A month-long Filipino Christmas
Chef and Eat NZ Kaitaki Jess Granada shares a beautiful insight into what goes on at a Filipino Christmas - a grand celebration that transcends time and distance, where everyone eats with their hands!
‘Seeking Joy Through Kai’ ~ this story is part of a series, gathered from our Eat NZ Kaitaki which explores the ways food brings joy, happiness, or delight, and how these young food leaders chose to celebrate with food over the holiday period.
See more over on IG @eat.newzealand
As the year drew to a close, it felt like the perfect conclusion to a chapter filled with heartwarming moments and cherished memories. After a decade of separation, my entire family gathered under our roof for Christmas, igniting the spark of what would become an unforgettable holiday season.
Our festivities spanned nearly a month, extending beyond the confines of our home to include gatherings with our extended family. For Filipinos, Christmas is not just a holiday; it's a grand celebration that transcends time and distance, a day when we collectively pause our busy lives to honor and cherish the bonds that tie us together.
This year, our Christmas celebration was a tasty challenge for everyone. Each family member was paired up to prepare a special dish, and together, we orchestrated a grand "boodle fight." This traditional Filipino dining style is a living testament to the profound importance of communal eating and sharing. We gathered around a table generously adorned with fresh banana leaves, eschewing conventional plates and utensils in favor of a truly authentic experience—eating with our hands. Upon this makeshift banana leaf platter lay a colorful array of delectable delights, from fragrant rice to succulent grilled and fried meats, an assortment of seafood, an abundance of vegetables and fruits, and an array of flavorful sauces. The air was thick with laughter and vibrant conversation as we reached for dishes, passed them around, and revealed ourselves in the spirit of togetherness.
In that beautiful moment, we were reminded of the significance of food in Filipino culture. Our culinary heritage is a vibrant tapestry, interwoven with love, tradition, and a deep sense of family. Family gatherings and special occasions are etched into our cultural DNA, and our collective efforts on that day were a heartfelt tribute to our shared roots. We cooked up a storm, not just to fill our bellies, but to ensure that every family member could take home a piece of the celebration—a slice of gratitude for the warmth of family ties and the enduring richness of our culture.
Words by Jess Granada, #EatNZKaitaki and chef/owner of Nanam Restaurant in Takapuna, Auckland.
Watch the video below to learn more about Jess and her ‘why’.