Tapa

Tapa is a cherished dish in Filipino cuisine, featuring thinly sliced beef, mutton, venison, or horse meat that has been cured with salt and spices before being dried or preserved. This flavorful meat is typically cooked by either frying or grilling and is often accompanied by fried rice and a fried egg—a combination known as tapsilog.

Historically, tapa has its origins in the ancient practice of preserving meat or fish through smoking. The word "tapa" itself is derived from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian and Proto-Austronesian languages.

To make tapa, the meat first undergoes a curing process where it is dried and seasoned with salt and various spices. When it's time to cook, you can either grill or fry the meat. It is typically enjoyed with rice and condiments such as vinegar or ketchup.

Tapsilog, a popular breakfast meal, combines tapa with garlic-fried rice and a fried egg. Restaurants known as tapahan, tapsihan, or tapsilogan specialize in serving this delicious dish. Tapsilog is widely available across various eateries, ranging from local fast food chains to upscale hotels in the Philippines.