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Christmas in the Philippines is a season of joy, togetherness, and abundant feasts. At the heart of the celebration lies the much-anticipated Noche Buena, a feast of Filipino dishes served after the midnight Mass. These tradition bring families closer as they celebrate the season of love and giving.

Several days before Christmas, we’ve consolidated some Filipino Christmas dishes that deserve a spot on your holiday table.

Lechon

No Filipino celebration is complete without lechon. This crispy roasted pig, golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, is the ultimate centerpiece for your Noche Buena.

• Why it’s Special: Lechon represents abundance and festivity, making it a perfect symbol of the holiday spirit.
• Tip: For smaller gatherings, try lechon belly—a rolled and roasted version that’s easier to prepare.

Truffle Lechon Belly

For small gatherings, instead of Lechon, try Truffle Lechon Belly. This rolled pork belly, infused with aromatic truffle oil and spices, offers a luxurious and modern take on traditional lechon. Gen Z foodies love putting a creative spin on classics, and truffle lechon belly is the perfect example.

• Why it’s Special: The rich truffle flavor complements the crispiness of the skin and juiciness of the meat, making it an elevated centerpiece for Noche Buena.
• Serving Tip: Serve with garlic aioli or spiced vinegar to enhance the flavors.

Hamon and Queso De Bola

Hamon (Filipino-style Christmas ham) and queso de bola (edam cheese) are staples on every Noche Buena table.

• Why it’s Special: The sweet and salty ham, paired with the creamy, slightly sharp queso de bola, offers a delightful combination of flavors that screams Christmas nostalgia.
• Modern Twist: Create ham and cheese sliders using pandesal for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milkfish)

Rellenong bangus, or stuffed milkfish, offers a festive and healthier alternative to meat-heavy dishes. The fish is deboned, stuffed with a savory mixture of ground fish meat, vegetables, and spices, and then fried or baked.

• Why it’s Special: This dish requires patience and skill, making it a labor of love that showcases Filipino culinary tradition.
• Modern Twist: For a lighter option, bake instead of fry and top with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce.

Filipino-Style Spaghetti

A sweet and savory favorite, Filipino-style spaghetti is a must-have for children and adults alike.

• Why it’s Special: Its unique sweet sauce, made with banana ketchup, hotdogs, and ground meat, sets it apart from Italian spaghetti.
• Serving Idea: Garnish with grated cheddar cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Bibingka and Puto Bumbong

These iconic rice cakes are staples after Simbang Gabi and often make their way to the Noche Buena feast.

• Bibingka: A fluffy rice cake topped with salted egg and grated coconut, baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves.
• Puto Bumbong: Purple sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes, served with butter, sugar, and grated coconut.

Filipino Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards have taken social media by storm, and adding a Filipino twist makes them perfect for the holidays.

• Why it’s Special: Swap traditional cheeses and meats with local favorites like kesong puti, longganisa, chicharrón, and tapa. Add dips like bagoong or atchara for a uniquely Filipino flavor.
• Serving Tip: Incorporate fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and dried sampalok for a tropical vibe.

Desserts

• Leche Flan
  A classic Filipino custard made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and caramelized sugar. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a crowd favorite. 
• Ube Cheesecake Bars
  Ube has quickly become a favorite flavor, and ube cheesecake bars offer a delicious, easy-to-serve twist on the classic dessert.
• Fruit Salad
  A refreshing mix of canned fruits, nata de coco, and cream, this no-cook dessert is perfect for busy hosts.
• Bingsu with Ube and Mango
  Inspired by the Korean shaved ice dessert, Bingsu is a refreshing and Instagram-worthy treat, especially when topped with ube and fresh mango.
• Mango Graham
  A popular layered icebox cake Filipino dessert made with graham crackers, whipped cream, condensed milk, and ripe mangoes. Freeze it for an ice cream-like consistency before serving.
• Brown Sugar Boba Pudding
  Inspired by the popular milk tea craze, brown sugar boba pudding combines the chewy texture of boba with the silky smoothness of panna cotta.

Noche Buena is more than just a feast—it’s a celebration of love, faith, and family. Whatever dishes you will prepare for the upcoming Christmas, the key is sharing these meals with the people who matter most. So gather your loved ones, prepare your favorite dishes, and celebrate the season with a heart full of joy and gratitude.

Merry Christmas!

References:

Lechon: https://12compassiong4.wordpress.com/2018/11/08/how-to-cook-lechon-baboy-roast-pig/

Lechon Belly: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcookingwithcheftuan.com%2Fblog%2Ff%2Ffilipino-lechon-pork-belly-roll-is-nothing-short-of-spectacular

Hamon and Queso de Bola: https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2014/12/23/5-mostcommon-noche-buena-foods/

Rellenong Bangus: https://fisherfarms.ph/products/gourmet-baked-rellenong-bangus/

Filipino-style Spaghetti: https://www.hungryhuy.com/filipino-spaghetti/

Puto Bumbong and Bibingka: https://thelasallian.com/2021/12/13/on-coal-and-steam-bibingka-and-puto-bumbong-define-filipino-holidays/

Filipino Charcuterie Boards: https://ph.pinterest.com/alnie3215/pinoy-food-platter/