Breakfast in... the Philippines

Breakfast is known in the Philippines as 'agahan' or 'almusal'. Philippine breakfasts vary from moderate to very heavy, depending on tradition. In some areas, even leftover 'lechon' (roast suckling pig) is eaten with fried rice.

Rice is a predominant staple in the Philippines. As such, a favourite traditional breakfast has fried rice called sinangag. Usually, this is made of leftover rice from the previous dinner (so nothing is wasted, as well as because this yields a firm and "tossed" texture, which is preferred over sticky), and fried with salt and garlic cloves. This is then combined with fried or scrambled eggs, and a choice of breakfast meat: beef 'tapa' (similar to beef jerky), pork tocino (sweet cured pork), 'longgansia' (sausage), dried, smoked fish (such as tuyo), canned sardines, sauteed corned beef, or 'abodo', sometimes with Western-style baked beans, sliced tomatoes and a local pickle (achara) on the side. Alternatively, a cheese-topped breakfast pastry called an 'ensaymada' (a colonial relative of the Mallorcan ensaimada) is also eaten, usually with hot chocolate, as is 'pan de sal' (Philippine breakfast roll) filled with a buffalo milk white cheese, and local barako coffee.

Western-style breakfasts such as pancakes, French toast, and porridge are also eaten at home, as are cold breakfast cereals which are popular with children. There is also a breakfast known as tapsilog, which is a combination of tapa, sinangag and itlog (egg). Finally, there is 'champorado', a local chocolate sticky rice porridge, often served with a side dish of crisp-fried sun-dried fish (danggit or tuyo) — an unusual, though authentically Filipino combination.

In the early mornings, hawkers also sell rice porridge (lugaw/goto), and noodle soups (such as mami, lomi, and batchoy) from stalls to those on their way to work. Bakeries also open early for those purchasing pandesalto eat at home, as well as for people who eat breakfast "on the go". Tahos are also a popular accompaniment to breakfast, especially with children, and these are bought from vendors who carry them.