasted sesame seeds.

#4 Biko

Feel the love of a family member preparing that famous Biko. This tasty merienda favorite demands time and patience to perfect! It involves stirring the sticky rice consistently to prevent it from sticking to the pot and preparing another recipe for the top layer known as Latik. It somehow resembles cassava cake in appearance given that Biko is also a type of rice cake.

This delicious dessert commonly prepared on birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, is sticky, fragrant, and nutty sweet! Why not welcome Biko in your next gathering?

#5 Puto

Despite its neutral flavor, Puto is a favorite rice cake especially when it is served with a tasty dinuguan.

A wide variety of Puto with variations in consistency, form, size, color, and flavor is a product of the playful Pinoy taste bud. Some Puto are cooked with a delicious pork filling while some have variations in flavor like the Ube Puto. Others would rather stick to the usual strip of cheese and salted egg at the top.

Puto is equally as versatile as the Filipinos themselves!

#6 Kutsinta

This orange variant of the traditional Filipino steamed rice cake is just as well-liked and delectable!

Kutsinta has the same fundamental ingredients as most rice cakes, but the presence of food-grade lye produces a thick and chewy texture. Also, brown sugar and annatto seeds are what give it a hint of orange color. It is commonly sold together with Puto, and Filipinos love to eat them together too! Why not give this nostalgic combination a try!

#7 Leche Flan

Leche Flan has that sweet, creamy flavor that nearly no one could possibly resist!

Leche flan may look familiar because it is similar to Creme Caramel. It is a pudding that the Filipinos steam cook with milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla flavoring. It is so delicious that it smoothly and slowly melts in your mouth!

A perfectly cooked Leche flan has achieved a silky soft texture and is typically oval-shaped for using tin molds called ‘llaneras‘ to prepare.

Serve this simple yet luscious dessert chilled and drizzled with caramel syrup for the perfect indulgence!

#8 Halo-halo

Halo-halo means “mix-mix” or “assorted,” and it perfectly describes the dish’s technique and style! Discover why it’s worthwhile to try this festive Filipino dish that you’ve probably heard about on social media a lot!

Bananas, sweet potatoes, jackfruit, and red mongo beans are among the most commonly used ingredients in this fruit and bean combination summer snack. But do you still remember Leche Flan? It is also one of the more appealing ingredients to add along with various colorful cubes of fruit jellies. It is then finished off with finely crushed ice, milk, and a scoop of Ube ice cream at the top!

Let this combination of various sweet delights and superb eye-pleasing cold dessert comfort you! Visit Manila Food Mart and be ready for a great serving of an authentic Halo-halo.

But wait, a photo of this fresh Halo-halo will surely be great for your next Instagram post!

#9 Taho

Tahooooo?! Anyone?

For many Filipinos, this traditional dessert Taho evokes flashbacks of their youth in the Philippines.

Identical desserts may be found in many Asian countries, especially the silkiest tofu variety. Similar practices apply to Pinoy Taho, but Filipinos prefer a sweet arnibal syrup with tiny sago pearls in their hot Taho.

Early in the morning, street vendors routinely sell this very affordable, tasty, high-protein breakfast item. A cup of Taho is every kid’s favorite treat! How about reliving the nostalgia?

#10 Ube Halaya

There are a lot of tasty desserts and merienda to try in the Philippines. Pinoys love to play around with different sweet treats to find the right balance of taste. Ube Halaya is one of these deliciously well-balanced desserts. It has a soft, creamy consistency and a mildly sweet taste.

Ube Halaya is one of these deliciously well-balanced desserts. Patiently cook a perfect purple yam or Ube with some milk and sugar. Mix to get that sticky, smooth texture and you will have that heavenly Halaya.

Dig in! Enjoy a truly sweet treat that you can never resist!

The Sweet Conclusion

Merienda can mean either sweet or savory food in the Philippines. It is a habit that is hard to break, a time to eat your favorite turon, halo halo or rice cakes!

