Learn more about the Filipino Boodle Fight and how to Kamayan the right way. Discover the cultural meaning behind this communal feast and eating technique.
It’s Filipino-American History month, and being the foodie that I am, I wanted to blog about a tradition in the Filipino culture. Growing up in a Filipino household, I have memories seeing my grandparents and parents occasionally eating their meals with one hand. “Kamayan” means “eating with the hands” in Tagalog. Kamayan is also the name of the Filipino communal feast, also known as a boodle fight, where colorful food is served on banana leaves and eaten without utensils around a large table. In our culture, food has always been the center of gatherings, which brings loved ones together. Kamayan is a beautiful version of that.
How to kamayan
The act of Kamayan is a form of eating that requires a technique where food is pressed together with your fingers (never the palm) and pushed into the mouth with the thumb. The trick is to do this without fingers entering the mouth. Each handful is traditionally a portion of steamed or fried rice paired with another dish, referred to as “ulam.” Ulam can be a protein or side dish.
HungryCakes2x demonstrates it well below:
What is a kamayan feast?
In a kamayan feast, each dish is distributed equally on the table so that all diners have access. In addition to with rice, barbecue, fried meats, lumpia, pancit (noodles), eggs, fish, and vegetables are traditionally served. For extra flavor, dipping sauces and pickled vegetables are provided as condiments. For dessert, fresh fruit is served.
Origin of the “boodle fight”
Kamayan was also practiced by soldiers, known as a “boodle fight.” This phrase stems from the word “caboodle,” which means “everything.” Because plates and utensils couldn’t be carried, this method of eating was born. Once the food is piled onto the banana leaves, the “fight” would commence where soldiers would hurry and grab as much food for themselves.
Cultural significance
This tradition not only captures the pre-Colonial history of Filipino dining, but also the Filipino culture’s hospitality. Because it is an unspoken rule to never run out of food for your guests, you can expect a Filipino party to always have a ton of food served. As a host, it is best to have too much rather than not enough. Guests are highly encouraged to eat as much as they want and bring extra food home. Kamayan is an example in Filipino culture the importance of feeding family and friends during large celebrations. Food is most Filipinos’ love language.
Kamayan restaurants
Some Filipino restaurants today host and offer boodle fights or kamayan-style meals. It’s a great way to share this tradition with younger generations and educate other cultures about the Filipino tradition. Try to check one out near you and support your local Filipino business.
My birthday kamayan
I decided to create my own version of a boodle fight for my birthday with crab boil mash up. It was fun to experience this with my family and get hands-on with my food. It was a nice change for a birthday meal.
Have you tried a Kamayan feast or eaten Kamayan style? What food would you serve at your boodle fight? Comment below!
-Elle
