Why Choose Filipino Cuisine for Your Family?

Filipino cuisine is a delicious mix of sweet, sour, and savory, with a variety of textures and flavors that can tantalize every taste bud. Going beyond the usual chicken nuggets and fries, these dishes offer a cornucopia of nutrients and new experiences that can truly expand your kids’ palates. And let’s be real, who can resist the allure of colorful spring rolls or the comfort of a hearty stew?

Friendly Atmosphere

Most Filipino restaurants emanate warmth and hospitality that is embedded deep within the Filipino culture. It’s common to enter a Filipino eatery and be greeted with a smile and maybe even an amusing anecdote! Servers in these restaurants are typically understanding when it comes to the ‘messy eating’ habits of toddlers or the finicky food preferences of your tweens.

What to Look For in a Kid-Friendly Filipino Restaurant?

When choosing the right Filipino restaurant for your family outing, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:

• Menu Variety – Is there a good mix of items that can cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions?
• Kid’s Menu – While not ubiquitous, some Filipino restaurants offer kids’ menus that feature milder and child-sized versions of popular dishes.
• High chairs and Booster Seats – If you’re dining with toddlers, these amenities are a must-have.
• Clean and Safe Space – Look for a restaurant that is clean and spacious, with room for kids to move around without disturbing other diners.
• Friendly Staff – Staff that are patient and welcoming to families can make all the difference in your dining experience.

Top Filipino Dishes to Try with Kids

Ready to dive into the menu? Here are some of the most popular and kid-approved Filipino dishes that you must try:

• Lumpia (Spring Rolls) – These crispy treats are fun to eat and comes with a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, meat, or even sweet treats.
• Adobo – A quintessential Filipino dish. This savory stew typically made of chicken or pork, is cooked with vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s wonderfully tasty and pairs great with rice.
• Pancit (Noodles) – Whether bihon, canton, or sotanghon, these noodle dishes are not just delicious, but also often symbolize long life and good health in Filipino culture.
• Sinigang – This tamarind-based soup with its sour and slightly tangy flavor is perfect for whetting appetites and is served with an assortment of vegetables and meat.
• Halo-Halo – A colorful and refreshing dessert that’s a mixture of shaved ice, milk, and various sweet beans and fruits, topped with ice cream or leche flan.

Understanding Filipino Dining Etiquette

The Filipino way of dining is all about communal sharing and joy. It’s common to order several dishes and share amongst the table. Try using this opportunity to teach your kids about sharing and camaraderie, Filipino-style! Plus, don’t be surprised if you’re encouraged by staff to eat with your hands during a ‘kamayan’ feast—it’s a traditional and fun way to enjoy Filipino food!

Explaining the Flavors and Ingredients

Before visiting the restaurant, have a quick familial pow-wow about the unique flavors and ingredients that they’ll encounter. Filipino cuisine uses a wide spectrum of spices and components that may be new to your young ones. Understanding what they’ll taste can help mitigate a case of the “I don’t know what that is, so I won’t eat it!” syndrome.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit

Timing is everything when dining with kids. Try to aim for early dinners to avoid the rush hours. This ensures that you have a quieter dining experience and the staff can give you more attention. Plus, your kids might even get to watch the kitchen in action and learn a thing or two about how those tasty dishes are made.

Accommodating Picky Eaters

Fret not, parents of picky palates! Filipino cuisine is diverse. When in doubt, simple dishes like ‘plain rice’ and ‘grilled meats’ are usually available and are a safe bet for less adventurous eaters. It’s also a great idea to confirm if the restaurant can modify the spice level or ingredients upon request. You’ll often find that they are more than willing to accommodate.

Getting the Kids Involved

Get your kids excited and engaged by involving them in choosing the restaurant or the dishes. Browse the menu online together and let them pick a dish they’re eager to try. This builds anticipation and makes the dining experience a collaborative adventure!

Preparing for the Dining Experience

Last but not least, prep for the visit like you would for any family outing. Carry necessary supplies – wipes for sticky fingers, coloring books to keep them busy while waiting for food, and maybe their favorite small toy to comfort them if it’s their first time trying something new. This foresight can turn a good family meal into a great one!