5 British Foods Filipinos Think Are Weird (Until They Try Them)
5 British Foods Filipinos Think Are Weird (Until They Try Them)
Let’s be honest, British food gets a mixed reaction. For many Filipinos seeing it for the first time, the reaction is often “Eh? What’s that then?” Some of it looks odd, some sounds odd, and a few just don’t seem to fit the local palate at all.
But here’s the twist, try it once, and most people get it.
Here are five British favourites that usually raise an eyebrow in the Philippines, but almost always win people over after the first taste.
Marmite
It looks like chocolate spread, but tastes like a salty, umami punch to the face, in the best possible way. A tiny amount on toast with butter is all you need. For those who enjoy strong flavours like bagoong, Marmite hits in a surprisingly familiar way.
Mushy Peas
They’re bright green, soft, and yes, mushy. But that’s the point. Served warm with fish, on toast, or even spooned over rice, they’re comforting and oddly close to local munggo, just without the garlic and oil.
Baked Beans (Not to be confused with Hunt's Pork and Beans)
These aren’t your usual beans. They come in a mildly sweet tomato sauce, ready to be heated and served. Most Filipinos who try them with sausages or on toast say the same thing: “Actually, that’s pretty good.” Great with fried egg and a splash of hot sauce, too.
HP Sauce (Brown Sauce)
Most people don’t know what to make of it at first, is it ketchup? Is it soy sauce? It’s neither. HP Sauce is rich, tangy, and packed with spices. It lifts meat dishes, adds punch to fried eggs, and turns leftover roast chicken into something special.
Instant Gravy Granules
This one catches people off guard. No pan, no thickener, no slow-cooking needed, just boiling water and a spoon. It’s real, savoury gravy in seconds, and makes a brilliant topping for roast meats, mashed potato, or even a bowl of white rice.
British food can seem strange at first glance, but the flavours run deep. If you’ve never tried these classics before, don’t write them off just yet. You might just end up loving the very thing you thought you’d hate.
Buy British PH
