Hamsarap: Adelina's Ham

Filipinos are a sucker for tradition and one of the happiest, most well-kept tradition is Noche Buena. As inherited from our Spanish conquerors, Misa de Gallo is the Christmas eve mass where hoards of Filipino families before heading home for some quality family time whether with the nuclear or the extended family. Noche Buena is the Christmas eve dinner that follows the Misa de Galo where a festive meal is prepared for the whole family. Of course different families have different preferences on the food to serve but what is most often than not always present is the hamon. 

Hamon is readily available in the supermarkets but the best ones include Excellente in Quiapo, Majestic Ham which is already available in Rockwell and Adelina's in Mandaluyong.

Adelina's Ham is my personal favorite because I find it to be tastiest. The best thing I like about the ham is the sweet/salty glaze over the skin and the thin layer of fat which you will temper with meaty portion. You may eat it as you bought it or fry it with sugar for that sweet crystallized taste that will keep your taste buds alert as it competes for attention from the saltiness of the fatty portion. 

Other than the bone-in ham which is usually served during Noche Buena, sliced ham may also be bought in packs of 100g, 1 kg etc all throughout the year. This is more practical if it will only be served to your immediate family or to satisfy mid-year cravings. 

I am also quite fond of the ham bits which I sometimes request my mom to buy so I can eat it with pandesal. I find this to be the tastiest, richest portion. When you eat ham bits, you are sure to be surprised with a crunchy portion that is so rich in flavor you'd have to take another bite.



Cooked bacon. This is a variation of the smoked bacon as it is sweeter than usual. It can also be bought by 100g, 1/4 kg, 1/2kg or by the kilo. I know it looks like a heart attack but taken in moderation, it will sure satisfy your cravings ;)