While there isn’t one specific Filipino soup that is “very popular” in Norway in the way that, for example, Thai Tom Yum is widely known, there are a few Filipino soups that would likely appeal to the Norwegian palate and are commonly made by the Filipino community in Norway.
The best choices would be soups that are comforting, hearty, and use ingredients that are either familiar or readily available in Norwegian stores. Here are a few strong contenders:
- Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Soup): This is perhaps the most likely candidate for broad appeal. It’s a comforting and nourishing chicken soup, but with a unique Filipino twist. The key flavors are ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. Norwegians are very familiar with chicken soup, and the use of ginger provides a warming quality that is perfect for a cold climate. The soup traditionally includes green papaya and malunggay leaves (moringa), but these can be substituted with more common vegetables like chayote (sayote) or even bok choy and spinach, which are easier to find.
- Sinigang (Sour Soup): Sinigang is one of the most beloved dishes in the Philippines. Its defining characteristic is its sour and savory broth, typically flavored with tamarind. It can be made with various meats (pork, beef, shrimp) and a wide array of vegetables. The sour flavor might be a new experience for some Norwegians, but the concept of a hearty, vegetable-filled meat soup is very familiar. Using pork ribs (Sinigang na Baboy) would be a great way to introduce it, as it’s a popular meat in Norway.
- Arroz Caldo (Chicken and Rice Porridge): This is the Filipino equivalent of congee. It’s a savory rice porridge cooked with chicken and flavored with ginger, garlic, and saffron or turmeric, giving it a distinct yellow color. Arroz Caldo is the ultimate comfort food and is often eaten when a person is feeling under the weather. Its resemblance to other warm, soothing porridges and stews would likely make it a hit in Norway.
- Nilagang Baka (Boiled Beef Soup): This is a simple, straightforward beef and vegetable soup. The name “Nilaga” literally means “boiled.” It’s a clean-tasting, savory soup with tender beef and vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Given that many traditional Norwegian soups also feature boiled meat and root vegetables (like “kjøttsuppe”), Nilagang Baka would be a very easy and comforting transition for a Norwegian palate.
In summary, while there isn’t a single Filipino soup that has become a mainstream hit in Norway yet, Tinolang Manok is a great starting point due to its comforting and familiar chicken soup base, enhanced with a wonderfully warming ginger flavor.