When you think of top cuisines in the world, what comes to mind? Chances are that you drool over Italian pizza, Korean kimchi, Japanese sushi, Mexican tacos, or pad Thai. These countries have some of the best foods across the globe. But did you know that Filipino cuisines can be the next big thing in the culinary world? In recent years, some reports have recognized Filipino dishes in the global market. Even American food prognosticators have been talking about Filipino foods soon taking the spotlight.

Filipino cuisine has a bit of everything for everyone. It is known for its mixture of distinct textures and rich flavors. It has a wide range of diverse choices-meat, seafood, veggies, and not to mention rice. It draws some inspiration from different cultures around the world.

But what exactly makes Filipino cuisine? Here are five facts you ought to know about Filipino foods:

1. It's always a meal with rice

Filipinos can't live without cooked white rice, as it is considered a main staple in their cuisine. It is always present in every meal-during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This plain, starchy food is usually paired with other local dishes, whether fried meat, palatable soup, or stir-fried veggies. But even with the lack of side dishes, Filipinos will survive eating cooked white rice with dipping sauces. If you're wondering how rice is part and parcel of Filipino cuisine, visit local restaurants and fast-food chains. Their meals, too, won't be complete without cooked rice.

2. It won't be without dipping sauces

As mentioned, Filipinos will always pair their cooked white rice and other dishes with dipping sauces. This variety of sauces serve to augment the dish flavors, thus taking the dining experience to the next level. Some common dipping sauces are the famous soy sauce, vinegar dipping sauce, and even calamansi mixed together. It's even easy to see fish and shrimp paste sauces such as Barrio Fiesta products in every household. Don't forget the lechon sauce that spruce the taste of lechon itself.

3. It puts pork in the spotlight

When it comes to Filipino cuisine, you must always put the pork in the limelight. Sure, you may have a few vegetable dishes such as the famous pinakbet or chop suey. Others may enjoy seafood dishes such as dried fish, grilled fish, as well as shrimps and crabs. A few others opt for the usual chicken staple, usually fried chicken paired with tinola. But nothing beats pork dishes such as pork sinigang, sisig, and not to mention, adobo-the country's national dish. But of course, we won't cap this section without mentioning the famous lechon. This roasted pig present in every feast and/or occasion is what every Filipino is craving for.

4. It's best consumed with bare hands

Surprisingly, some Filipinos love to eat with their hands. Yes, it's called kamayan, the practice of eating using bare hands without the need for kitchen utensils such as fork and spoon. In fact, this practice of scooping rice and mixing flavours is considered the best way to enjoy a meal. There's even what we call a boodle fight, a Filipino communal feast where foods are served on banana leaves. However, there's more to it than what you might think it is. The truth is that kamayan is a part of Filipino culture and tradition. It defines who the Filipinos are. It shows how they love to celebrate local dishes and enjoy food with their families, relatives, and friends.

5. It's a mix of different cultures

If you're wondering why Filipino cuisine is a bit diverse and complex, it's because of the inspiration drawn from different cultures. Remember that the Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese. It was also heavily influenced by neighboring countries such as China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. For these reasons, Filipino foods have a bit of everything. Think of pancit (noodles) and lumpia (spring rolls) influenced by the Chinese. Also, consider the famous dessert Halo-Halo introduced by the Japanese. Don't forget the likes of arrozcaldo, afritada, caldereta, champorado, lechon, and menudo, all influenced by the Spanish. Even the dish names can speak for themselves.

So there you have it! Filipino cuisine has more than meets the eye. With its distinct flavor, unique dining style, and some cultural traditions infused with it, it just might be the next big thing in global culinary. While Filipinos continue to enjoy eating with their bare hands, other countries or nationalities might soon dive in.