Published on March 17th, 2023
Filipino adobo, featured in Wednesday’s (March 15) Google Doodle, represents the ultimate comfort food.
It is a popular dish in Filipino cuisine that is made by marinating meat (usually chicken or pork) in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves, and then cooking it in the marinade until the meat is tender and flavorful.
Filipino adobo, served over rice, is a household staple across the Philippines’ many islands and among its diaspora around the world.
In recent times, the dish has gained increased mainstream recognition, with celebrities such as comedian Jo Koy putting their own twist on the classic flavors, and music artists H.E.R. and Saweetie sharing their love for Filipino cuisine.
There are many variations of adobo, and some people add other ingredients such as sugar, onions, or coconut milk to the marinade to customize the flavor.
Why Did Google Choose To Honor Filipino Adobo On March 15?
The Google Doodle was created to commemorate the inclusion of Filipino adobo in the Oxford English Dictionary on March 15, 2007.
Anthony Irwin, a designer on Google’s Doodle team, created the artwork. In a post on his Instagram page, Irwin reflected on the complex relationship that children of immigrants often have with their parents’ food.
Growing up in the United States, Irwin had wanted his food to be like everyone else’s, not special or different.
However, as an adult, he has come to appreciate the opportunities to celebrate his cultural heritage and take pride in his Filipino identity through its cuisine.
Is Adobo A Filipino Or Spanish Dish?
Adobo is a dish that is commonly associated with Filipino cuisine, but its origins can be traced back to Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines.
The Spanish brought the concept of marinating and stewing meat in vinegar, which was a common practice in Spanish cuisine, to the Philippines.
The Filipinos adapted the dish to their own tastes by adding local ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves, and by using indigenous meats like chicken and pork.
Today, adobo is considered a quintessential Filipino dish and is a staple in many Filipino households, although variations of the dish can also be found in other Latin American and Asian cuisines.
Is Filipino Adobo The Same As Mexican Adobo?
Filipino adobo and Mexican adobo are different dishes that share the same name but have distinct differences in their preparation and flavor profiles.
Filipino adobo is a dish made by marinating meat in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves and then simmering it in the marinade until the meat is tender and flavorful. The dish has a tangy and savory flavor and is usually served with steamed rice.
Mexican adobo, on the other hand, is a type of sauce or seasoning made with chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and other spices. The sauce is often used as a marinade for meat, such as chicken or pork, or as a cooking sauce for stews and soups. The flavor of Mexican adobo is spicy and smoky, with a depth of flavor from the combination of spices used.
While the two dishes share the same name, they are distinct in their preparation, ingredients, and flavor profiles, and are not interchangeable.
Where Can You Find Filipino Food?
Filipino food can be found in various places, depending on your location. Here are some common options:
- Filipino restaurants: Many cities have Filipino restaurants that offer a variety of authentic Filipino dishes.
- Asian supermarkets: Some Asian supermarkets carry Filipino ingredients and ready-to-eat meals.
- Food trucks and pop-ups: Some Filipino chefs and entrepreneurs operate food trucks or pop-ups that offer Filipino dishes.
- Online retailers: You can also find Filipino food products online, including ingredients, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Filipino communities: If you know someone in the Filipino community, they may be able to recommend restaurants or stores that carry Filipino food.
- Homemade: If you enjoy cooking, you can also try making Filipino dishes at home using recipes and ingredients that are widely available in grocery stores.