General Santos City, often referred to as GenSan, is renowned as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” offering a rich array of local delicacies that reflect its abundant marine resources and cultural diversity. Here are some must-try dishes:
- Tuna-Based Dishes
Given GenSan’s status as a leading producer of tuna, it’s no surprise that tuna features prominently in its cuisine. Notable preparations include:
Kinilaw na Tuna: A Filipino-style ceviche, this dish consists of fresh raw tuna marinated in vinegar, onions, chili, and other spices, resulting in a refreshing and tangy flavor.
Tuna Bistek: A local adaptation of the classic beefsteak, this dish uses tuna steaks marinated in soy sauce and calamansi (Philippine lime), then sautéed with onions for a savory treat.
Grilled Tuna Panga (Jaw): The marinated jaw portion of the tuna is grilled to perfection, offering a succulent and flavorful experience.
- Pastil
Originating from the Maguindanao region, Pastil is a popular Mindanao dish consisting of steamed rice topped with shredded, sautéed beef, chicken, or fish, all wrapped in a banana leaf. It’s a convenient and flavorful meal, often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. cite turn0search7
- Kakanin (Rice Cakes)
A range of traditional Filipino rice cakes, referred to as kakanin, are available at GenSan. These are frequently consumed as snacks or sweets and are usually cooked with glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk.. Some popular variants include:
Glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar are the ingredients of biko, a sweet rice cake that is frequently topped with latik, or coconut curds.
Puto: Soft, slightly sweet steamed rice cakes that are occasionally topped with pieces of salted egg or cheese.
Sapin-Sapin: Usually baked with glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk, this multilayered rice cake has distinct flavors and colors in each layer.
- Halo-Halo
A quintessential Filipino dessert, Halo-Halo is a delightful mix of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and is often topped with leche flan, purple yam, and a scoop of ice cream. It’s a perfect treat to beat the tropical heat.
- Lechon Manok (Roast Chicken)
While available throughout the Philippines, GenSan’s version of roasted chicken is particularly flavorful, often marinated in a unique blend of spices before being roasted to golden perfection.
Exploring these local delicacies offers a delicious insight into the rich cultural tapestry and abundant natural resources of General Santos City.