Anya E.

Tabal 03/10/23
II – BTVTEd (FSM) FSM 113 (Meal Management)

Study Questions

1. Types a brief autobiography (2 pages-bond paper report) how

your cultural background influences your food choices.

Bam-i

"Bam-i is also known as ‘pancit Bisaya,’ and is the only noodle

dish (that I know of) in the country that contains both sotanghon
and canton noodles. It must have been born from frugality by the
early Chinese settlers. The frugality is evident in the home-
cooking of Cebuano households for the non-holiday or non-
occasion bam-i. It is so bare, that there could only be one
vegetable and one meat in it. The Cebuanos would just stir-fry it,
very dry, and season it strongly. During fiestas or special events,
the same bam-i would be served, but this time, with about 10
more ingredients to give it a festive high-level look. This dish of
course, came from the Hokkien or Fujian ‘bakmi’. Bakmi, the
noodle dish, has influenced almost all the stir-fried noodle dishes
of Asia, from Thailand to Malaysia, to Singapore, et cetera."
Just like pancit canton and other stir-fried Filipino noodle recipes,
bam-i is usually served in big celebrations, like birthday parties,
family reunions, or even fiestas. This delicious noodle dish is
easy to make in big batches, which is why it's also easily found in
Filipino restaurants in the Visayas region, too.

Bam-i is best served warm, and is commonly eaten with other

ulam dishes and rice. Its savory flavor also pairs well with the
Filipino pan de sal, which makes for a very filling merienda meal.

Bam-i is a prime example of how Cebuanos have taken classic

Filipino dishes and truly made it their own.

Throw together some sotanghon and canton noodles alongside a

mix of different proteins equally tasty. Add your vegetables,
sauces, and more, and you have the fantastic Pancit Bam I.
Pancit, as we know, is a beloved national treasure. Despite its
Chinese roots, it’s truly found a home here within the Philippines
Islands –– and plenty of homes, at that! All across the country,
different regions, provinces, and people have made their own
versions of this popular dish. This Bam I is a pancit that is native
to Central Visayas (Cebu in particular), and is sure to be the pride
of many Cebuanos.