In Quiapo, a taste of Maranao cuisine

Quiapo is the home of many cultures, including that of the Muslim community.

In a recent Reel Time episode, the Quiapo Muslim Immersion Tour gave a taste of the Maranao culture through the tribe's incredibly tasteful cuisines.

According to Nords Maguindanao, the tour facilitator, only the Quiapo market sells the white scallions of Lanao called sakurab which cannot be found anywhere else in Metro Manila.

Amanah Lao, the Muslim Community Partnership Manager, said "Ang distinct sa Maranao cuisine is the presence of sakurab. Kung walang sakurab hindi Maranao 'yan."

Sakurab, a vegetable similar to scallions that is imported from Lanao del Sur, is used to make the palapa, the all-time favorite side dish of the Maranaos.

Made up of chili, ginger and Lanao scallions, palapa is comparable to kimchi of Koreans. It is deeply ingrained in Maranao culture.

Dishes can do without palapa but Lao said that if a Maranao tastes a dish without the added value of palapa, it will always be not enough.

Aside from the scallions, Maguindanao said that the Bakas or the traditionally smoked tuna found on Maranao tables cannot be found anywhere else in Metro Manila but in the Quiapo market.

Lao said that it was the Muslims, particularly the Maranaos, who brought the rich culture and cuisine to the heart of the busy Quiapo streets.

"Kung sa marawi talagang vibrant, masasarap yung prutas, masasarap yung fish kasi kami pa naman mayaman kami sa resources," Lao said. — LA, GMA News