And whether you have a sweet tooth or none at all, a handful of these Filipino sweet treats for your merienda satisfies those cravings.

Great that Manila Food Mart in Orange County has prepared those authentic and affordable merienda treats for you and your family.

Delight those taste buds! Bring back nostalgia! Visit Us!

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An authentic adobo with steaming hot rice is a taste of home for every Filipino. Let's take a closer look at this Filipino favorite and recall fond memories! Read on!

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Let’s see how much you know about some yummy Filipino merienda favorites!

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Five Reasons Why Filipino Cuisine Is a True Mix of International Flavors

With resources from more than 7,000 islands and strong foreign influences, Philippine cuisine truly embodies the relationship between food and culture. Its historical experiences shaped the Filipinos’ culinary practices that led to the infusion of international flavors.

But other than the long and rich history, what makes Filipino dishes unique that makes gourmands come back for more? What makes these tasty dishes the “original fusion cuisine”?

Let us take you on an adventure and discover the reasons why Filipino cuisine is a true mix of international flavors. Read on to learn more!

#1 A Variety of Menu

From the thick and creamy sauce of kare-kare to the crispy, slow-roasted lechon, a range of mouth-watering dishes in the Philippines are influenced by different cultures, such as Spanish, Chinese, and Indian.

The various ingredients and cooking styles introduced by foreign countries helped shape the Philippines’ rich and varied cultural background. As a result, Filipino cuisine offers a diverse menu of balanced flavors that stands out as uniquely Filipino.

To cite a true favorite, the chicken porridge known as arroz caldo is a Chinese-Spanish-inspired dish which is best served hot, any time of the day.

And who would forget the most requested appetizer or ulam for every Filipino gathering, lumpiang shanghai? A Filipino version of Chinese spring rolls that goes perfectly well with sweet and chili sauce.

Pinoy cuisine is truly an explosion of flavors, and it is good to know that you can discover more at Manila Food Mart! Their menu allows you to satisfy your cravings with your all-time favorite Filipino dishes, making it the best Filipino restaurant in Orange County!

#2 A Mixture of Native and International Ingredients

As a land abundant in different spices, Filipinos love to enhance the flavors of their dishes by combining foreign and native ingredients.

For those who prefer a spicy kick in their meals, pork binagoongan is a dish that uses the native ingredient bagoong (shrimp paste) and Thai chili peppers. This recipe has a resemblance with the mouthwatering, spicy Bicol express but with the addition of coconut milk.

To add, the  juicy chicken inasal is another crowd favorite that every Filipino enjoys during get together. This char-grilled chicken is marinated in calamansi (Philippine lime) and lemongrass native to Sri Lanka and India, giving its savory-citrusy taste.

With a wide range of spices, each Pinoy dish will guarantee a flavorsome experience in every bite! Indulge your senses with the enticing aromas and rich flavors of Filipino foods in Lake Forest, where each plate is served with freshly prepared ingredients!

#3 Truly a Perfect Blend of Flavors

Every Filipino household must have the essential seasonings in their pantry to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty. After all, that is what Filipino dishes are known for!

Aside from the usual salt, pepper, and sugar combo, the use of vinegar, soy sauce, patis (fish sauce), and banana ketchup is crucial in preparing aromatic and delicious Pinoy meals.

Imagine the tangy and savory taste from the soy sauce and vinegar mix, boiled to perfection in your all-time favorite adobo. Or the combination of soy sauce and calamansi (toyomansi) as the dipping sauce for the popular pulutan, crispy pata.

Like your favorite home-style cooked afritada and chicken curry, the generous use of seasonings is the key to preparing flavorful, aromatic, and colorful Filipino dishes. At Manila Food Mart, you can expect the perfect blend of seasonings that make every Pinoy meal authentic.

#4 A Reflection of Various Traditions

Beliefs and practices from other cultures also have an influence that brought about the mixed cuisine of the Philippines.

Filipinos share customs with Malaysians and Indians in the so- called kamayan. This practice requires diners to use their hands instead of utensils when eating grilled or fried foods such as inihaw na bangus (grilled milkfish).

