Photo credit - Kenny Cheung
WHAT IS A BOODLE FIGHT?
Boodle Fight was inspired by the military style of eating. This is a kind of feast that is meant for sharing, sharing all the food. Whilst the food is served and spread on some banana leaves in a long table. Other than banana leaves, you must use your bare hands to eat. Utensils are strictly prohibited as a sign of respect of following the old traditional Filipino culture.
Boodle Fight does not mean it's a food fight unless of course, you want to go into that kind of level and test your friendship with your friends. However, Boodle Fight is supposed to be a friendly type of feasting and not something you stress on.
BOODLE FIGHT RULES
Here are some of the basic yet important rules of Boodle Fight. It's not very hard, in fact, it is quite simple and straightforward.
- No using of utensils. No spoons. No forks. No chopsticks!
- Only use your bare hands to eat
- Must finish all the dishes presented on the table
- No toilet breaks until food are all done
- Must try all kinds of dishes, except for those who can't eat certain dish
THINGS YOU NEED FOR BOODLE FIGHT
- Banana leaves - We use banana leaves as a traditional way on how to prepare a Boodle Fight
- Aluminum foil - We use the foil underneath the banana leaves, to avoid any food or sauce spilling onto the table
- White plastic bags - Alternate for the foil, if you are on a budget then using white plastic bags will be more ideal
- Long rectangular table - The best way to have a Boodle FIght and easier to make food arrangements, however, using circular table could also work nicely
- Chairs - Be sure to have enough chairs for everyone to enjoy their meal by not standing up, however, if you want to be spontaneous then you may do it on the floor by placing a low rectangular or circular table and by sitting down on the floor with some mats
- Tissues - This is a must to have during the Boodle Fight
- Wet Tissues - This is also good to have while eating
- Containers for sauces & spices (Bowls or Tupperware) - It will be nicer to have an individual cups for sauces for everyone but it could work nicely also for sharing
WHO TO INVITE FOR BOODLE FIGHT
In case you are wondering who to really invite for your Boodle Fight, then here are some tips for you.
THE BIG EATERS
Take note that Boodle Fight will be filled with many delicious dishes, which means all of these dishes must be finished. So inviting your big eaters' friends or families would be a perfect choice. This also means that you don't have to worry about wasting food and having too many leftovers.
WILLING TO EAT WITH HANDS ONLY
Boodle Fight means strictly no spoons, no forks and definitely no chopsticks. We use our bare hands to eat the food on the table. Make sure to pick people who are open to using their hands for eating and also make sure that they all wash their hands before starting the feast.
PEOPLE WHO ENJOY TRYING OUT NEW DISHES
Boodle Fight is not only for the Filipinos, it is welcome for everyone to try this feast, most especially the ones who are culture friendly and who are certified food lover or what Internet would call them - "Foodie".
BOODLE FIGHT FOOD ESSENTIALS
- Plain Rice/ Java Rice/ Garlic Rice - Rice is a must and must not be forgotten
- Grilled Bangus (MIlkfish) - A must have and best to marinate it days before
- Fried Tilapia - A famous Filipino fish dish
- Tortang Talong (Egg Omelet)
- Adobong Manok/ Adobong Pusit - Very essential and Boodle Fight will not be complete without it
- Salted Eggs - Everyone love to have at least 1 whole piece of egg on the side
- Pinakbet - This mix stir-fry vegetables is simple but delicious and colorful
- Mangoes, Pineapples - Best fruits to pair with the food
- Blanched Vegetables (Okra, Spinach, Tomatoes, Kang Kong/ Morning Glory) - Something healthy
- Buttered Shrimp - Something a little bit fancy
- Bagoong Alamang Sauce - This sauce is best paired with most of the dishes
- Pancit Bihon/ Pancit Canton - Noodles for long life!
- Grilled Isaw - Something grilled and unhealthy wouldn't be too bad for a night
- Garlic, Calamansi/ Lemon, Soy & Spicy Sauce - The typical sauce for a big Filipino feast
- Shanghai Lumpia - This dish is best served with some chili and sweet sauce
- Beef Steak - Probably the only beef dish that is essential in a Boodle Fight
MORE FOOD TO INCLUDE (OPTIONAL)
- Sinigang with Salmon Head - Sour soup base with Taro (Gabi) plant, best served with a piece of Salmon head
- Tinolang Manok - Chicken soup and one of the best soup for a boodle fight
- Bulalo - Soup with beef shanks and beef marrow, very delicious but take a long time to prep and cook
- Clams - Clams can be served boiled, hot pan stir or grilled
- Ampalaya with Egg - Sliced bittermelon mixed with eggs
- Paksiw - Tilapia fish in vinegar, black pepper, and chili sauce
- Palabok - Alternate for Pancit, however, prep and cooking time may take longer
- Fried/ Grilled Chicken - Delicious and can always buy and cook it the very last minute
- Grilled Squid - Alternate for Adobong Pusit
- Suman/ Biko/ Bibingka - Some options for dessert, something sweet and light
- Grilled/ Boiled Corn - Something to fill you up
My overall Boodle Fight experience was great. Oh did I mention that this is actually my first Boodle Fight in my 27 years? Yes! I have never done this before and so far my first experience went smoothly. My best friend, Diana and I planned our first Boodle FIght together at home. I cannot wait to organize another one and invite people from different cultures to introduce them to Boodle Fight.
The picture below is the before and after pictures of our Boodle Fight
And here are the best people who were present in our Boodle Fight
I hope this blog would be of any help in planning your Boodle Fight. Good luck on your Boodle Fight and If you happen to have any questions, feel free to send me a message. I will be more than happy to help.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
