WHAT is a Filipino party without lumpiang shanghai? How is a birthday celebration even called celebration without lumpiang shanghai? Like spaghetti and pansit, lumpia has been a staple party food for Filipinos.
The Chinese influence in the Filipino culture is embedded in the different aspects of our lifestyle including our choice of food. Lumpiang shanghai is one of the many examples of foreign food we gave a certain Filipino twist to.
With Chinese New Year being celebrated again tomorrow, January 25, we give homage to one of the Chinese-originated food we Filipinos are so fond of - lumpiang shanghai!
Ideally, lumpiang shanghai is a mixture of ground meat mixed with carrots and a few little veggies rolled together inside an egg crepe. These are deep fried being enjoyed with sweet ‘n sour sauce or any other delicious sauces of choice.
Here in Davao City, we decided to look for the best homegrown lumpiang shanghai. Top three names were voted by the netizens as the best three and from here we decided which one is the best among the best.
“It tastes like home like the lumpiang shanghai we know.”
Alethea Louise Gamalong-Puentespina
Proprietor, Crafty Creations Catering
“Okay ang iyang pagbalot, ang iyahang lasa, ug ang iyang porma sa gidak-on. Ang iyang laman tamang-tama ra gyud. Para sa akoa, swak ang lasa.”
Chef Ranilo Indonilla
Dimsum Chef, Marco Polo Davao
“Iyahang lasa lami siya pero naa lang siyay kulang siguro vegetable gamay kay murag pure meat siya. Pero lami siya kung lasa ang istoryahan.”
Jana Camille Redulosa
Founder, The Mother’s Club
Even if the flavor has changed and has evolved, what remains to be consistent is the fondness of Filipinos to that authentic taste of lumpia that many grew up with. Meaning to say, the simpler but more savory the lumpia is, the better for them. The three judges were also very specific when pointing out that a hard and difficult to chew on and bite off lumpia is definitely a turn off.
What they enjoyed most specifically is a lumpia which comes out crunchy on the outside but flavorful and juicy on the inside. It is also equally important that the ratio of the filling and the thickness of the wrapper is balanced.
With this checklist in mind, the three judges decided that of the three lumpiang shanghai laid before them, it was Chippen’s which came out as the best of the best.
Not only was it flavorful like how they wanted it, Chippen’s lumpiang shanghai, according to them also has the homey taste to it that they love the most.
Watch out for the full video of Best of Davao: Lumpiang Shanghai edition on Sunstar Davao’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.