Not only does this complete the traditional Filipino dining experience, Pinoy foods are definitely tastier when we eat using our hand!

To cite more of these traditions, noodles are a must-have during birthdays and new year festivities as this usually represents long life and good luck for the celebrant. For this reason, Filipinos will always prepare their own version of Chinese noodles like our fully-loaded pancit canton or pancit bihon.

From appetizers to ulams and desserts, Manila Food Mart serves a vast range of Filipino dishes that bring you the culture and traditions of our country as well as the Pinoy spirit and excitement of whatever event or occasion you are hosting, making it the best catering in Orange County!

#5 A Platter of Creativity

Filipinos are known for using a variety of ingredients and serving styles to express their creativity, leading to the creation of delectable and mouth-watering dishes filled with unique flavors.

One of these dishes is the Spanish pastel de pollo, or chicken and mushroom pie that Filipinos turned into a dish called chicken pastel, an ulam that is perfect with steamy white rice.

The same goes for the Filipino-style spaghetti, which is not your typical pasta dish. This Pinoy version is abundant in ground beef, hot dogs, and the famous banana ketchup, which gives its distinct sweet flavor. This often comes in party tray sizes, making it the ultimate party hit!

If there is one field that Filipinos are creative in, then it is definitely preparing the most unique and colorful dishes in the kitchen. Experience creativity at Manila Food Mart, where you can have quality and creative Filipino dishes catered for you on your special occasions!

The Takeaway

Many of the recipes prove that Filipino dishes are a fusion of various cuisines all around the world but still continue to stand out because of their distinctive flavor, creativity, and traditions like how Turo-Turo is made available in Orange County.

And even though Filipino food draws inspiration from several influences, for Pinoys, it will always be about reminiscing the warm memories of time spent with family as well as surprising guests with catering services that capture the authentic Filipino dining experience.

So don’t miss out on the nostalgia and choose from a diverse menu of delicacies to let the unique aroma, flavors, and colors of Pinoy dishes in Orange County make you feel at home with  your loved ones.

Experience first hand “original fusion cuisine” with the best Pinoy food in Orange County, Manila Food Mart! We are waiting for you!

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Filipinos are well-known for their hospitality, and one of the ways we express this is by serving Filipino home-style dishes. Aside from distinct flavors and aromas, traditional Filipino food also values its delivery and presentation on the table, trying to get your attention.

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Filipinos are well-known for their hospitality, and one of the ways we express this is by serving Filipino home-style dishes. Aside from distinct flavors and aromas, traditional Filipino food also values its delivery and presentation on the table, trying to get your attention.

The most traditional and authentic way to introduce Filipino food is through a serving style called Turo-Turo, which happens to be done in the best Filipino restaurant in Orange County. Join us as we welcome you to the Filipino dining experience.

What is Turo-Turo?

Turo-Turo is a colloquial term that means “point-point” in Tagalog. It is a combination of casual and cafeteria dining where you can simply point out your choice among several Filipino foods on a steam table, keeping the food warm and fresh. 

This type of dining is an integral part of the Filipino tradition that is impossible to miss on the streets of the Philippines. It is commonly found in restaurants or karinderyas, serving rice, noodles, vegetables, meat, and seafood dishes. 

Filipino dishes are also infused with foreign cuisines, allowing us to showcase our creativity in cooking as well as our rich history and culture. This is why some foreigners may recognize a few dishes when scanning the Turo-Turo.

For example, Arroz Caldo is a chicken rice porridge paired with aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. It is a famous Filipino-Spanish breakfast or merienda. Another example is chopsuey, a Chinese-American-inspired dish made of different kinds of vegetables, including cabbages, carrots, baby corn, and bell peppers.

Turo-Turo also creates a homey atmosphere where you can enjoy traditional Filipino foods while creating unforgettable memories with your family and friends. That is why Manila Food Mart has brought Turo-Turo to Orange County to serve you its authentic and delicious dishes in California.

