Filipino food is quite flavorful. It has unanticipated allergens as well. Those with allergies may be at risk from these unidentified compounds. One of the top meal delivery services in Manila, Philippines, is Pickle. This business seeks to educate clients about possible dietary allergies in well-liked Filipino dishes. Now, let’s look at some unexpected components that may trigger allergic responses in common recipes.
Soy Sauce: The Sneaky Culprit
Soy sauce contains both soy and wheat. This poses risks for some allergy sufferers. Glycinin causes reactions ranging from mild to severe. It is the main allergen in soy.
Common dishes with soy sauce include:
- Adobo: The national dish relies on soy sauce for its signature flavor.
- Pancit: Many versions use soy sauce for seasoning and color.
- Bistek: The tangy sauce typically includes a generous amount of soy sauce.
Pickle PH offers coconut aminos as a flavorful alternative upon request for those with soy allergies.
Wheat's Unexpected Presence
Gluten concerns those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It appears surprisingly often in Filipino cuisine:
- Pandesal: This breakfast favorite is made primarily from wheat flour.
- Empanada: The crispy outer shell typically contains wheat flour.
- Longganisa: Some varieties use wheat-based fillers for texture.
- Lumpia wrappers: Often made with wheat flour.
- Soy sauce: Contains wheat as a fermentation agent.
Gluten can cause intestinal damage in celiac disease patients. It can also cause various symptoms in gluten-sensitive individuals. When ordering a meal plan in Manila, always ask about gluten-free options.
Fish Sauce: A Hidden Flavor Enhancer
Fish sauce adds umami to dishes. It is also a common allergen. Parvalbumin can cause severe allergic reactions. This includes anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. It is a protein found in many fish species.
Dishes often containing fish sauce:
- Sinigang: Sometimes added for depth of flavor.
- Kare-kare: Seasoned with patis and often served with bagoong as condiment, making it a more potent allergen.
- Pinakbet: Can be used to season the vegetables.
- Suam- May contain dried shrimps called “hibe” as base flavor for sauteeing.
When ordering, always inquire about fish sauce usage if you have a fish allergy. Pickle PH provides alternatives like salt or mushroom-based seasonings for many dishes.
Nuts: Surprising Additions to Savory and Sweet
Tree nuts and peanuts are among the most common food allergens. They contain proteins triggering severe allergic reactions. They appear unexpectedly in Filipino cuisine:
- Kare-kare sauce: Ground peanuts are a key ingredient.
- Sans rival: Layered with cashews between meringue.
- Fresh Lumpia: Often sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
- Halo Halo: Some traces of nuts maybe found in this delectable dessert
- Turon: Can also contain traces of peanut residues either from oil or processing.
The main allergens in nuts are storage proteins. These include arachins in peanuts and albumins in tree nuts. Even small amounts can cause severe reactions in allergic individuals.
Dairy: A Modern Addition to Filipino Dishes
Dairy appears more frequently in contemporary Filipino cuisine. Casein and whey cause issues for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. These are the primary allergens in milk products.
Pickle PH has noticed an increase in cheese-based creations like:
- Cheese pimiento: A popular spread and sandwich filling.
- Ensaymada: Often topped with butter and cheese.
- Kaldereta: Modern versions sometimes include cheese for richness.
- Macaroni salad: Usually contains mayonnaise, which may have dairy.
For dairy-free options, Pickle PH offers plant-based alternatives such as Soy, oat, and vegan cheese (nut-based) in many of their affordable meal plan packages.
Shellfish: Beyond Seafood Dishes
Shellfish allergies are often triggered by tropomyosin. This is a protein found in crustaceans and mollusks. In Filipino cuisine, bagoong ang hibe are common shrimp-based ingredients that can cause severe allergic reactions:
- Binagoongan: Bagoong is a key component of this pork dish.
- Kare-kare: Often served with bagoong as a condiment.
- Pinakbet: Traditionally seasoned with bagoong.
- Suam: May contain dried, tiny shrimps called “hibe” as base flavor
- Monggo: Could have possibly been sauteed with hibe as flavor enhancer.
Even small amounts of shellfish proteins can trigger reactions. It is crucial to ask about bagoong usage when ordering.
Eggs: The Versatile Allergen
Eggs are ubiquitous in Filipino cuisine. They are also a common allergen. The proteins in both egg whites and yolks can cause allergic reactions.
Egg-containing dishes include:
- Embutido: This Filipino-style meatloaf uses eggs as a binder.
- Torta: A popular Filipino omelette.
- Leche flan: A custard-based dessert.
- Bibingka: A rice cake often made with eggs.
- Pancit Malabon sauce: Sometimes contains eggs.
When ordering a meal plan in Manila services like Pickle Healthy Delivery, always check if egg-free options are available for these dishes.
Enjoying Filipino Flavors Safely
- Don’t be shy asking about the ingredients in your meals at all times, especially when eating unfamiliar foods.
- Look for restaurants offering allergen-friendly options.
- When using food delivery services like Pickle PH, check if they provide allergen information.
- Consider affordable meal plan options that cater to specific dietary needs.
- Do not hesitate to request modifications to dishes to avoid allergens.
Being aware of hidden allergies does not entail avoiding Filipino food. You may enjoy distinctive Filipino delicacies without risk if you are informed and make wise decisions. Pickle PH provides clear information on the ingredients and, when practical, suggests substitutes. This guarantees that everyone, regardless of dietary constraints, can savor the diverse array of Filipino delicacie