Best Filipino-made Food Products to Bring Abroad this Holiday
As tourists, there might be two things that you are considering before leaving the Philippines—the souvenirs you need to bring home and your baggage limit.
In truth, there are a lot of souvenir options when visiting the Philippines such as handmade bags and weaves as well as interesting treats that you can only find in the country. But what if you need to pack light?
The good news is we got some interesting yet affordable Filipino-made food products that you might want to bring home as pasalubong or souvenir. Some of them can even be bought from supermarkets or convenience stores near you!
Lapid’s Freshly Popped Chicharon
IMAGE from Lapid’s Chicharon’s Website
The crunch of classic chicharon or fried pork rinds lend an addictive snack experience to anyone who takes a bite, even more so when there’s meat, also called “laman”, attached to the crunchy pork rind, making it a more flavorful combo that can easily be your favorite.
Where to buy: The classic chicharon can be bought at any supermarket. However, one of the prominent chicharon businesses in the Philippines is Lapid’s Freshly Popped Chicharon. Shop online at www.lapidschicharon.ph.
Coffee
IMAGE from Bo’s Coffee
Did you know that the Philippines is one of the leading producers of coffee in the world? No wonder coffee is also one of the well-loved pasalubong of tourists visiting the country! Kapeng Barako, a strong variety of coffee from Cavite or Batangas, is usually the go-to pasalubong of many leaving the Philippines.
IMAGE from Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery
Famous coffee shop chains like Bo’s Coffee sells a variety of coffee like the Barako Blend, while coffee outlets like the Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery offers the most sought-after Philippine Civet Coffee Beans.
Where to buy: Barako Blend is available at Bo’s Coffee branches, while Civet Coffee is available at Landmark Department Stores in Trinoma and Makati, The Landmark Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket in Pasig, Alabang, and Sta. Rosa, and Robinson’s in Cainta, Metroeast, Antipolo, Montalban, and Eastwood.
Cebu Dried Mangoes
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
With its sweet and chewy quality, the Cebu Dried Mangoes are well-loved among both locals and tourists. It’s the perfect after-meal dessert or even a snack just because. It’s also a light addition to your baggage and a special treat that your friends will surely love.
Where to buy: Although named after Cebu, one of the famous sources of dried mangoes in the Philippines, the Profood Cebu Brand can also be seen in SM Department Stores and leading supermarkets nationwide.
Banana Chips
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Another crunchy, sweet, and light Filipino snack is the Banana Chips. Considered as a Philippine native delicacy, these are sold almost anywhere in the Philippines and is beloved among the sweet-toothed.
Where to buy: Many varieties of banana chips are sold in supermarkets. Each of them usually has similar tastes and will surely be a favorite among friends and family.
Sugo Garlic Adobo Peanuts
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Enough with the sweets. If it’s savory treats you’d like to take home with you, Sugo Peanuts is the best option for you. Aside from a few grams not hurting your baggage, this crunchy and salty snack has many available variants including hot & spicy, salted, and garlic adobo.
Where to buy: Fortunately, Sugo Peanuts are also available in supermarkets, making it an accessible treat that you can take home with you.
Rattan Products
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Rattan is a climbing vine-like palm found in the tropic countries like the Philippines. Because of its abundance in our forests, it used by locals to weave handicrafts and outdoor furniture. Baskets, placemats, bags, and chairs are just some of the most common products made from this plant.
Where to buy: You can buy rattan products in supermarkets, bazaars, shopping centers and even online! Seriously, you can find them everywhere throughout the country.
Polvoron
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Considered a classic Filipino snack, polvoron is a semi-sweet shortbread cookie made from toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, and butter or margarine. One polvoron is never enough so you’ll want more after the first bite! Perfect for your snack-loving sibling or friend.
Where to buy: You can buy this snack at any supermarket and in select online stores.
