I’m checking in from VibePinas with a lunch that usually gets a lot of funny looks from my fellow foreigners. Jessa prepared a classic local meal for us: dried salted fish and eggplant with egg. Now, I know what some of you are thinking—dried fish is an acquired taste—but I’ve actually grown to really enjoy it. It’s a huge part of life here, and honestly, if you’re a foreigner living in the Philippines on a budget, learning to love local food like this is the best way to make your money go further.
I often tell my expat friends when we’re out for coffee or a few beers that they should give it a try. Most of them won’t touch it! They stick to their imported European or American foods, and then they complain about how expensive everything is. Of course it’s expensive—it’s being shipped halfway across the world! If you eat like a local, life here is incredibly affordable.
Now, I did have one little complaint for Jessa during lunch. She only used one egg for the eggplant dish because she said she wanted to be "thrifty." I told her it would have been much better with two or even three eggs, but she wasn’t having it! She even used the very last egg we had in the house. I guess that’s what happens when you marry a woman who knows how to save a peso.
Liam was right there with us, and he absolutely loves his fish. He was asking for "fish, fish" and even wanted more rice to go with it. It’s great to see him enjoying the local food just as much as I do.
Some people have told me that eating this much dried fish is "dangerous" because of the high salt content and potential for high blood pressure. While I agree you shouldn't overdo it, it’s actually a fantastic source of protein. Dried fish can have around 60 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is hard to beat anywhere else for that price. It’s all about balance.
I’ve had some people be quite "brutal" about my food choices in the past, sending me photos of burgers and pizzas while I’m eating my local meals. But honestly, I’m happy. Filipino food might not always have the fanciest presentation compared to what I’m used to in Norway, but the flavors are absolutely there. You just have to get past the look of it and give your taste buds a chance to adjust.
I was coughing a bit during the video, but don't worry—it’s just because I forgot to take my medicine on time. I’ll be fine once I get that sorted. It was a simple, happy family lunch, and I hope it encourages some of you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!
