Tikim: The Book that Changed the Way We Think about Filipino Food. This title suggests that the book is a groundbreaking and influential work that challenges and transforms our understanding of Filipino cuisine and culture.
Tikim: A Taste of Philippine Culture and History
If you are looking for a book that will introduce you to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines, you should definitely check out Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture by Doreen G. Fernandez. This book is a collection of essays that explore the various aspects of Filipino foodways, from the ingredients and cooking methods to the rituals and meanings behind the dishes.
tikim essays on philippine food and culture pdf
Doreen G. Fernandez (1934-2002) was a cultural historian, professor, writer, and columnist who was passionate about Filipino food and culture. She wrote extensively about the history, sociology, and aesthetics of Philippine cuisine, as well as the theater arts and literature of the country. She was also a mentor and inspiration to many chefs and food enthusiasts who wanted to learn more about the Filipino culinary tradition.
What is Tikim?
The word tikim means "taste" in Filipino, but it also implies more than just a sensory experience. As Fernandez explains in her introduction, tikim is "the ability to discern what is delicious; it is also the ability to appreciate what is good" (p. xiv). In other words, tikim is a way of understanding and appreciating Filipino food and culture through its flavors, textures, aromas, colors, and stories.
In her essays, Fernandez uses tikim as a lens to examine the various influences that have shaped Philippine cuisine over time. She traces the origins of Filipino ingredients, such as rice, coconut, vinegar, fish sauce, and chili peppers, and how they reflect the geography and climate of the archipelago. She also discusses how foreign cultures, such as Chinese, Malay, Spanish, American, and Japanese, have contributed to the diversity and complexity of Filipino dishes.
What are some of the topics covered in Tikim?
The book is divided into six sections: People; Place; Feasts; Flavors; Interactions; and Meanings. Each section contains several essays that delve into different aspects of Philippine food and culture. Some of the topics covered in Tikim are:
The role of women in Filipino cooking and eating;
The regional variations of Filipino cuisine, such as Ilocano, Pampango, Tagalog, Bicolano, Visayan, and Muslim;
The significance of festivals and celebrations in Filipino society, such as Christmas, fiestas, weddings, birthdays, and funerals;
The characteristics and preferences of Filipino taste buds, such as sourness, sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, and spiciness;
The interactions and exchanges between Filipino food and other cuisines around the world;
The meanings and values attached to Filipino food, such as hospitality, generosity, creativity, identity, and resistance.
Why should you read Tikim?
If you are interested in learning more about Philippine food and culture, Tikim is a must-read book for you. Not only will you discover the fascinating history and diversity of Filipino cuisine, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation of the Filipino people and their way of life. Tikim will show you how food is more than just nourishment, but also a reflection of identity, history, culture, and values.
Tikim is also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to cook or eat Filipino food. You will find many insights and tips on how to prepare and enjoy Filipino dishes, such as adobo, sinigang, pancit, lechon, halo-halo, and more. You will also learn about the etiquette and customs that accompany Filipino dining, such as sharing, hospitality, and gratitude.
How can you get a copy of Tikim?
Tikim was first published by Anvil Publishing in 1994, but it has been reprinted by Brill in 2020 with a new foreword by chef and educator Aileen Suzara and an editor's preface by historian Catherine Ceniza Choy. You can order a copy of Tikim online from Brill's website or from other online bookstores. You can also download a PDF version of the book from Brill's website if you have access to an institutional subscription.
Tikim is a book that will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of Philippine food and culture. It is a book that will make you want to taste and savor the flavors of the Philippines. It is a book that will make you say "tikim" with every bite.
Who are some of the people featured in Tikim?
One of the strengths of Tikim is that it showcases the stories and voices of the people who make, eat, and celebrate Filipino food. Fernandez interviews and profiles various individuals who share their personal and professional experiences with Philippine cuisine. Some of the people featured in Tikim are:
Edilberto Alegre, a writer and food critic who co-authored several books with Fernandez on Filipino food culture;
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a former president of the Philippines who is known for her love of food and cooking;
Claude Tayag, a painter and chef who runs a restaurant and museum in Pampanga that showcases Kapampangan cuisine and art;
Gene Gonzalez, a chef and educator who founded the Center for Asian Culinary Studies and authored several cookbooks on Filipino and Asian cuisines;
Mila Enriquez, a food historian and researcher who specializes in the culinary heritage of the Visayas region;
Nora Daza, a culinary icon and pioneer who popularized Filipino cuisine locally and internationally through her restaurants, television shows, and books.
