Binalot
| Course | Main dish |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Similar dishes | pastil, pusô, suman |
Binalot is a method of wrapping and serving food in the Philippines using banana leaves and alike.[1] The term is derived from the root word balot (wrap) + -in- meaning "wrapped".[2] This wrapping technique[3] can be combined with a variety of dishes, including meat like pork and chicken.[4][5] In 2017 binalot was presented by Filipino chefs in Washington through a range of 800 dishes[6]. It is considered a traditional culinary technique of the Philippines.[7][8]
Legacy
[edit]The word was borrowed to brand a local restaurant chain, which serves Filipino staples such as adobo and tocino in binalot style in a contemporary fast-food setting.[9] Founded in 1996 in Makati, the chain later expanded nationwide through delivery and franchising.[10][11] As of 2025, the chain operates 29 branches across 10 cities in Metro Manila, as well as one in Antipolo, and five in Cavite.[12]
See also
[edit]- Pastil - A similar but Halal meal whose preparation requires adherence to Muslim standards.
- Pusô
- Suman - A ricecake.
- Bibingka
References
[edit]- ^ Polistico, Edgie (November 15, 2017). Philippine Food, Cooking, & Dining Dictionary. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-621-420-087-0.
- ^ Baga-Reyes, Vangie (September 27, 2018). "Adobo, the 'binalot' way". Lifestyle.INQ. Manila, Philippines: Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
- ^ Hardon, Anita; Tan, Michael Lim (November 12, 2024). Packaged Plants: Seductive supplements and metabolic precarity in the Philippines. UCL Press. ISBN 978-1-80008-746-0.
- ^ "Wrap chicken and pork adobo in banana leaves". The Straits Times. September 27, 2018. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Newport, Maria Regina Tolentino (July 18, 2018). Coconut Kitchen: Appetizers and Main Dishes. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-971-27-3435-9.
- ^ "PH Proudly Presents Binalot, Rizal at Embassy Chef Challenge 2017". dfa.gov.ph. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Arnaldo, Steph (August 15, 2024). "'Binalot' book project and art of food wrapping". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Catienza, Kleo; mvillegas (September 5, 2023). "11 traditional Filipino cooking techniques that aren't adobo and sinigang". INQUIRER.net USA. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily (October 15, 2017). "Binalot unwrapped". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Antivola, Miguel Hanz (July 26, 2023). "Purpose is key to business growth — Binalot founder". BusinessWorld. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
- ^ "Binalot unveils Komiks-themed store". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ "Stores - Binalot Fiesta Foods". Binalot Fiesta Foods. Retrieved October 4, 2025.