Appetizer

Crab cakes, Japanese-style (crab furai)

Flaked crab meat, corn and seasonings are shaped into patties, dredged in flour, dipped in beaten egg, covered in panko then deep fried until golden. Crab furai can be served as a snack, appetizer or main course.

Cook time: 5

Servings: 4 people

Chinese-style eggplants with braised ground pork

Although it is most famous for its xiaolongbao, Din Tai Fung's menu lists so many other dishes that are worth trying. The braised eggplant is one of them. This is how we reproduce it at home -- with five-spice powder, Sichuan pepper, garlic, ginger and chilies.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 3 people

Grilled tuna collar (inihaw na panga ng tuna)

It’s bar food, it’s beach food, it’s family food. You can enjoy it in almost any region of the Philippines but you’ll find the largest, meatiest and freshest grilled tuna collar in coastal towns with established fishing industries.

Cook time: 20

Servings: 4 people

Chicken sate / satay with peanut sauce

Grilled skewered chicken is ubiquitous in Southeast Asia and marinades differ from region to region. This is Thai-style chicken sate / satay with peanut sauce for dipping.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

Shrimp and cheese spring rolls

Take a break from the usual and savor new flavors in your crispy fried spring rolls by mixing chopped fresh shrimps, scallions, chili, cheese and garlic for the filling. Great as snack or appetizer.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 20 spring rolls