What Makes Turo-Turo Special and Popular?

There is no disputing that Turo-Turo holds a unique place in Filipinos’ hearts, which explains why it is frequently spotted on Philippine side streets. It eventually made it across the borders towards Orange County, California.

Now, let’s find out why Filipinos are fond of showcasing the ever-so-popular Turo-Turo everywhere.

First, it offers a wide variety of traditional Filipino foods that are stewed, sauteed, braised, and fried. This includes the universal favorite—chicken or pork adobo, prepared using soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. It is recommended that you pair this savory Pinoy dish with a bowl of garlic fried rice.

Other foods include the sour soup sinigang and the beef stew caldereta that will surely take you back home. If your taste buds are craving more Filipino comfort foods, check out Manila Food Mart’s menu and try the unique flavors each Filipino dish has to offer.

Second, it’s perfect for dine-in or take-out, especially for those with tight schedules and who crave home-cooked meals after a long day. If you don’t have time to stick around but still want to bring fresh and authentic Filipino foods, you’re welcome to stop by anytime in Manila Food Mart for take-homes. No need to bring your own plastic containers!

Third, Turo-Turo cuisine is economical. You don’t have to delay to get your favorite Filipino foods despite rising prices.The mission of Manila Food Mart is to regularly provide you with the finest Pinoy food in Orange County at a reasonable price.  Satisfy your Filipino heart without hurting your wallet.

Lastly, it is perfect for any occasion. If you want to impress your guests with appetizing and appealing Filipino dishes, then the Turo-Turo serving style is the one you’re looking for. It is ideal for small or grand events such as birthday parties, social gatherings, weddings, anniversaries, and more.

Manila Food Mart offers catering services, giving your guests a chance to experience authentic Filipino gatherings. Enjoy the must-haves—sweet Filipino-style spaghetti and crispy lumpiang shanghai.

Let Manila Food Mart, with the best catering service in Orange County, be a part of your special celebrations.

The Significance of Turo-Turo

Now, you might wonder, why is Turo-Turo so significant for the typical Pinoy? 

Well, of course this preparation makes all your favorite dishes readily available to everyone, even for people with busy and tight schedules. With an assortment of Pinoy meals displayed in front of you, it will surely provide you with a stress-free atmosphere and satisfy your hunger in no time.

For Filipinos, Turo-Turo has always been about bringing the community together to value this simple yet traditional dining experience wherever we are in the world. It strives to serve a platter filled with effort, creativity, and uniqueness.

One excellent example is the famous sisig. A spicy-sour dish made up of minced pork, chopped chicken liver, onions, chili peppers, and calamansi. It is commonly served on a cast-iron, sizzling plate.

Wrap it Up!

Turo-Turo is a one-of-a-kind serving style that makes you come back for more. That is why Manila Food Mart open their doors daily to serve you authentic Filipino food you could ask for.

Let Manila Food Mart offer you a seat as you indulge in home-style recipes that will surely make you remember the feeling of being back home. 

Come and visit us to experience Turo-Turo in Orange County and taste Filipino cuisine prepared by our chefs at Manila Food Mart. We are waiting for you!

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What is so special about Turo-Turo? Find out more with Manila Food Mart's authentic Turo-Turo style serving of authentic Pinoy dishes! Read on!

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5 Reasons Why MFM Is The Best Pinoy Resto In Orange County

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The Best Filipino Dishes You Must Try

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5 Essential Tips in Choosing the Best Caterers

Hosting an event requires effort and dedication, especially when choosing the right food to serve. You are fortunate if you hire the best caterers in California to make your celebrations not only memorable but hassle-free.

During these significant events it is essential to ensure the quality and presentation of the dishes on the table. The passion of the chefs and the staff in serving delicious dishes is also a must.

So if you are looking for these qualities then hiring a catering company that provides high-quality culinary services is your best option.

But how do you hire the right caterers with the right qualities? How do you plan the perfect menu? And how do you throw traditional Filipino events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties like the ones back at home?

