Okay, so, I’ve been planning this birthday bash for my kid, right? And you know how it is with Filipino parties – the food’s gotta be on point. It’s like, the heart of the whole thing. So, I started brainstorming, thinking about all the yummy stuff we usually have at these shindigs.
Lechon was a must-have
First things first, I knew we needed lechon. I mean, is it even a Filipino party without that crispy, juicy roasted pig? I don’t think so! I started calling around, checking out different places that offer lechon. You gotta make sure you get a good one, you know? Not too dry, skin’s gotta be super crispy, and the meat should be flavorful. Finally, I found a place with great reviews, and I placed my order. I felt like I’d already won half the battle.
Crowd-pleasing dishes
Next up, I thought about the other dishes. Pancit is a no-brainer, it’s a staple for long life, plus it’s easy to eat, and everyone loves it. I went with my lola’s recipe, the one she always makes for special occasions. It’s a bit of work, with all the chopping and stir-frying, but it’s totally worth it. The aroma that filled my kitchen while I was cooking it? Man, it took me right back to my childhood.
Then, there’s the lumpia. Can’t forget about those crispy little rolls of goodness! I decided to make two kinds: the classic Lumpiang Shanghai with pork and veggies and also some cheese sticks. Kids love those, and honestly, so do the adults. I made a big batch of the filling, and recruited some help to roll them. It turned into a mini lumpia-rolling party, which was pretty fun.
Sweet treats
For the sweet stuff, I went with the classics. I baked a big batch of leche flan – that creamy, caramel-y custard that’s just heavenly. I also made some fruit salad, the one with the canned fruit cocktail, condensed milk, and all-purpose cream. I know, it sounds basic, but trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Oh, and I couldn’t resist making some puto, those fluffy steamed rice cakes. They’re perfect with the savory dishes, and they’re just so cute.
Drinks
As for drinks, I kept it simple. I made a big batch of sago’t gulaman, that refreshing drink with tapioca pearls and jelly. I also got some juice boxes for the kids and some soda for the grown-ups. Nothing fancy, just the usual stuff that everyone likes.
Final touches
On the day of the party, I set everything up buffet-style. I got some of those chafing dishes to keep the food warm, and I made sure to label everything so people knew what they were getting. I also put out some disposable plates, utensils, and cups to make things easier.
When the guests started arriving, and they saw the spread, their eyes lit up. The lechon was a hit, of course. Everyone was going back for seconds, and even thirds! The pancit was a winner, too, and the lumpia disappeared in minutes. The kids loved the cheese sticks, and the adults couldn’t get enough of the leche flan.
Seeing everyone enjoying the food I made, it was such a great feeling. It’s a lot of work, planning and cooking for a Filipino party, but it’s totally worth it. The food is such a big part of our culture, and it’s what brings people together. At the end of the day, it’s all about sharing good food and good times with the people you love. And, I gotta say, I think I nailed it this time.