Exploring Filipino Culinary Identity Through Filipino Adobo

Abstract

This dissertation explores the characteristics of Filipino culinary identity through an in-depth analysis of the Filipino dish, adobo. Anchored in the perspective of a Filipino chef and guided by post-colonial theory, the study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in relativist ontology and constructivist epistemology. A comprehensive literature review situates the research within scholarly discussions on food and identity, nationalism, the historical multicultural food identity of the Philippines and its contemporary foodways. Using qualitative meta-synthesis for data collection and reflexive thematic analysis, the research identified eight emerging characteristics of Filipino adobo from 10 different adobo recipes. The study found that Filipino adobo is characterised by its: (1) flavour profile, (2) fundamental and non-fundamental ingredients, (3) cooking method, (4) regionality, (5) personal preference, (6) authenticity and adaptability, (7) state before and during Spanish colonisation, and lastly (8) symbolism in the contemporary Philippines. Ultimately, these characteristics are also found to be present within the broad Filipino culinary scene. The findings reveal the dynamic interplay between tradition, adaptation, and colonial legacy in shaping Filipino culinary expression. The study concludes by critically stating the implications of these findings, highlighting the researcher’s limitations and offering recommendations for future research on Filipino cuisine.