Well, consider these tips when choosing the best caterers. Read on and make sure to gain good insights!

#1. Check for Reviews and References

Seeking out good reviews is a good way to start looking for the perfect caterer, as this gives you a definite idea of their food, quality, and service.

Make sure to spend some time reading customer feedback through online sources such as official websites, business listings and social media platforms. This will help you decide whether to continue with their catering services.

You may also inquire about recommendations and experiences from family, friends, or previous clients. Their reviews can be considered as reliable sources since you will likely have a similar experience to theirs.

#2. Schedule a Menu Tasting

Even if a caterer is highly recommended and serves appealing food, it is still a good idea to read the menu and try out the dishes before hiring them.

Catering businesses like Manila Food Mart, a Turo-Turo restaurant in California, provide a vast catering menu of Filipino cuisine that you must definitely enjoy with your guests. Rest assured that you have plenty of dishes to choose from like your favorite kare-kare, caldereta and bopis! Choose as well those celebration noodles, the all-time Pinoy favorite pancit canton and pancit palabok.

Schedule a menu tasting and request various samples to determine the flavor, quality, and presentation. Taking the time to savor the food allows you to choose and create the perfect menu for your event.

Additionally, this gives you the opportunity to find out if the caterers are well-versed in their products and services. You can try by asking about the ingredients used as well as how they prepare the dishes. If a caterer is unable to answer these questions, then that is considered a red flag. Opt to hire only those who understand real tasty food like Manila Food Mart!

#3. Expertise with Events

Another tip for choosing the right caterer is the ability to accommodate your specific type of event. Find one that is willing to meet your expectations by discussing the style, theme, and size of your venue.

Moreover, it is important that the caterer’s specialty matches your event. If for instance you decide to host a classic Filipino birthday party, make sure to hire Manila Food Mart with their catering services that include serving traditional Pinoy dishes for authentic Filipino celebration.

Other than providing delicious meals on the table, every caterer must reflect the formality of an event through their services. So do not hesitate to share how you want to celebrate these momentous days and see if your chosen caterer has any experience with this kind of event.

#4. Provides Menu Flexibility

Your chosen caterer may have certain recommendations and specialties they are known for, but the ability to go beyond their standard menu options is also important.

High-quality catering services must be willing to make changes or adjust the menu according to your preferences, especially if you are expecting guests with allergies or dietary restrictions.

At Manila Food Mart, you can choose from a variety of chicken, pork, beef, and seafood dishes to suit different tastes. So if you have guests allergic to seafood, you can try vegetable-based recipes like ampalaya con tofu (sautéed bitter gourd with tofu) or tortang talong (eggplant omelet).

Dishes with your choice of meat are also available for catering, such as afritada, a Filipino chicken or pork stew cooked in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.

Consider informing caterers of your menu options and requirements ahead of time to avoid inconveniences and ensure that your guests will enjoy the food throughout the event.

#5. Excellent Customer Service

Choosing a catering business that serves delicious food is the safest option for planning a successful event. But if your caterer is not open to any of your ideas, you may want to reconsider.

Make sure to hire caterers who treat you as valued customers by listening to your suggestions and helping you plan your event at every step of the way.

Catering services such as Manila Food Mart offer the best Filipino dishes in Orange County and have accommodating staff filled with enthusiasm and hospitality.

Allow your guests to enjoy both the food and the occasion by choosing a catering company you most feel comfortable with and whose work you respect.

The Takeaway

The search for the best caterer doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you keep these essential tips in mind. With the key ingredients of unique flavors, excellent service, and a quality dining experience, you are bound to find the perfect caterer.

Located in Lake Forest, Orange County, California, Manila Food Mart is here for you to relive and recreate the nostalgic feeling of joyous gatherings and special events by serving the most tasty, delicious Filipino dishes.

Look no further! Bring the celebration to the next level with the event caterers of Orange County and rediscover the comfort of home and family occasions today! Contact us!