Kamayan is a Tagalog word that translates to “by bare hand” and refers to a traditional Filipino style of communal meals. A typical kamayan meal — sometimes called a Boodle Fight, a name it earned among the hungry soldiers of Filipino army mess halls — features a table covered in banana leaves upon which a large mound of rice is placed, surrounded by a variety of meat and vegetable dishes, condiments and garnishes. The meal is then shared by everyone at the table, typically eaten by hand without plates or utensils.
This menu explores the distinctive cuisine of the island of Mindanao, incorporating the rich and complex traditions of Muslim indigenous communities as well as the Christian settlers from the North melding their cooking techniques with the locally available ingredients. Join Maria Polotan, the Dep's go-to authority on authentic Filipino cuisine, for a fun, hands-on foray into the unique culinary experience of kamayan and a delicious exploration of unique dishes rarely seen outside the Philippines.
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This meal will be kamayan-style, served communally on banana leaves over a mound of rice with a selection of condiments, to be eaten with one's hands (optional).
Sinuglaw - Kinilaw at Inihaw na Liempo
A unique surf-and-turf mashup of kinilaw (a kind of spicy ceviche of faw fish marinated in citrus) combined with sinugba, chunks of grilled pork belly.
Piyanggang
Grilled chicken marinated in a smoky, coconut-based paste of garlic, lemongrass, shallots, turmeric and chilies
Maranao Jackfruit Rendang (v)
Rendang is a style of rich and fragrant coconut-based curry with shallots, turmeric, lemongrass and lime leaves, here served with hearty chunks of green jackfruit.
Ensaladang Talong (v)
This delicious dish contrasts a bright, fresh tomato and onion salsa served over a bed of smoky, tender grilled eggplant.
Kilayiya Kapaya (v)
A distinctive dish of green papaya prepared with "burnt" (aka darkly toasted) coconut, which add a unique smoky and caramelized flavour
Ensaladang Kamatis at Sibuyas (v)
A fresh tomato and onion salad that brightens up the plate, contrasting the rich and smoky dishes, and refreshes the palate.
Wagit
This sticky and sweet rice cake is baked wrapped in banana leaves which imparts a lovely and unique flavour
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Maria Lourdes Polotan grew up in a family where food played a central part on how life was celebrated; the kitchen was where the family congregated and her mother presided. Maria shares her passion for food through Lami by Mama Linda’s, offering traditional Filipino home cooking with quality local ingredients at pop-up events, catering, and at Withrow Park Farmers’ Market in the summer. @lamibymamalindas
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Every weekend The Depanneur invites an amateur or professional guest chef to host a fun, informal dinner party. @thedepanneur
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