Every year around late November, I notice my feed filling with Thanksgiving posts, hearty dinners, and tables full of people expressing gratitude. While Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in the Philippines, the idea behind it, giving thanks, is something deeply rooted in our culture. In Filipino, we say “Salamat,” and that single word carries warmth, humility, and acknowledgment of shared blessings. This year, I decided to create my own version of a Thanksgiving celebration at home: a “Salamat Feast” featuring dishes inspired by Filipino flavors and heartfelt family traditions.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of crafting a meaningful Salamat Feast, plus three simple, hearty local twist recipes that fit perfectly for gatherings. These recipes are easy to prepare, enjoyable to share, and most importantly, speak to the Filipino soul.

Who is This Feast For?

I designed this feast with families, small gatherings, barkadas, and home cooks in mind, anyone who wants to celebrate togetherness without needing a special occasion. It’s especially meaningful for:

• Filipino families abroad missing a taste of home
• Local households looking for a new holiday tradition
• Friends or officemates hosting potluck dinners
• Anyone wanting to practice gratitude through food and shared stories

What Makes a “Salamat Feast”?

A Salamat Feast is centered on three things:

1. Gratitude – Expressing thanks to people we care about
2. Togetherness – Sharing one table, no matter how simple
3. Local Flavors – Using Filipino ingredients and heritage cooking styles

Instead of the typical turkey, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie, I create dishes highlighting familiar Filipino comfort food, warm, flavorful, and meant for sharing.

When and Where to Celebrate

There’s no strict date for a Salamat Feast. You can celebrate:

• On the same week as Thanksgiving
• During birthdays or anniversaries
• On a payday weekend reunion
• Or even a simple Sunday lunch at home

The feast can happen:

• In the living room floor “boodle-style”
• At your dining table with special plates
• Outdoor style, patio, balcony, or backyard
• Or as a potluck with everyone bringing something meaningful

The key is the intention, not the location.

Why a Filipino Twist?

Filipino cuisine carries story, warmth, and identity. When we invite someone to our table, we are inviting them into our lives. Giving Filipino recipes a place in a celebration of gratitude:

• Honors our culture
• Makes the meal more relatable
• Strengthens family bonds
• Supports local farmers and producers

And honestly, our flavors are comforting, soulful, and unforgettable.

How to Host a “Salamat Feast”

1. Start with Gratitude Notes

Prepare small slips of paper and ask everyone to write one thing they are thankful for. Read them aloud later.

2. Plan Simple, Meaningful Dishes

Choose recipes that are familiar, easy to serve, and comforting.

3. Set a Warm Table

You don’t need fancy décor. Fresh banana leaves, reused jars as vases, or even simple white plates can make the meal feel special.

4. Share Stories

Food tastes better when it carries emotion.

Recipes for a Filipino “Salamat Feast”

Below are three recipes crafted to highlight local flavors but still feel festive enough for a celebration.

Recipe 1: Herb-Garlic Roast Chicken with Calamansi Butter Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (1.5–2 kg)
• 8–10 calamansi, juiced
• 4 tbsp softened butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for flavor depth)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Pat chicken dry and season inside and out with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
3. In a bowl, combine calamansi juice, butter, garlic, and soy sauce.
4. Rub mixture under the skin and all over the chicken.
5. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting halfway.
6. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Why It Works:

This replaces turkey with a more accessible Filipino staple, chicken, while keeping the festive roast flavor. The calamansi butter adds brightness and familiarity to the palate.

Recipe 2: Creamy Ube Macaroni Salad with Toasted Coconut

Ingredients:

• 250g macaroni pasta
• 1/2 cup ube halaya
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1/4 cup cheese cubes
• 2 tbsp toasted grated coconut

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; let it cool completely.
2. Combine ube halaya, mayonnaise, and condensed milk until smooth.
3. Fold in pasta, pineapple, and cheese.
4. Chill at least 1 hour.
5. Top with toasted coconut before serving.

Why It Works:

It brings something visually exciting, nostalgic, and sweet to the table, similar to classic Filipino macaroni salad but with a festive ube flair.

Recipe 3: Garlic Adobo Fried Rice Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 cups leftover rice (ideal: cold)
• 1 cup shredded leftover chicken/pork adobo
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional)
• Chopped spring onions for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat oil, sauté garlic until golden.
2. Add shredded adobo and cook until slightly crisp.
3. Add rice and toss well.
4. Season with soy sauce and vinegar.
5. Transfer to baking dish and bake 10 minutes at 180°C for a toasted finish.
6. Top with spring onions.

Why It Works:

A clever way to repurpose leftovers, but elevated. The baked finish gives it a comforting texture that feels celebratory.

Suggested Table Setup for Photos (for blog or Facebook posts)

• Use banana leaves as placemats
• Add small bowls of dipping sauces (toyo, suka, chili oil)
• Place dishes in the center for shared serving
• Include handwritten “Salamat” place cards

Hosting a Salamat Feast is not about replicating Western holidays, it’s about expressing appreciation through the language we speak best: food and togetherness. Each dish becomes more than just a recipe, it becomes a memory shared at the table.

In the end, gratitude grows when it is spoken, shared, and lived.

Salamat—from my kitchen to yours.