Pancit: The Tastiest Filipino Noodles

Every country has comfort food – from burgers and fries in America to Shepherd’s pie in the United Kingdom. In the Philippines, pancit is their designated comfort food. Filipino pancit is mixed with various ingredients ranging from pork to shrimp, onions, garlic, and more. There are even different varieties of pancit noodles.

Let’s dive into all things pancit; we promise you’ll want to order some as soon as you finish reading this article!

What Is Pancit?

Pancit is any type of noodle in the Philippines, like rice vermicelli noodles. These noodles can be made from mung beans, rice flour, and even egg-based noodles. It's typically used in a stir-fried noodle dish seasoned with chicken stock and sauces like fish sauce or oyster sauce. Originally, noodles were introduced to the Filipino people by traders from China in the 1500s.

These noodles began as a way for factory workers in the Philippines to refuel for their work. From there, these noodles quickly transitioned to street food, and then a food offered in restaurants around the Philippines named panciterias.

Now, pancit noodles are a staple Filipino food found in many Filipino restaurants. Depending on the Philippines region, you can expect different local ingredients to be included in the pancit recipe.

What Are the Different Types of Pancit You Can Make?

You may be surprised at how many pancit noodle varieties there are! They all have a different appearance and are made from various ingredients. Here are some of the popular types!

Pancit Canton

Pancit canton noodles are egg-based, so they have a yellow appearance. They also include wheat flour and have a medium thickness (think the size of spaghetti noodles). As they're thicker, they are a bit more sturdy than other varieties so that you can use them for nearly any pancit dish.

Pancit Bihon

Pancit bihon noodles, also called rice stick noodles, are made from rice flour, cornstarch, and water. They have a white, almost translucent color, and they're quite thin rice noodles. These chewy rice noodles are commonly used in a stir-fry-like dish with meat and vegetables. Though, you can also use them as soup noodles.

Pancit Lomi

Lomi noodles are also egg-based, like canton. However, they’re much thicker than canton noodles. They’re springy and chewy, making them an excellent choice for lomi soup. This dish is between a soup and a noodle stir fry with extra sauce.

Pancit Misua

Misua noodles are made from wheat flour and are much smaller and more delicate than other varieties. These noodles are too flimsy for stir fry, so you’ll likely find them in soup dishes.

What Items Does Pancit Pair With?

Now that you know all about pancit, it’s time to enjoy it! If you want to spice up a delicious bowl of pancit, you can use the below pairings.

Jufran Banana Sauce

The flavor of banana sauce, aka banana ketchup, is very similar to standard ketchup flavorwise. You can expect a sweeter, fruity flavor from Jufran Banana Sauce. It’s common to mix banana sauce with savory noodle dishes, making this a perfect complement to pancit.

Datu Puti Soy Sauce

Datu Puti is a common condiment brand in the Philippines found on restaurant tables and Filipino kitchens. This Dati Puti Soy Sauce will add a delicious umami, aka meaty, flavor to your pancit noodles. If you’re making pancit from scratch, you can use this as part of the seasoning. Or, add a few drops on top of a ready-made pancit.

Jufran Spicy Banana Sauce

This Jufran Spicy Banana Sauce will take your pancit to the next level. You can expect a similarly sweet, fruity flavor as a standard banana sauce. However, there's a punch of heat included. Add a small amount or a large dollop of this sauce; we're not judging!

Datu Puti Toyomansi Soy Sauce with Calamansi

Datu Puti Toyomansi Soy Sauce with Calamansi is the perfect finishing touch for pancit. It has a citrusy, umami flavor that brings the perfect brightness to a pancit that’s filled with meat. Try adding a few drops next time you make pancit!

Lucky Me Pancit Canton Instant Noodles: Chilimansi

We know this isn't a pairing, but instead, a quick and easy way to make pancit at home! These Lucky Me Pancit Canton Instant Noodles: Chilimansi are ready in just a few minutes. Their sweet and savory sauce makes them an excellent choice for a snack or meal.

Ready for more Filipino foods? Head to Bokksu Market, an Asian grocery store. Bokksu Market has unique Asian grocery items ranging from Chinese to Japanese food and more. You can even order groceries online from Bokksu!

By Krystina Quintana