There are plenty of vegetable dishes in the Philippines, but some are so similiar, but have such different names. One example is dinengdeng and bulanglang. In this article, we will do a deep dive and figure out exactly what the similarities and differences are between dinengdeng and bulanglang.
As a general rule, dinengdeng is cooked with fried fish, while bulanglang does not have meat. Dinengdeng originated from the Ilocos region, while bulanglang is from Batanggas. Both bulanglang and dinengdeng are made with local vegetables and seasoned with fish sauce or fish paste.
Let’s take a closer look. Below you will see a table showcasing the different properties of dinengdeng and bulanglang.
| Name of Filipino Food | Dinengdeng | Bulanglang |
| Vegetables | Local vegetables, usually saluyot | Local vegetables, usually eggplant, okra, squash |
| Meat | Fried Fish | No Meat |
| Method of Cooking | Boil | Boiled in Rice Wash |
| Seasoning | Fish paste/Fish sauce | Fish paste/Fish sauce |
| Region | Ilocos | Batangas |
Vegetables Used
The first thing we will look at is the vegetables used in making these two dishes.
Dinengdeng
Dinengdeng is a Philippine dish that typically features vegetables such as saluyot, eggplant, and bamboo shoots. The vegetables are cooked in water until they are tender, then seasoned with fish sauce to taste. Other vegetables that are commonly used are bitter melon, squash, winged beans and moringa fruit.
Bulanglang
Bulanglang is a popular Filipino dish that typically features eggplant, okra, and squash. The vegetables are cooked in a broth made from rice wash and fish sauce, resulting in a flavorful and healthy dish. While Bulanglang can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, it is often served as an accompaniment to rice or other hearty entrées. Whether you are looking for a delicious and nutritious way to use up summer squash or simply want to try a new and exciting dish, Bulanglang is sure to satisfy.
Bottom Line:
Both dishes mentioned above use vegetables that are local to the Philippines but are harder to find in countries outside of Southeast Asia. Both dishes use local Filipino vegetables such as saluyot, eggplant or okra. Leafy vegetables and ‘fruit’ vegetables such as eggplant and squash can both be used in dinengdeng and bulanglang.
Meat used
Next we will look at the meat used in each of these Filipino dishes.
Dinengdeng
Dinengdeng is a popular Filipino dish that typically features vegetables and meat cooked in a light broth. While a variety of meats can be used in dinengdeng, fish is the most common ingredient. This is likely due to the fact that fish is widely available in the northern part of Luzon and provides a healthy source of protein. The most common type of fish used in dinengdeng is bangus, which is a type of milkfish. Other popular choices include tilapia and galunggong. Each type of fish has its own unique flavor and texture, making it an ideal choice for dinengdeng. In addition to being delicious, fish is also a healthy option for those looking to add more protein to their diet.
Bulanglang
Bulanglang is a type of Filipino dish that is traditionally made without meat. In the most authentic versions of bulanglang, the only ingredients are vegetables, and the dish is seasoned using fish sauce.
Bottom Line:
We see a difference between the meat used in dinengdeng vs bulanglang. While bulanglang does not usually have meat added to the dish, dinengdeng is usually cooked with fried fish.
Method of Cooking
Here are the different methods of cooking for these dishes.
Dinengdeng
The dinengdeng method of cooking is a simple way to quickly boil vegetables. The first step is to wash the vegetables thoroughly. Next, the vegetables are placed in a pot of boiling water and fish paste and cooked for a few minutes until they are tender. Finally, the cooked vegetables create a savoury soup that is then seasoned with fish sauce to taste. The main advantage of this cooking method is that it is quick and easy to do. It also retains the nutrients in the vegetables better than other methods of cooking such as frying or steaming. As a result, the dinengdeng method of cooking is a healthy and delicious way to prepare vegetables.
Bulanglang
The Bulanglang method of cooking is a popular way to cook in the Philippines. The vegetables to be used in bulanglang are added to a pot of water, and then boiled until the vegetables are tender. This results in a savoury soup. The soup is then seasoned with fish sauce.
Bottom Line:
Both dishes above use boiling as the main method of cooking. In this category, both dishes are equal.
Seasoning used
Now for the seasoning used! Let’s see what seasoning is used for each of these Filipino dishes.
Dinengdeng
Dinengdeng is usually seasoned with fish paste. Fish paste is a common ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It is made by grinding up fish, mixed with salt and sometimes other seasonings, and then formed into a thick paste. Fish sauce, on the other hand, is made by fermenting fish in salt and water for several months. Both fish paste and fish sauce are used as seasoning in various dishes.
Bulanglang
Bulanglang is a popular Filipino dish that is typically made with fish paste or fish sauce. Fish paste is a commonly used ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, and it is made by grinding up cooked fish that has been mixed with salt, rice, and other seasonings. Fish sauce, on the other hand, is a fermented condiment that is made by combining fish and salt in a container and allowing the mixture to decompose over time. While both fish paste and fish sauce add a salty flavor to dishes, for some Filipino cuisine connoisseurs, they are not interchangeable ingredients.
Bottom Line:
For both dinengdeng and bulanglang, either fish paste or fish sauce is used to season the dish.
Region
Dinengdeng
Dinengdeng is a dish from the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. The Ilocos Region is located in the northwest of the Philippines and is made up of four provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The region is renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. One of the most popular dishes from the Ilocos Region is dinengdeng. This dish is typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, okra, squash, and string beans. It is often cooked in a clay pot over an open fire and flavored with fish sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Dinengdeng is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the bounty of the Ilocos Region.
Bulanglang
Bulanglang is a popular dish in the Batangas region of the Philippines. The dish is made with a variety of vegetables, including squash, string beans, and eggplant. These vegetables are cooked in a broth made with water and fish paste. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is popular among both locals and tourists. Bulanglang can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it pairs well with rice or noodles. For those looking to experience the unique flavors of the Batangas region, Bulanglang is a must-try dish.
Bottom Line:
It’s interesting to see that dinengdeng and bulanglang come from two different regions that are quite far from one another.
So there you have it folks, although dinengdeng and bulanglang may seem similar at the surface, they do have some differences, mainly in the meat used and the region from which they originated. Some people may use the terms dinengdeng and bulanglang interchangeably because of the similarities of this dish, but if you are being technical, then I hope this article was able to shed some light onto the difference between the two.
Curious about the different vegetable soups from the Philippines? Read this article to know more.