In a Facebook poll conducted by CNN, Filipino food was ranked No. 2 out of 10 when respondents were asked, “Which destination has the world’s best food?”

The Philippines secured the second spot with 1,528 votes after Taiwan, which received 8,242 votes.

“Filipino food isn’t as well known as the other cuisines on this list, but with more than 7,000 islands and a colorful history, this archipelago has some delicious dishes of its own,” CNN staff wrote.

“Blessed with an abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and creative cooks, there’s more to Filipino food than the mind-boggling balut,” they added.

Among dishes the article highlighted included adobo, a “ubiquitous dish whipped up in every household.”

“It’s Mexican in origin, but Filipinos found that cooking meat (often chicken and pork) in vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce and other spices, was a practical way to preserve meat without refrigeration,” CNN staff wrote.

Lechon, the Philippines’ “most popular party guest,” was also given attention.

“An entire pig is spit-roasted over coals, with the crisp, golden-brown skin served with liver sauce, the most coveted part,” the article stated.

Well-known food critics, including Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain, have touted Filipino food, even saying it’s going to be the next big thing.

Zimmern has previously included Filipino cuisine in his top 10 list of food trends for 2013 in the United States.

Restaurant guide Zagat has also noted that Filipino food has “become increasingly celebrated around the United States.”

In the CNN poll, after the Philippines came Italy (810 votes), Thailand (470 votes), Japan (443 votes), Malaysia (265 votes), Hong Kong (236 votes), India (205 votes), Greece (167 votes) and Vietnam (162 votes).

The article pointed out of the top 10 countries, only two – Italy and Greece – are not in Asia.

“Clearly, Asian food is on people’s minds these days,” the staff wrote.

(www.asianjournal.com)

(Las Vegas June 18 – 24, 2015 Sec B pg.3)