• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Filipino Cuisine 101

    Breakfast Kamayan: A Twist to Kamayan Feast

    Published: Dec 22, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 2 Comments

    138 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Kamayan is a communal feast with a colorful arrangement of food spread across a table over banana leaves and eaten without utensils. A Breakfast Kamayan is a variation of a kamayan feast, featuring a selection of Filipino heritage breakfast favorites.

    A colorful assortment of Filipino breakfast items on banana leaves.
    Kamayan feast or boodle fight with Filipino breakfast items
    Jump to:
    • What is a kamayan?
    • How do you set up a kamayan?
    • What is the proper way to eat with your hands?
    • Breakfast kamayan food ideas
    • Other Filipino Cuisine 101 you may like
    • 💬 Comments

    What is a kamayan?

    Kamayan is a traditional Filipino dining experience that embodies the spirit of celebration and unity. The term kamayan translates to "using hands," and as the name suggests, this feast is typically enjoyed without the use of any utensils, not even a fork. The food is beautifully spread out on banana leaves, turning the dining table into a lavish display of colors and flavors.

    A quintessential kamayan is a family-style event where friends and families come together to celebrate, share, and enjoy a variety of dishes. Predominantly featuring seafood—like shrimp, crab legs, and fish—it also includes a mix of meats, vegetables, and rice, all to be savored by hand.

    In the Philippines, breakfast is highly valued as the most important meal for Filipinos, providing a hearty and energizing start to the day. Given the cultural significance of sharing meals, it's no surprise that a Breakfast Kamayan has emerged. Whether savory or sweet, this breakfast feast serves as a hearty meal to fuel your day, encompassing various aspects of Philippine culture.

    Do you want to know more about Kamayan Feast or Boodle Fight? Check out my post on Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together.

    How do you set up a kamayan?

    Create a captivating breakfast kamayan table by laying fresh banana leaves as the base. Arrange an assortment of your favorite Filipino foods and spread it across the table. Add tropical decor, play Tagalog tunes, and encourage hand dining for a fun, immersive experience that celebrates togetherness and Filipino culture.

    Remember, there are no hard and fast rules; embrace creativity to make your breakfast kamayan truly special and memorable. Enjoy the communal meal with loved ones and cherish the moments created around the table.

    What is the proper way to eat with your hands?

    Eating with hands, known as "kamayan" in Filipino culture, can be a fun and immersive experience. Here's the proper way to eat with your hands, a traditional way of eating:

    • Wash Your Hands: Before eating, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure they are clean and free from germs.
    • Use Right Hand: In Filipino culture, the right hand is typically used for eating, while the left hand is considered unclean and used for personal hygiene.
    • Use Thumb and Fingers: When eating with your hands, use your thumb and fingers to pick up food. Avoid using your entire palm, as it may be considered rude.
    • Grab Small Portions: Pick up small portions to ensure you can eat gracefully and without making a mess. For instance, combine a bite-sized scoop of rice and ulam or main dish to go with it.
    • Break and Mix: If the food is served in large pieces, such as grilled meat or fish, break them into smaller portions and mix them with rice and other dishes.
    • Dip and Savor: When there are accompanying sauces or condiments, dip your food into them to boost the taste and make those flavors pop.
    • No Double-Dipping: Avoid double-dipping your fingers into shared condiments. Use a separate spoon or utensil for serving sauces to maintain hygiene.

    Keep in mind that the appropriate way of eating with your hands can vary across cultures. To demonstrate respect and embrace local customs, take a moment to observe and follow the traditions when dining in various settings, especially during a traditional kamayan meal.

    Breakfast kamayan food ideas

    The Filipino daily staple is rice, even in the mornings. It isn't just plain rice though; you can enjoy a variety of options like Sinangag (garlic fried rice) with crisp fried garlic bits, Adobo Fried Rice made with your leftover adobo, or Java Rice with its signature orange color from annatto.

    Adobo Fried Rice on banana leaves.
    Adobo Fried Rice

    Rice can also take on sweet forms. Different kinds of kakanin or rice cakes such as Ube Kalamay or Espasol are loved by many. The comforting goodness of Ginataang Mais with sweet corn kernels, Ginataang Bilo Bilo with sticky rice balls, and Arroz Caldo with chicken and ginger are delicious ways to enjoy rice.

    White rice with fried eggs on banana leaves.
    White rice with fried eggs

    Silog-type of breakfast is a mouthwatering combination of sinangag (garlic rice), itlog (egg), and an array of flavorful proteins, including Pork Tocino (sweet cured pork), Lechon Kawali (fried pork belly), Chicken Tocino (sweet cured chicken), vibrantly colored red hotdogs, or various kinds of salted dried fish.

    Traditionally cured, Beef Tapa is marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, then pan-fried or grilled. It's a Filipino breakfast favorite with robust flavors and a satisfying texture.

    Filipino Beef Tapa in a skillet with fried garlic on top.
    Filipino Beef Tapa

    Longganisa, also known as Filipino sausages, comes in many varieties; they can be savory (de recado) or sweet (hamonado), all infused with a generous amount of garlic for a truly flavorful experience.

    Longganisa or Filipino sausages with Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice) on banana leaves.
    Skinless Longganisa (Sweet Sausage) and Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice)

    Fried fish is a beloved breakfast option. Daing na Bangus (fried marinated milkfish) is prepared by marinating butterflied milkfish in a blend of vinegar and garlic, then fried to a crisp.

