The Christmas holidays in the U.S. means only one thing: getting ready to eat. You bring out the best service, set the table with the "emergency" extension, and you already know you'll end up trapped between an appetizer and a relative who's decided to tell you their entire life story. Despite your efforts in the gym, you already know you'll have to prepare yourself to contend with "hundreds" of traditional dishes and endless bingo games. And while all this is happening, on the other side of the world, there are those who celebrate differently. Let's face it, we've all always been curious to know how other countries celebrate this very important holiday. No sooner said than done, here you go: in this article, we'll talk about a country that's perhaps not as popular as the major travel destinations, but which has a truly enviable tradition.
Let's talk about the Philippines, where the climate is warm, the sun shines brightly, and no one wears those typical red sweaters with a reindeer or snowman sewn on them. Compared to our traditions, it would truly seem like another planet, and we wouldn't be, considering we're on the other side of the world. But there's one thing that's always the same, a common goal that doesn't change despite the different traditions and cultures: sitting together at the table and enjoying family time.
Spaghetti With Banana Ketchup
Far from the roasts, pecan pies and side dishes typical of American Christmas the Christmas dish in Manila and the surrounding area could be a shock. Here, spaghetti is made with a sweet and sour sauce: banana ketchup. This condiment was created to replace traditional ketchup when tomatoes were in short supply during World War II. Added to spaghetti, this ingredient has become a staple of Filipino cuisine, and not just at Christmas.
It's not a provocation to Italian cuisine; on the contrary, it's an exotic reinterpretation, purely Filipino in style. In addition to this banana sauce, the spaghetti also features chicken livers, red sausages, and cheese: a mix of sweet, smoky, and nostalgic, perfect for bringing the family together during the holidays. In short, you'd definitely have to be a gastronomic daredevil to try it. It's a recipe that's fundamentally quite outside our tastes, but (there's always a but) you can try it too.
Yes, because not long ago, Jollibee, a fast food chain typical of the Philippines, is also very popular in the United States and Canada. Here, they offer local food and many versions of fried chicken. In an old interview with Quartz, sociologist and food critic Clinton Palanca explained that spaghetti with banana ketchup was designed more for the tastes of Filipinos and Southeast Asians in general, as they love sweet and sour foods. Palanca also added that this is not a dish to be sold to Italians as spaghetti, but as an Asian snack that uses the same ingredients.
A Bridge Between Different Cultures
Telling the story of Christmas in the Philippines through dishes like spaghetti with banana ketchup means embracing a different culture. A culture made of influences—in this case, American, Spanish, and indigenous—and inventions born of necessity. As indigestible as it may seem, the famous spaghetti has become a symbol of identity on a par with national dishes like balut.
Ultimately, the purpose of this article lies in the fascination of thinking that, while we celebrate with pies and traditional food, on the other side of the world there are people who do the same with other traditions. The majority of people in the Philippines are Christian, so Christmas is celebrated here as much as it is in the U.S.. After all, that's the beauty of Christmas: the menu changes, the flavors change, but the spirit remains the same. Whether you're eating spaghetti with clams or spaghetti with banana ketchup, the important thing is always to sit together and enjoy the holiday.
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