1. Leche Flan: This custard dessert is a direct adaptation of the Spanish "flan." It features a smooth, creamy custard base topped with a caramel sauce.
2. Empanada: This savory pastry, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, is a Filipino version of the Spanish "empanada." The fillings and flavor profiles often reflect Filipino preferences.
3. Turron: This chewy, brittle candy comes in various flavors and is especially popular during Christmas. It's derived from the Spanish "turrón," a nougat confection made with honey, sugar, and nuts.
4. Arroz Valenciana: This rice dish is a Filipino adaptation of the Spanish "paella." It combines rice, chicken, chorizo, and vegetables, often with a touch of tomato sauce.
5. Suman: While not directly from Spain, the Spanish influence on suman is significant. These steamed sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves are often sweetened with sugar and coconut milk, a flavor combination influenced by Spanish culinary practices.
These treats highlight the rich cultural exchange between Spain and the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The Filipino people adapted Spanish culinary techniques and ingredients, infusing them with their own unique flavors and traditions.