    Daing na Bangus (Marinated Milkfish), Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork), dried fish, salted egg, and condiments on banana leaves.
    Daing na Bangus (Marinated Milkfish), Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork), dried fish, salted egg, avocado, pineapple, and condiments

    A traditional delicacy integral to Filipino breakfast tables, daing or dried fish is meticulously prepared by heavily salting and sun-drying the fish, sometimes splitting it open to enhance the drying process. This preservation technique allows the fish to be enjoyed for an extended period.

    Dried fish, condiments, and Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet) on banana leaves.
    Dried fish, Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet), and condiments

    There is a wide range of options to choose from, such as tuyo (salted dried herring) or dilis (anchovies), both delightfully crispy when fried and complemented with a spiced vinegar dipping sauce.

    Dried fish, Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork), Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly), Achara (Pickled Green Papaya), and Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls) in a brown bag.
    Dried fish, Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork), Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly), Achara (Pickled Green Papaya), and Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls) in a brown bag

    Sautéed canned corned beef with garlic, onions, and tomatoes is a timeless classic. Enjoy it as a filling for pandesal, or serve it alongside rice and eggs for a satisfying silog-type of meal.

    Sautéed corned beef in a skillet.
    Ginisang Corned Beef (Sautéed Corned Beef)

    Tortang Talong (eggplant omelet) is made with grilled or fire-roasted eggplant, dipped in eggs, and shallow-fried until golden brown. Explore other tortas like Tortang Sayote (chayote omelet) or Tortang Giniling (with leftover Picadillo), and fillings like sardines or dulong (silverfish).

    Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet) on banana leaves.
    Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet)

    Sides like Achara (pickled green papaya) and dipping sauces (sawsawan) like banana ketchup, lechon sauce, and sweet chili sauce are essential components to every delicious Filipino meal.

    Achara (Pickled Green Papaya) in a cup.
    Achara (Pickled Green Papaya)

    Pancit Canton and Pancit Bihon are stir-fried pancit noodles enjoyed at any time of day, adding a touch of Filipino flair to every meal.

    Pancit Bihon (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles) in a bowl.
    Pancit Bihon (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)

    While Inihaw na Liempo (grilled pork belly) is typically enjoyed during lunch or dinner, it also makes a delicious silog-style breakfast when paired with fried rice and eggs.

    Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly) with Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice) on banana leaves.
    Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly) and Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice)

    Dinuguan is a rich and savory stew with pork meat and innards simmered in a flavorful blend of pork blood, vinegar, garlic, and occasionally coconut milk. It is often enjoyed at breakfast with rice or Puto (steamed rice cakes).

    Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew) in a cup.
    Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew)

    Tokwa't Baboy is a favorite appetizer or pulutan, a snack served with alcoholic beverages, that pairs exceptionally well with Lugaw or Goto (rice porridge). Consider adding this pairing to your breakfast kamayan spread for a truly satisfying start to your day.

    Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork) in a cup.
    Tokwa't Baboy (Tofu and Pork)

    Champorado is a luscious chocolate rice porridge made with tablea (tablets of raw ground cacao beans) and glutinous rice. Often paired with tuyo (salted dried herring), it creates a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Unlike Mexican champurrado, Filipinos use rice instead of masa harina to create this mouthwatering dish.

    Champorado (Chocolate Rice Porridge) in a cup.
    Champorado (Chocolate Rice Porridge)

    Pandesal is a morning favorite, especially when freshly warm from the bakery. Its fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make it the perfect pairing to a cup of coffee or tsokolate, a rich and thick hot chocolate drink.

    Pandesal in a brown bag.
    Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls)

    Kakanin are simple, sweet rice cakes that are a staple in Filipino breakfasts, often made with glutinous rice. There's a variety to choose from, such as the soft and chewy Palitaw, the sticky Kutsinta, and the steamed Pichi-Pichi. They're a quick, traditional option for a morning meal.

    Rice cakes, Palitaw (Sweet Rice Cakes) and Kutsinta), on banana leaves.
    Palitaw (Sweet Rice Cakes) and Kutsinta

    For a delicious breakfast treat, try Taho with silken tofu, sago and brown sugar syrup – a beloved Filipino street food that's also available for merienda. And for those who crave variety, consider Turon with Langka or Ube Turon, Maruya, or boiled saba bananas as equally tasty breakfast alternatives.

    Taho (Silken Tofu with Sago and Syrup) on banana leaves.
    Taho (Silken Tofu with Sago and Syrup)

    Stay refreshed and hydrated with buko juice from young coconuts. For more refreshing drink choices, try the tangy calamansi juice, the sweet mango juice, or the local favorite samalamig—sweet beverages sold by street vendors.

    Buko juice and other breakfast items on banana leaves.
    Buko juice

    The central goal of a kamayan feast is to savor good food with great company. Whether you decide to serve traditional dishes or get creative, embrace the joy and fun in the gathering, as the memories you create will be cherished for a lifetime.

    A modern approach to a breakfast kamayan feast using plates and utensils.
    A modern approach to a breakfast kamayan feast using plates and utensils.

    Other Filipino Cuisine 101 you may like

    • A Collage of Filipino Foods with a banner of Beginner's Guide to Filipino Food.
      A Beginner's Guide to Filipino Food
    • A Collage of green vegetables and a purple sweet potato.
      Exploring Unique Filipino Vegetables
    • Corned beef silog served on a plate.
      The Ultimate Guide to Filipino Silog Breakfast
    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Did you like this post? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this post are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    More Filipino Cuisine 101

    138 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brie

      December 28, 2022 at 12:50 am

      This is beautiful! We have to try this though not as much food hahaha. What a beautiful sight. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        January 05, 2023 at 12:23 am

        I hope you have fun! Thanks, Brie!

        Reply

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe

    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers

    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil

    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe

    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe

    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    138 shares