In Filipino cuisine, there’s a whole category of foods that are meant to be paired with party drinks. Called pulutan, these foods are often eaten to slow the effect of party drinks on the body and to prevent unpleasant headaches the next morning. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that these foods are often salty, fatty, and flavorful enough to make any party feel like a complete gustatory experience.
If you’re only getting familiar with drinking culture in the Philippines, or you’re simply looking for new pulutan ideas, check out the list below. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and pair your favorite drinks with any of these eight quintessential Pinoy pulutan dishes!
Chicharon Bulaklak
Offal is widely consumed in the Philippines, as Filipinos believe in making sure no cut of meat goes to waste. This pulutan, made with the peritoneum part of the pig intestine, takes its name from its appealing floral shape. When deep-fried to perfection and eaten with spicy vinegar, chicharon bulaklak is the ultimate party treat.
Bopis
Among pulutan dishes that one should consume with rice, the affordable but tasty bopis is a favorite. As seen in a bopis recipe like this one, pork lungs and heart are chopped up and boiled in a fragrant mix of lemongrass and pandan. When the offal is tender, it’s stir-fried and dressed in a savory vinegar sauce. Bopis makes a hearty accompaniment to cold drinks or cocktails; try cooking it yourself and serving it at your next drinking session at home.
Isaw
Not to be forgotten in a list of pulutan favorites is isaw, or grilled chicken or pork intestine. This street food is a favorite afternoon snack for students and office workers, but it pairs just as well with drinks. It is a must to serve isaw with its dipping sauce of vinegar, onions, garlic, and chili for those who like it spicy. Wash down each stick with a long sip of cold party drinks.
Tokwa’t Baboy
Tokwa’t baboy, or fried tofu and pork bits, is a merienda dish that doubles as a pulutan. It’s as common to eat this dish with a drink in hand as it is to eat it with arroz caldo or goto in the afternoon. It’s also simple to prepare, so it’s a great dish to serve to your party houseguests.
Inihaw na Pusit
Grilled seafood is an awesome treat during party drinking sessions and goes great with sweet cocktails like gin pomelo and weng-weng. One classic party staple is inihaw na pusit, or stuffed grilled squid basted with a savory sauce. Rice, ensalada, and your favorite Pinoy cocktail will seal the deal.
Kilawin
For a dish that’s a little healthier than your typical grilled or deep-fried party fare, you can order or serve kilawin. Like ceviche from Latin America, kilawin involves marinating chunks of fresh fish, like tuna or marlin, in an acidic mixture of vinegar and lemon juice. Kilawin is a good option for party sessions especially when served alongside fattier foods, since it cuts away the oily taste. Plus, the sour and salty flavor goes well with virtually any draft or hard liquor.
Adobong Mani
Yet another popular choice of pulutan is peanuts. Toasty adobong mani is great for both chill party sessions and those that involve activities like karaoke. Plus, it’s a no-brainer kind of snack, perfect to eat while you’re waiting your turn to talk or show off your pipes. Adobong mani is also a breeze to cook, entailing little more than deep-frying fresh peanuts and seasoning them with garlic and salt. You can make a big batch now and save it for upcoming party sessions.
Dynamite
Cheese sticks are also a common accompaniment to drinks, but those who like their pulutan on the spicier side will enjoy dynamite. This variety of cheese stick takes its name from the green chili included in its filling. It’s definitely hard to eat just one when the party’s already ongoing. For best results, serve dynamite with Thousand Island dressing, and take a huge bite to cushion the effect of a shot.
Party Made Special with the Perfect Snacks
For Filipinos, party sessions are the perfect occasions to bond, catch up, and let loose with friends or family. No party is complete without the perfect range of snacks. To enjoy your next party to the fullest, take note of these tips:
- Find out if the people you’re drinking with have any allergies or special dietary restrictions. Make an party menu with those in mind, or choose an establishment that can accommodate everyone’s needs.
- Variety is a good thing during party See that you and your loved ones have a lot of choices to snack on while you’re drinking.
- Encourage everyone to eat heartily and enjoy the night, instead of drinking too fast and feeling the punch of party drinks.
Here’s a toast to delicious food, refreshing drinks, and happy memories with loved ones on your next party session!
