Sinigang and bulalo named among 50 Best Soups in the World by TasteAtlas

Sinigang and bulalo were named anew on TasteAtlas' 50 Best Soups in the World list!

Sinigang (collectively), bulalo, and sinigang na baboy all made it to this year's rankings, which was recently released by the international online publication.

Sinigang (collectively) was ranked 17th this 2024, a huge jump from last year's 42nd spot, whereas bulalo climbed to 37th from last year's 43rd. Sinigang na baboy also got a separate entry on its own,  trailing behind bulalo on the 38th spot.

The versatile sinigang can be flavored by different souring agents, but tamarind or sampalok is among the more popular ones. This traditional soup can also include various types of protein, from pork and fish to shrimp and beef.

"With its sour lightness perfectly matching the harsh tropical heat of the country, sinigang is a unique soup that is a true representative of Filipino cuisine," TasteAtlas said of sinigang.

TasteAtlas also recognized bulalo for its simplicity and robust flavor, thanks to its broth "prepared by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the fat and collagen dissolve."

Most bulalo versions include vegetables like cabbage, string beans, onions, and corn, although some variations add carrots.

For sinigang na baboy (pork sinigang), this variety of the savory and sour soup comprises different cuts of pork simmered slowly with tamarind as its souring agent.

Sinigang na baboy was likened to a similar dish in Malaysian cuisine called "siniggang." Another version, of pork sinigang, sinigang na miso, also makes use of a fermented Japanese seasoning made from fermented rice and barley or soy beans as its souring agent.

"Nowadays, sinigang mix is available in supermarkets, but enjoying the dish made from scratch represents the full experience," TasteAtlas said.

Aside from being named among the Top 50 soups in the world in 2023, sinigang also made it to TasteAtlas' 100 Best Dishes in the World list in 2023, ranking 97th. Dishes included on the list received the highest ratings based on more than 395,000 user ratings.

Sinigang na baboy was also named best soup in the world by TasteAtlas in 2021.

Taste Atlas is an international online publication that explores the world through local food. It regularly publishes lists of the best foods in various categories, with Philippine dishes and delicacies often ranking on its lists.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News