DEN'S FOOD REVIEW

Taytay’s Lauya is a traditional soup recipe in our hometown made with boiled beef or carabao meat or pork, corn on the cob, and other vegetables. This hearty soup reflects the Taytayenos' culinary heritage, showcasing the use of local ingredients and the preference for warm and comforting soups, often enjoyed during cool weather or as a filling meal for the family. This is my favorite food of all time and I can relate this to my little sister as she is my favorite member of the family, she always makes me smile and I always make sure that I am also there when she needs me.

Sinigang is a sour soup native to the Philippines. This recipe uses pork as the main ingredient. Other proteins and seafood can also be used. Beef, shrimp, fish are commonly used to cook sinigang.  grew-up eating pork sinigang at least once a week with a saucer of fish sauce and crushed siling labuyo on the side as my dipping sauce. During rainy days, I enjoy my sinigang  meal with rice. I associated this food with my grandmother, as Sinigang is one of the best classic food in the Philippines, I can say that my grandmother is also the best version of Lola that I will be always be grateful for.

Pork Nilaga is a type of Filipino pork soup in clear broth. I used pork belly in this version along with other ingredients such as potato, saba banana, and pechay (or baby bok choy). It is a perfect dish that you can enjoy during cold and rainy weather. My grandfather makes this almost regularly on a rainy day. I can relate this food with him, as he being my grandfather, whenever I have rainy days or struggles in life, he is always there to support and help me.

Pork Menudo is the number one on the list of my comfort foods and it’s hard for me to last a month without trying one…literally. Some would say that I am addicted to this food while others would use the term “obsession”, I just simply look at it as a necessity – a basic necessity that I cannot live without. I can relate this to my mother as I cannot live without her and that is why I truly loves her with my entire life.

One of the images that comes to mind is a gorgeously crispy fried chicken. Simple but flavorful, fried chicken is a treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re enjoying it at a birthday party or serving it as an appetizer for game night, crispy fried chicken is a classic choice. I can relate this to my father as he always provide everything we needed.

What is your earliest recollection of food that you enjoyed? What was the experience like for you as a kid? Were there any rituals that came along with your eating?

 

For many people, those early food memories are tied to emotions. Maybe it was a warm soup that made you feel comforted, or an ice cream cone on a hot summer day that brought pure joy. And any special rituals, like Sunday dinners with family, holiday feasts, or even just a favorite snack you always ate while watching cartoons.

One of my earliest memories of truly enjoying food was eating warm, homemade cookies with a glass of milk at my grandmother’s house. I remember sitting at her kitchen table, my feet barely touching the floor, as she pulled the cookies out of the oven. The smell alone was enough to make me happy—sweet, buttery, and just a little bit like vanilla.

There was a little ritual to it too. She’d always let me have the first cookie while it was still warm, and I’d watch the chocolate chips melt as I took a bite. Then, I’d dunk it into my milk, trying to time it just right so it was soft but not falling apart. It was simple, but those moments felt special—just me, my grandmother, and a plate of fresh cookies, with nothing else in the world to worry about.