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Humba a dish of stewed pork; a very spicy dish made of pork or chicken from the Visayas Region of the Philippines. It is said that Humba is derived from the Chinese "Hong Baq" which means "saucy meat". The traditional way of cooking Humba is to slowly simmer a whole slab of pork belly in a mixture of Tausi (salted black beans), vinegar, dark brown sugar, garlic, onions, peppercorns and oregano. The more elegant way of cooking Humba is to grill the pork belly first until the rind is all crisp and puffy and then braise it in the usual mixture of herbs and spices.

The cooked Humba acquires the texture of Pata Tim wherein the rind is chewy and the meat is very, very tender.

I have never tasted nor seen Humba, this is one Filipino dish which I do not know of, probably because it is coming from the Visayas province and I am from another Region where Humba is not popular. Maybe in one of my vacations, I will try to ask my sister-in-law who comes from the Visayas Region if she can cook Humba. I am very curious how it taste.

Humba is a Filipino braised pork dish, traditionally made with pork belly and cooked in a sweet-savory sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, often flavoured with garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. It is a staple in Visayan cuisine and is widely enjoyed throughout the Philippines for its rich and comforting taste. The dish is often compared to adobo, though it features a sweeter and more caramelised flavour profile.

Description

Humba is a beloved dish in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It showcases the Filipinos' skill in combining salty, sweet, and tangy flavours. The name "Humba" is said to come from the Chinese term for braised pork, "hong ba", reflecting the dish's historical ties to Chinese cooking.

The base ingredients of Humba include pork belly or hock, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. These create a savoury, sweet, and tangy sauce that is slow-cooked until the pork becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Ingredients such as black beans (tausi), pineapple, and banana blossoms are often added for a unique twist, depending on the region or cook’s preference.

The cooking method—braising—allows the pork to absorb the sauce’s flavours while rendering its fat, which contributes to the dish’s luscious texture and mouthfeel. Served with steamed rice, Humba is a filling and satisfying meal.

Special Variations

• Cebu-Style Humba: Features a sweeter profile, often incorporating banana blossoms.
• Pineapple Humba: Adds pineapple chunks or juice for a fruity sweetness.
• Black Bean Humba: Includes fermented black beans, enhancing the umami.
• Chicken Humba: A lighter variation, substituting chicken for pork.

These variations reflect regional influences and the versatility of the dish.

Application Areas

• Family Meals: A common dish for gatherings and daily meals.
• Festive Occasions: Served during celebrations, including birthdays and fiestas.
• Restaurant Menus: Featured in Filipino restaurants worldwide as a representative dish.

Well-Known Examples

• Humba in Cebu: Known for its balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Humba with Tausi in Davao: A unique twist featuring black beans.
• Lutong Bahay Humba: Home-style Humba recipes passed down through generations.

Risks and Challenges

• Balancing Flavours: The key to a perfect Humba lies in balancing the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity. Too much sugar can make it cloying, while excessive vinegar can overpower the dish.
• High Fat Content: While the fat renders into a silky sauce, it makes Humba less suitable for those on low-fat diets.
• Time-Intensive Preparation: Slow cooking is essential to achieve the tender texture, which may be challenging for those with limited time.

Recipes

Classic Humba Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly or hock, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat the oil in a pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the pork and brown on all sides.
3. Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, and pineapple juice (if using).
4. Add brown sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer over low heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Serve with steamed rice.

Similar Terms

• Adobo: Another Filipino braised dish, often less sweet and more tangy.
• Paksiw na Pata: Similar to Humba but typically includes banana blossoms and uses pork knuckles.
• Hong Shao Rou: Chinese red-braised pork, considered an ancestor of Humba.

Summary

Humba is a quintessential Filipino dish, offering a unique blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours. Rooted in Visayan culinary traditions, it is a dish that symbolises the country's ability to adapt and innovate with local and foreign influences. Whether served for everyday meals or festive occasions, Humba remains a beloved part of Filipino gastronomy, savoured for its comforting richness and versatility.

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