You’ve probably seen memes of “Binignit” flooding everyone’s timeline just in time for Holy Week.
Binignit has become a staple for Filipinos during Holy Week. But of course, that’s not the only dish being consumed during Lenten Season. During Lent, sacrifice, and abstinence are observed, meaning there are foods that Filipinos avoid, much like meat. Which begs the question, what do Pinoys eat during Holy Week?
From rice dishes to alternatives for meat, here are some common foods consumed during Lenten Season in the Philippines.
1. Fish
During Holy Week, Filipinos abstain from eating meat, which is why they opt for Fish dishes. Some fish dishes include Adobong Isda, Paksiw, and Kinilaw, among others.
2. Binignit
Binignit is the star of the show every Holy Week. The dish is made with Taro, Ube, Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, and fresh Coconut Milk. It is sweet, sticky, and filling as well. Some people put glutinous rice and tapioca pearls.
Fun Fact: Binignit is also called bilo-bilo or ginataang Halo-Halo in Manila.
3. Biko
Biko is a famous Filipino rice cake made from “malagkit” or sticky rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The texture is soft and chewy, and it tastes sweet. Some versions have “latik” paired with it. Latik is a thick, sweet coconut syrup with coconut milk and sugar.
4. Sipo/Sepo Eggs
Sipo or Sepo Eggs is a popular dish in Pampanga during the Lenten season. The reason why it is popular is that it does not contain any meat. The main ingredient for Sipo Eggs is the “Itlog Pugo” or Quail Eggs. It also has shrimp, carrots, and green peas. The dish is creamy because of the cream sauce mixed with it.
5. Tuyo/Buwad
And, of course, the Pinoy favorite— Tuyo or Buwad. Tuyo is a salted, dried fish that Filipinos usually fry in oil. Tuyo is best paired with rice or even champorado. In Visayas, Tuyo is known as buwad, and in Cebu, there are many kinds of buwad you can try, such as Danggit, Fish Tapa & Fish Bones, Pinikas, and Dried Pusit or Squid.
Just writing about these foods is making me hungry! What are your favorite Lenten Season foods? Let us know in the comments.
