Dinengdeng and Laswa are both beloved vegetable soup dishes in the Philippines. But even Filipinos wonder what the difference is between these two dishes. In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences of dinengdeng and laswa.
As a general rule, dinengdeng is cooked with fish, while laswa is cooked with shrimp. Dinengdeng originated from the Ilocos region, while laswa is from Iloilo. Both dishes are made with local vegetables, but laswa is seasoned using salt, while dinengdeng is 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 laswa.
| Name of Filipino Food | Dinengdeng | Laswa |
| Vegetables | Local vegetables, usually saluyot | Local vegetables |
| Meat | Fried Fish | Shrimp |
| Method of Cooking | Boil | Boil |
| Seasoning | Fish paste/Fish sauce | Salt and juice from seafood |
| Region | Ilocos | Iloilo |
Vegetables Used
The first thing we will look at is the vegetables used in making all these 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.
Laswa
Laswa is a popular Filipino vegetable dish that typically features eggplant, bitter melon, and squash. While the exact ingredients can vary depending on region and personal preferences, these three vegetables are commonly used in Laswa. Eggplant brings a mellow sweetness to the dish, while bitter melon adds a sharp contrast with its characteristic bitterness. Squash rounds out the flavors with its neutral taste and slightly starchy texture. Together, these three vegetables create a delicious and healthy dish that is enjoyed by Filipinos around the world.
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 laswa.
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.
Laswa
Laswa is a popular dish from the Philippines that typically features shrimp as the main protein. There are many reasons why shrimp is used in this dish. First, shrimp are relatively small and easy to cook, so they can be added to the dish without much preparation. Second, shrimp have a distinct flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in laswa, such as garlic, tomatoes, and onion. Third, shrimp are a good source of protein and other nutrients, making them an ideal choice for a healthy meal. For these reasons, shrimp are commonly used in laswa and other Philippine dishes.
Bottom Line:
We see a difference between the meat used in dinengdeng vs laswa. While laswa uses shrimp as the sahog or meat ingredient, 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.
Laswa
Laswa is a type of vegetable soup from the Philippines that is typically made with squash, eggplant, and tomatoes. The vegetables are boiled in water until they are soft, and then the soup is seasoned using only the juice from the seafood added as well as a bit of salt. Laswa is typically served with a side of rice, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a light starter or snack.
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.
Laswa
Laswa is a dish from the Philippines that is typically made with vegetables like okra, squash, and eggplant. The vegetables are simmered in water until they are tender, and then salt and juice from fresh shrimp are the only things that add flavor to this dish. The shrimp adds a slight sweetness to the dish, which balances out the saltiness of the seasoning. In addition, the shrimp juice helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a richer flavor.
Bottom Line:
Dinengdeng uses fish paste as seasoning, while Laswa uses salt to season, a much simpler ingredient compared to fish paste. Laswa also relies upon the natural flavor of shrimp (or seafood used) to add natural flavors to 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.
Laswa
Laswa is a popular dish from the iloilo region of the Philippines. It is made with a variety of vegetables, including squash, eggplant, and tomatoes. The vegetables are cooked in a broth made with water and shrimp. The dish is often served with rice. Laswa is a popular way of cooking in iloilo region because it is healthy and flavorful. The abundance of vegetables in the region makes it a perfect place to cook this dish. The variety of spices used in the dish also gives it a unique flavor that is loved by many.
Bottom Line:
It’s interesting to see that dinengdeng and laswa come from two different regions that are quite far from one another.
So there you have it folks, although dinengdeng and laswa may seem similar at the surface, they do have some differences, mainly in the meat and seasoning used, as well as the region from which they originated. Some people may use the terms dinengdeng and laswa 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.