We Filipinos love food and celebrations, and when you combine that into one, it’ll be one heck of a party!
So, as we welcome the month of December, we immediately plan out our Christmas dinner, a.k.a the Noche Buena! It’s a festive feast that brings families and friends together, filled with flavors that make the holiday season extra special. Whether you’re hosting or just contributing to the table, here are some classic Noche Buena dishes you can whip up for the holiday season:
Lechon (Roast Pig)
At every Filipino holiday feast, lechon is the king! Cebuanos will swear that lechon is irresistible and undeniably the perfect Noche Buena staple. This tender-flavored whole roasted pig with juicy meat and crispy skin paired with patis, suka, and sili combined can be enjoyed on Christmas eve or the days after, leading to the New Year.
Hamón (Christmas Ham)
In the typical Filipino holiday table, you will not find the hamón missing from the list. Sweet and savory, at times smoky, this ham is generally glazed with sugar. It is then served sometimes with pineapple-topping and often paired with bread if white rice is not available.
Quezo de Bola (Edam Cheese)
Quezo de Bola is a traditional Filipino holiday cheese that’s enjoyed all throughout Noche Buena. A round, red waxed ball of Edam cheese, the mildly creamy-sharp flavor is complementary to any of the sweet and savory dishes on the table and typically enjoyed alongside hamón or served sliced for an appetizer.
Pancit (Noodles)
Anything from pancit malabon to pancit canton or even pancit bihon, everyone has probably tasted and shared love for at least one type of pancit because it is one of the staples in Filipino celebrations. Long noodles are an indication of long life so having a big plate of pancit in Noche Buena is wishing everyone a year full of health and happiness.
Bibingka (Rice Cake)
Traditionally, it is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Baked on a pan lined by banana leaves, the cake has its own unique flavor. Salty eggs, cheese, and a generous sprinkling of grated coconut usually adorn this traditional rice cake. The delicious aroma of bibingka is certainly among the most awaited scents of the holiday season.
Puto Bumbong (Purple Rice Cake)
Puto bumbong is one of the most preferred goodies during the Christmas season. This sticky purple rice cake is steamed using bamboo tubes and served with muscovado sugar, margarine, and grated coconut. You’ll find this dish in many Filipino homes and even in churchyards during Simbang Gabi (the night mass leading up to Christmas).
Fruit Salad
Filipino-style fruit salad is a sweet, creamy dessert prepared with different kinds of canned fruits, fresh fruits, condensed milk, and cream. Some versions even include cheese. It is the ultimate dessert during Noche Buena!
Buko Pandan (Coconut Pandan Salad)
Buko Pandan is another Filipino favorite dessert that consists of coconut strips mixed with a sweetened pandan-flavored gelatin and creamy coconut milk. It’s a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for the hot December weather. Its green color also adds a festive touch to the table!
Chili Crab or Seafood Dishes
Filipinos who live by the coast often include seafood in their Noche Buena spread. From crab cooked in a spicy, savory chili sauce to grilled shrimp or a delicious seafood paleta, these dishes are a testament to the country’s love for fresh seafood.
Noche Buena is more than just a meal; it’s an expression of love and togetherness. So, what is your staple or favorite dish amongst the ones listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
