Christmas Special: Difference Among Menudo, Afritada, Kaldereta

Photo from NutriAsia, Sweet Simple Vegan, Lutong Pinoy Recipe and Any Tots. | Edited by Joseph Villena

All around the world, every single Filipino family adheres to our celebration culture. Regardless of the weight of the occasion, Filipinos will celebrate it like a feast. And now that Christmas is underway, I am sure that Filipinos will commemorate beyond normal celebration. In fact, many foreigners believe that no other race enjoys cooking a feast as much as the Filipinos do. Moderately, I observed that Filipinos always served these three enigmatic dishes—Menudo, Afritada, and Kaldereta.

Menudo, Afritada, and Kaldereta have been a staple food for Filipino celebrations for a very long time. However, despite its prominence, many Filipinos still do not know the difference between the three dishes. In fact, one Filipino might find it difficult to identify which among the three dishes is Menudo, Afritada, and Kaldereta. Therefore, to end the confusion among the three dishes, allow me to walk you through them.

Christmas Special: Difference Among Menudo, Afritada, Kaldereta

Menudo

In the Philippines, Menudo, often referred to as ginamay, is a traditional pork stew. Filipino usually prepare it with potatoes, carrots, and sliced liver. Additionally, they cook it in a tomato-based sauce, and it is best when paired with rice.

Afritada

Filipinos mainly use chicken flesh in Afritada. The tomato sauce is added after the meat has been braised with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Additionally, Filipinos add pineapple chunks to provide even more pleasantness. Moreover, the recipe also includes bell pepper, potato, and carrot as other ingredients.

Kaldereta

Filipinos usually use goat meat in cooking Kaldereta. However, some variation of the dish uses beef, chicken, or hog. Moreover, aside from the meat, the mashed liver is the selling distinction of Kaldereta. Additionally, Filipinos also add potatoes, carrots, and some add chili for added flavor.