What are some of the dishes featured in Tikim?
Tikim also introduces the reader to a variety of dishes that represent the diversity and creativity of Philippine cuisine. Fernandez describes the ingredients, preparation, presentation, and history of these dishes, as well as their cultural and social significance. Some of the dishes featured in Tikim are:
Adobo, a dish of meat or seafood marinated and cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns;
Sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, vegetables, and meat or seafood;
Pancit, a noodle dish with various toppings and sauces that is often served during birthdays and other celebrations;
Lechon, a whole roasted pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside;
Halo-halo, a dessert of shaved ice mixed with sweetened fruits, beans, milk, ice cream, and other toppings;
Kare-kare, a stew of oxtail, tripe, vegetables, and peanut sauce that is usually eaten with fermented shrimp paste.
How is Tikim relevant today?
Tikim is not only a historical and cultural account of Philippine food and culture, but also a timely and relevant work that speaks to the current issues and challenges facing Filipino cuisine and identity. Some of the questions that Tikim raises and addresses are:
How can Filipino food be recognized and appreciated in the global culinary scene?
How can Filipino food be adapted and innovated to suit different tastes and preferences?
How can Filipino food be preserved and transmitted to the next generations?
How can Filipino food be used as a tool for social change and empowerment?
How can Filipino food be a source of pride and joy for Filipinos everywhere?
Tikim offers insights and perspectives that can help us answer these questions and more. It also invites us to join the conversation and contribute our own stories and experiences with Philippine food and culture. Tikim is not only a book, but also a movement that celebrates and promotes the diversity and creativity of Filipino cuisine and identity.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities for Tikim?
Tikim is a valuable and influential work that has contributed to the development and recognition of Philippine food and culture. However, it also faces some challenges and opportunities in the contemporary context. Some of these are:
The availability and accessibility of Tikim as a book. Although Tikim has been reprinted by Brill in 2020, it is still not widely available or affordable for many readers, especially in the Philippines. There is a need for more distribution and promotion of Tikim to reach a wider and more diverse audience.
The relevance and currency of Tikim as a source of information. Although Tikim provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of Philippine food and culture, it also reflects the time and perspective of its author and editor. There is a need for more updates and revisions of Tikim to incorporate new research and developments in Philippine cuisine and identity.
The impact and legacy of Tikim as a catalyst for action. Although Tikim has inspired and educated many people about Philippine food and culture, it also poses some questions and challenges for its readers and followers. There is a need for more engagement and collaboration among Tikim's stakeholders to address the issues and opportunities facing Philippine cuisine and identity.
How can you join the Tikim movement?
Tikim is more than just a book, it is also a movement that celebrates and promotes the diversity and creativity of Philippine cuisine and identity. If you are interested in joining the Tikim movement, here are some ways you can do so:
Read and share Tikim with your friends, family, and colleagues. You can also write reviews and feedback on Tikim online or offline.
Cook and eat Filipino food. You can try some of the recipes and dishes featured in Tikim, or experiment with your own variations and innovations. You can also support Filipino restaurants and food businesses in your area or online.
Learn and teach about Philippine food and culture. You can attend or organize events, workshops, classes, or tours that showcase the history and diversity of Filipino cuisine and identity. You can also research and document your own stories and experiences with Philippine food and culture.
Advocate and collaborate for Philippine food and culture. You can join or support organizations, movements, campaigns, or projects that aim to preserve, protect, and promote Philippine cuisine and identity. You can also network and partner with other individuals and groups who share your passion and vision for Philippine food and culture.
Conclusion
Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture by Doreen G. Fernandez is a groundbreaking work that introduces readers to the wondrous history of Filipino foodways. It explores the local and global nuances of Philippine cuisine through its people, places, feasts, and flavors. It also raises and addresses some of the current issues and challenges facing Filipino cuisine and identity. Tikim is not only a book, but also a movement that celebrates and promotes the diversity and creativity of Philippine cuisine and identity. Tikim invites us to taste and savor the flavors of the Philippines, and to join the conversation and action for Philippine food and culture. b99f773239