Choosing ‘lechon kawali’ over sushi
Do you refuse to try something new? Are you afraid to eat unfamiliar food? These were the questions my co-worker asked me when we had dinner at a restaurant known for ramen and sushi. He asked because I ordered lechon kawali, not realizing that it was also “new” to me because I only eat pork occasionally.
His comments, disguised as questions, almost embarrassed me. In truth, they stung enough that I found myself writing about the experience.
My response was simple: “No. I was just here the other day and ate sushi.” My companions even took photos of their food and posted them online.
By the way, everyone at the table ate sushi that evening, except me, who remained loyal to Filipino food. But what’s wrong with Pinoy dishes anyway? Our adobo is famous abroad. Ube, our beloved purple yam, has become the new matcha. Starbucks now serves ube lattes and desserts across the US and Europe, and more and more foreigners are hooked on it. Add sinigang to the list, which has won major global food awards. And lumpia, which happens to be a favorite of actress Cameron Diaz.
This is not to offend those who love ramen or sushi, but it saddens me that some Filipinos don’t support our own dishes. Let us love our local cuisine. Let us not be strangers to our own food.
Leonard Mesa Gelacio,
leonardkristianmesagelacio@gmail.com
