Testing the taste buds
Going on a food trip has always been a favorite pastime for many. For most Filipinos food always brings them together. Catching up and colorful conversations with family and friends are just bland without something to munch on. Even in the middle of work, whether in school or office, food always energizes a person. Many of us even have our own “comfort food” to bust away the stress.
But while we salivate at the sight (and thought) of food, there are just food items that do not harmonize with our taste buds. Some of them are loved by many but we always try to avoid them. Today, readers share the food that seems to be a favorite by many people but they always give it a “pass.”
“I consider myself a person who is open to trying anything, especially when it comes to food, but there is something that I absolutely hate with a passion. That food is, without a doubt, monggo soup. It’s something that I have tried and will never eat again. There’s just something about the powdery texture and gross sensation I got when I first tasted it, and to this day I will never want to try it again.” - Lemuel Daniel Villa, 20, architecture student
“Anything ube-flavored. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of ube, so if a new, ube-flavored food item starts to trend I rarely even give it a try. However, exceptions can be made for ube hopia but other than that, pass.” - Samantha Louise Tan, 24, sales representative
“As someone who loves food and enjoys cooking as a hobby, I wouldn’t consider myself a picky eater. However, one thing I tend to avoid is anything extremely spicy. Even though many people enjoy spicy food, it’s something I usually steer clear away from. My caution with anything spicy peaked when I bravely tried Samyang, the infamous Korean spicy noodles. My friends swore it was “not that bad” and even called it their comfort food. Comfort food? I took one bite and immediately regretted doing so. I tried to drown my mouth in milk and ice, but it only made it worse. My tongue was on fire, my trust for my friends and was gone, and it’s an understatement to say that I was at war with the toilet that day.” - Isagani Carlo Rasonable, 20, engineering student
“I like to eat anything and there’s nothing I wouldn’t at least try. Especially with how diverse and exciting food has become, I enjoy exploring new flavors and trying different dishes. However, I avoid chicken organs, especially when it’s added to chicken adobo dishes. Sometimes I don’t realize there’s a chicken heart or like some other organ and then you feel the texture inside your mouth.” - Rachelle Joy Tan, 26, architectural apprentice
“I’ve never been a fan of anything matcha-flavored. People seem to love it in drinks and desserts. My girlfriend even keeps ordering it and always asks me to take a sip. But to me, it tastes exactly like this medicine I hated taking as a kid — I can’t even remember what it was; I just remember dreading it. No matter how popular matcha gets, I still can’t bring myself to like it.” - Sean Michael Martinez, 23, business management student