History of the Food Service Industry in

the Philippines
Santos, Al Nico

The Introduction:

One of the most fascinating developments in the history of food service is the way that each
successive generation has shaped it. Food service has developed and evolved over the
centuries, with many new ways of preparing and serving food emerging in recent years. The
development of airport food service is one example. In the past, it was common for travellers
to rely on local restaurants for their meals when traveling by plane. Today, travellers can find
food service at many airports where they can order and eat from a menu that includes a wide
variety of offerings.
History of Food Service
• The history of food service is closely associated with travel.

• Throughout history, merchants have traveled extensively to trade with other nations or
tribes.

• There were also the religious pilgrimages to places of worship.

• Invariably, in the different places of destination, food and lodging have been provided to the
travelers.

In the Philippines, foodservice existed as early as the time of the barangay system. The datu
had to feed his people including the slaves or alipin. Hence, it required the service of food in
great quantities. 46 The Chinese were the forerunners of the developmental rudiments of the
commercial type of foodservice

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9th Century Chinese Influence

From the 9th century when trading ships first docked in the country to the present, their
influence can be felt, from hearty broths to stir-fried dishes that have become a staple of
Filipino feasts and celebrations.

China introduced the Philippines to soy sauce, fish sauce, and the method of stir frying. This
led to the birth of many Filipino-Chinese dishes such as pansit, lumpia, siopao, and siu mai.

Chinese influence is evident in noodle dishes (bihon, miki, sotanghon, mami, lomi, miswa)
which go by the general name of pancit. Noodle restaurants are called panciterias (another
Spanish derivation), a term that usually refers to a Chinese eatery. Pancit Canton is a favorite
of Filipinos when ordering Chinese food, along with lumpia shanghai (small spring rolls filled
with minced meat and dipped in sweet sauce).

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16th Spanish Influence
Spain not only brought the Catholic religion to the Philippine islands it also brought with it its
culture and its cuisine. 16th Century The Spanish introduced Filipinos, who previously ate
with their hands and banana leaves, to cutlery. They also brought Christmas feast traditions
such as relleno, which is the process of stuffing a turkey or chicken, rice-meat dishes such as
paella and stews to the Philippines.

Introduced the concept "Carinderia"

What food are originated from Spain?

Pastillas
Paella
Leche flan
Brazo de Mercedes
Kare-Kare
Lechon
Sinigang
Champorado

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19th Century American Influence
Introduced the concept of "Cafeteria"

The American influence on Filipino cuisine most famously brought the ideas of convenience
in food preparation such as canned foods, pre-packaged foods and fast food. Spam was first
introduced to the Philippines during World War II and has been a staple in Filipino
breakfasts ever since. American influence on Filipino food is how some authentic meal was turned into
frozen, ready-cooked meals. This technique was used on Filipino dishes when Marigold Commodities
Corporation teamed up with Ditta Meat Food Service Company to create these frozen Filipino meals.