Glossary C
English: Chami / Deutsch: Chami / Español: Chami / Português: Chami / Français: Chami / Italiano: Chami /
Chami also called Pancit Chami refers to a Filipino variety of Pancit (noodle dish) which is similar to Lomi, but will less broth and is cooked stirred fried. Chami has become a signature dish and specialty of Lucena City and nearby areas follow suit, like Tayabas, Sariaya and Pagbilao. Chami is cooked with fresh egg , flour-based noodles and to give it its distinct flavor, and pork or chicken stock is used to cook it. The noodles in Chami is called Miki , a little wider in strip than the regular one, sautéed in various variations with nourishing mix-up of chopped cabbage, liberal dose of pork or chicken liver, chicharon, particles of meat, boiled quail eggs and slice onions as toppings.
In Quezon Province, Chami is cooked hundred of ways, each household has its own style of cooking it, just like many other where the style and ingredients used depends on the cook or who prepares it, but the basic ingredient which is the fresh noodles is the same. New flavors were also introduced by some restaurants in Lucena City, like the Tamis-Anhang (sweet and spicy) a delicious combination of noodles, soy sauce, bit of sugar and chili (called Siling Labuyo in the Philippines) Historically, many believed that Macao (Chinese) cooks introduced the Chami noodle locally, when most of the ethnic Chinese manned the kitchen of Lucena’s restaurants several generations back.
The word Chami is said to derived from the Chinese word Cha or Chaocai which means stir-fry-stir-fried ans Mi or Miantao that means noodles.
Lucena City is one of the cities located in the Province of Quezon in the Philippines. Chami is one of the local and well-known deliacacy in Lucena. A Festival is Held annually in this said City to which featured the Chami since 2006 where Chami cooking and eating competition are held
I have tasted a lot of Pancit in my whole lifetime, but I have never heard of and tasted Chami. Soon I am home, I will definitely go to Lucena to taste this noodle. I have been in Lucena City port last March, if only I knew, I could have soend more time for a bowl of Chami.
Below are pictures of Chami which I promised to taste when I go home to my Country the Philippines. As promised, I traveled to Lucena to taste their Food, especially their famous Pancit Chami.
Cream Puff refers to a hollow round crisp choux pastry which is split in half, then filled with a loads of whipped cream or vanilla pudding or custard. They are usually topped with melted chocolate.
Cream Puff is also called Profiterole or Choux à la crème or Choux Chantilly. It is one of the beloved and iconic pastry in France.
I will always remember this pastry as my Ninang Letty Mercado (my Godmother) used to buy some pieces everytime it was my birthday when I was a small girl together with a newly sewed dress. I always celebrated my birthday with her and she had Cream Puffs for me all the time. It was a real treat for me as a child. The version that she always gave me was with melted caramel on top
Coca Mallorcan also called Mallorcan Coca refers to Mallorca's open savory tart. It is Mallorca's version of Pizza which is usually eaten as a snack, but is an important food in Mallorca and always served during important family occassions or celebrations and other important feast in the Island.
Coca Mallorcan is made with different and wide selection of toppings, but unlike the Italian Pizza, it has no cheese on them and of course the Pastry made from flour.
Below are two (2) of the varieties of Coca Mallorcan, based on the toppings used:
1. Coca de Pebres Vermells with red pepper/paprika toppings. Pebres Vermells are red pepper/paprika in Catalan.
2. Coca Amb Verdura (Green Coca) with toppings made from Chard or Spinach, garlic, Spring onions, Parsley, etc.
Other toppings which can be used are Red and green Peppers, Onions, Black olives and Anchovies, Flaked tuna or other flaked fish, Sobrasada or Bacon. Almost the same toppings used in Pizza with the exception of the cheese.
Coca Mallorcan is usually made for many people on a large tray and cut into square slices when served.
Coca Mallorcan was served to us in Mallorca during the post-wedding party of my step-son who got married to a Mallorquin, together with Bread Pudding and Mallorca's famous Ensaimada to my delight because we also have Ensaimada in the Philippines which is very similar to Mallorca's. Below is a picture of slices of Coca Mallorcan (the left side) with Spinach and Red Pepper as toppings.
Cheru Payaru Parippu Thoran or Cheruparippu Thoran is a dish from Kerala, India made from Mung beans stir-fried in fresh grated coconut, onions, spices and Curry leaves.
It is one of the many dishes called Thoran in Kerala. (Please see related article on Thoran)
Mung beans is called Cheru Payaru, Cherupayru and Cherupayaru Parippu in Malayalam. They are available in whole or spilitted versions. and green and yellow colors. In Allepey, a district in Kerala, it is one of the cheapest beans available in the markets.
Below is a picture of a tasty Cheru Payaru Parippu Thoran. Very similar to the Philippines Ginisang Munggo except that in the Philippines, we dont use Kadugu (mustard seeds) and Curry Leavs, but some are also adding Coconut milk (called Gata in Filipino) when cooking Ginisang Munggo.
Cabbage and Carrot Thoran refers to one of Kerala's Thoran dishes made from finely chopped or grated Cabbage and Carrots stir-fried in grated coconut, slices of onions/shallots, spices and Curry leaves. (Please see related article on Thoran)
Cabbage is called in Malayalam as Muttakoos or Muttakoose.
Below is a picture of delicious Cabbage and Carrot Thoran prepared by my friend in Allepey, a district in Kerala, India. Can be seen clearly are the Curry leaves and Kadugu (Black mustard seeds)
Cheera Thoran is one of the dishes from Kerala, India, Spinach (Cheera) stir-fried in grated Coconut, lots of spices and Curry leaves.
Thoran which is called Poriyal in Tamil Nadu is a dry vegetable side dish with coconut added to it. Moreover, Thoran is sauteed or stir-fried vegetables or mixed vegetables with grated coconut . It is a part of Sadya. (Please see related article on Thoran)
Thoran as I have already told you is a vegetable based stir fry which contains finely chopped vegetables with grated coconut. It makes use of very few ingredients, the main ingredients are finely chopped vegetables, shallots, curry leaves
Cheera is the Malayalam word for Spinach and this Thoran prepared by my friend in Allepey, Kerala, India was made from Red Spinach or Chuvanna Cheera
Shown above picture is my Aunt Lily cutting the Cheera finely.
Picture below is the finished product, a delicious Cheera Thoran
