Navigating Filipino Festivals Corn-Free: Your Essential Guide with MM Food

Filipino festivals are a feast for the senses, but navigating their vibrant food scenes can be daunting for those avoiding corn. From savory lechon to sweet bibingka, corn-derived ingredients like corn oil, cornstarch, and even native corn-based dishes often sneak into traditional recipes. Here’s how MM Food helps you enjoy these cultural celebrations safely and confidently.

Common Corn Culprits in Filipino Cuisine

While Filipino dishes focus on bold flavors like garlic, vinegar, and coconut, corn appears in:

• Corn oil for frying (common in street food)
• Cornstarch as a thickener in soups and sauces
• Bibingka (rice cakes sometimes made with cornmeal)
• Snacks like chichacorn (fried corn kernels)

Safe Bets for Corn-Free Diners

Opt for naturally corn-free classics like:

• Lechon (roast pork, check seasoning)
• Sinigang (sour soup with tamarind base)
• Adobo (vinegar-braised meat)
• Ginataang gulay (vegetables in coconut milk)

How MM Food Simplifies Your Experience

1. Instant Menu Translation: Scan festival menus in Tagalog or regional dialects, translated to your language.
2. Diet Filter: Input ‘corn-free’ and let AI flag hidden ingredients like ‘mais’ (corn) or unexpected derivatives.
3. Vendor Communication: Use the app’s pre-translated phrases to ask about cooking methods and cross-contamination risks.

Pro Tips

• Stick to grilled or boiled options to avoid corn oil.
• Double-check sauces and marinades for cornstarch.
• Connect with vendors using MM Food’s allergen alert tool to request customizations.

With MM Food, savor the spirit of Filipino festivals without compromising your health. Celebrate flavor, culture, and peace of mind—all in one bite!