This glistening, glazed centrepiece is the star of the Noche Buena feast. It is not quite Christmas in the Philippines without ham
Christmas in the Philippines is steeped in tradition; it is arguably the country’s favourite holiday. From the symbolic decor to the religious rituals, to a mouthwatering Noche Buena meal (or Christmas Eve dinner), these are the things we look forward to whenever the holidays come around.
In the centre of all this feasting is the Christmas ham. Of course, this being the most wonderful time of the year, it cannot be just any slab of cured pork. Traditionally, this is a cooked ham, shiny and sticky with a sweet, golden brown glaze, and probably the biggest one you can afford. It is sliced thin and eaten as a sandwich with warm pandesal or white bread. Decadent and nostalgic, it tastes exactly like Christmas.
Here is a list of our favourites:
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1. The Plaza
Inspired by Swedish holiday ham but tweaked for the Filipino palate, it is made out of the softest fresh pork that is first cured in a special formula and then lightly smoked to impart the aroma of secret herbs and spices. This is then baked low and slow and blanketed with a lush glaze. The meat is juicy and well seasoned, so all you really need is a touch of that premium glaze to impart the Christmas feels.
See more: 11 Nostalgic Filipino Food to Serve for Noche Buena