Must Try Asia Season 1 Episode 4 Manila, Philippines

In this episode of Must Try Asia, host Sarath Malepati takes viewers on a culinary journey through Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. Known for its fusion of flavors influenced by a mix of Chinese, Spanish, and Southeast Asian cultures, Manila is a foodie's paradise.

The episode begins with Sarath visiting Binondo, the Chinatown of Manila, to try some traditional Filipino-Chinese dishes. He starts with a steaming hot bowl of mami, a noodle soup with chunks of tender meat, topped with fried garlic and green onions. Next, he tries siopao, a popular Filipino-Chinese baked bun filled with savory meat and vegetables, a perfect snack for a midday break.

Sarath then heads to the Quiapo Market, where he samples the infamous "balut" - a fertilized duck egg, boiled and eaten with salt and vinegar. While some may find it an acquired taste, balut is a cherished delicacy among Filipinos, and Sarath embraces the opportunity to try it.

Next up is Razon's, a popular chain of restaurants in Manila known for their halo-halo, a dessert that translates to "mix-mix". It comes with an eclectic mix of ingredients such as shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and a scoop of ice cream on top. Sarath is impressed by the delightful medley of flavors and textures in this dessert.

Sarath then heads to the historic district of Escolta to try out a classic Filipino breakfast of tocino and tapsilog. Tocino is a sweet cured pork served with garlic fried rice and eggs, while tapsilog is a breakfast dish consisting of marinated beef and garlic fried rice topped with a fried egg. Sarath savors every bite of these hearty and flavorful dishes.

The episode also features a visit to a traditional "palengke" or wet market, where Sarath learns about the essential ingredients used in Filipino cuisine. He walks around the market, meeting local vendors who sell everything from fresh seafood to exotic fruits and vegetables. Sarath even tries the popular street food, fish balls, which are small fried balls made from fish.

The episode wraps up with Sarath visiting the iconic restaurant "Zubuchon," where he tries the restaurant's namesake dish - roasted suckling pig or lechon. He watches as the chefs prepare the lechon, which is cooked whole on a spit over hot coals, resulting in a crispy golden skin and juicy meat. The episode ends with Sarath savoring every bite of the mouth-watering lechon and reflecting on his journey through Manila's vibrant food scene.

Overall, the episode offers a glimpse into the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Manila, from traditional Filipino-Chinese dishes to modern interpretations of classic dishes. Sarath's enthusiasm and love for food are infectious, making for a delightful and informative viewing experience for food lovers and curious travelers alike.