Noche Buena Must Haves

My dad wanted to go out for dinner on the 24th. But we were all so tired due to our most recent house parties and from my party which lasted until morning of the same day. The whole day of the 24th ended up a time for recuperating and being catatonic with only limited activities such as eating, sleeping and watching TV. Aside from massive hangovers, we didn't have enough courage and strength to shop and go out, but STILL a Noche Buena is always a must even if we only get to spend it within our relatively small immediate family.

Since most of our relatives are in Cebu and Roxas, we don't have clans here like everybody else. Christmas is spent with only our unit unless we find ourselves spending Christmas in Cebu, which as a kid I've always been accustomed to. But Cebu or not, we always have the same sumptuous food every noche buena. It will never be complete without these.

1. Nanay's seafood paella
2. Nanay's lechon
3. Nanay's Roasted Chicken
4. Walang kamatayang fruit salad
5. Banana loaf or muffins
6. Pancit Malabon
7. Crispy Pata
8. Ham with Cheese
9. Pizza
10. Mango Float
11. Ice Cream
12. Chili and Garlic Shrimp
13. Chili and Garlic Crabs
14. Leftover Lechon / Paksiw
15. Inihaw na tilapia or bangus
16. Spaghetti with Meatballs
17. Softdrinks
18. Wine
19. Luk Yuen Dimsum (Hakaw, fried meat, siomai)
20. Minute Maid

Dinner starts at 8 pm, from then on, it never ends. It's amazing though, without Nanay, we would be having Purefoods Luncheon Meat and corned been for Noche Buena.


Her royal chef highness, nanay!

Look up, ladies