Pancit


In Filipino cuisine, pancit are noodles and the dishes made from them, usually made with rice noodles. Noodles were introduced into the Philippines early on by Chinese settlers in the archipelago, and over the centuries have been fully adopted into local cuisine, of which there are now numerous variants and types. The term pancit is derived from the Hokkien pian i sit which literally means "convenient food." Different kinds of noodles can be found in Filipino supermarkets which can then be cooked at home. Noodle dishes are also standard fare in local restaurants. Food establishments specializing in noodles are often referred to as panciterias.
Nancy Reyes Lumen of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism writes that according to food lore handed down from the Chinese, noodles should be eaten on one's birthday. They are therefore commonly served at birthday celebrations and Chinese restaurants in the Philippines often have "birthday noodles" listed on their menus. However, she warns that since "noodles represent long life and good health", they must not be cut, as that would "corrupt the symbolism."

Variations

Luglug and Palabok

Pancit luglug, a Kapampangan version of pancit palabok, are essentially similar dishes, the difference being primarily in the noodles used in the recipe.
Luglog uses a thicker noodle than the traditional bihon of a pancit palabok and usually has less condiments and relish on top. Both pancit dishes use a round rice noodle smothered with a thick, golden shrimp sauce or other flavored sauce, and topped with:
residents created a new pancit made from seaweed, which has health benefits. It is rich in calcium and magnesium and the seaweed noodles can be cooked into pancit canton, pancit luglug, spaghetti, or carbonara.

List of other variants