Kare kare – Filipino Cuisine History


kare kare

Kare kare is arguably one of the most rich dish in the Philippines. Made with peanut sauce and dipped in shrimp paste, it is a favorite of many Filipinos. But have you ever wondered where the Kare kare dish that we all know and love came from? We’ll explore this question in this article.

Kare kare dates back to the Moro people, and is believed to be a dish prepared for the Moro royalty. There are three other theories on when this dish came to the Philippines, but this explanation is most plausible, given the fact that Kare kare is incredibly time consuming to make.

Curious for more? Keep reading.

Who invented kare-kare?

Kare-kare is a Philippine dish made with beef and vegetables stewed in a peanut sauce. As previously mentioned, there are four different theories as to when the kare kare dish was invented. For full transparency, I will list out the four different theories below:

  • Originated from the Moro people (indigenous people of the Philippines)
  • Came from Pampanga region in the Philippines
  • The sauce came from trade ships from Mexico
  • Came from Indian settlers during the British occupation of Manila

As you can see, there is no one official way that kare kare came to the Philippines or was invented, not even in history books. It could have been that the dish came into the Philippines by one of the ways theorized above (my bet is that it was from the Moro people), or it could have been that it was a mixture of all of these theories, and that the dish had naturally evolved throughout the centuries as different cultures left their mark in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, a lot of recipes were traditionally handed down from generation to generation by parents teaching their children, so there is no straight forward record of when this dish came to the Philippines.

Where did kare-kare originate from?

Kare-kare is a dish that originates from the Philippines. It is made with a peanut-based sauce and typically includes meats and vegetables. Kare-kare is usually served with white rice and bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. While the dish is commonly made with beef or chicken, it can also be made with pork, seafood, or tofu. Kare-kare is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please any appetite.

Kare kare History

Kare kare is a dish that originates from the Philippines. It is typically made with beef, chicken, or pork, and it is cooked in a peanut-based sauce. Kare kare is often served with steamed rice and vegetables, and it can be garnished with peanuts, shrimp paste, or crispy Fried shallots.

Kare kare is a popular dish in the Philippines, and it has also gained popularity in other parts of Southeast Asia. While the dish has many different variations, the most common ingredients are beef, chicken, or pork cooked in a peanut-based sauce. Kare kare is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to please any appetite.

Cultural Influences

Kare kare is a Filipino dish that is typically made with meat or seafood cooked in a peanut sauce. It is believed to have been influenced by Chinese and Malaysian cuisine, as both regions have dishes with similar flavors and ingredients.

Kare kare is often served with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a hearty and filling meal. It is also commonly eaten with bagoong, a salty shrimp paste that adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Whether you enjoy it as part of a traditional Filipino feast or as a quick weeknight dinner, there’s no doubt that kare kare is a delicious dish that is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Variations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

Kare kare is a popular Philippine stew made with a peanut-based sauce, beef, and vegetables. While the dish is typically associated with the country’s Luzon region, there are actually many different variations of kare kare found throughout the Philippines.

In the Visayas region, for instance, seafood is often used in place of beef, while in Mindanao, the dish is often spicier and made with goat meat. No matter what ingredients are used, kare kare is always served with steamed rice and a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite among Filipinos and foreigners alike.

Famous People and Kare Kare

There’s no doubt that kare kare is one of the most popular Filipino dishes. After all, what’s not to love about a creamy peanut sauce and tender stewed meat? But did you know that there’s at least one famous person who loves kare kare as much as you do?

That person is none other than Filipino basketball star Kobe Paras. In a recent interview, Kobe revealed that kare kare is one of his favorite dishes. He even shared that he likes to add a little bit of spice to his kare kare to give it an extra kick.

How did kare kare evolve over the years

Kare kare is a classic Filipino dish that has been around for centuries. The dish is traditionally made with beef, although chicken and pork are also commonly used. Over the years, the dish has evolved to include a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, green beans, and bok choy. The addition of these vegetables not only allows for a more nutrient-rich meal, but it also gives the dish a more colorful appearance.

Outside the Philippines, the kare kare dish has also gained popularity as many Filipinos migrate to different countries around the globe. And because certain ingredients are hard to come by in some of these places, the dish has naturally evolved to include ingredients that are easily available in different countries.

While the ingredients and cooking methods may have changed over the years, the one thing that has remained constant is the deliciousness of kare kare. Whether it’s served at a family gathering or at a restaurant, this dish is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

Curious for more? Check out these posts about the history and origin on these famous filipino dishes:

Nicky Mariano

As a millennial living in the Pacific Northwest, Nicky knows that a lot of the knowledge about cooking and preparing Filipino foods are lost to the new generation living abroad. When she moved out of her parents home, it surprised her to realize that she really didn’t know much about how to cook the beloved Filipino dishes she grew up eating and craving. That’s why she created this website, as a way to answer basic questions about Filipino dishes, ingredients, and yes, provide easy recipes too.

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