Lumpiang shanghai and tortang talong dominate Taste Atlas’ Southeast Asia food ranking (Sabong News)

Taste Atlas has been putting Filipino food in the spotlight by including dishes such as , , and in its food ranking. This time, the online food encyclopedia continues to do the same by giving Lumpiang Shangai and Tortang Talong the top spots in its annual Best Ranked Southeast Asia Food list. A staple in many local celebrations, from weddings to fiestas, or even in regular dining setups, the Lumpiang Shanghai is loved by many, both Filipinos and foreigners, due to its crispy exterior and tasty filling, which many can customize based on their liking. says, “even though lumpia appears in numerous variations, the shanghai version is characterized by a savory filling which combines ground pork or beef with carrots, onions, various seasonings, and (occasionally) shrimps.” Another humble Filipino dish, the is a dish made of char-grilled eggplants and beaten egg fried in a pan. According to Filipino food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, Tortang Talong can also have ground pork, minced potatoes, and carrots. Ranked by its audience, both Filipino dishes garnered a 4.8-star rating, leaving Indonesia’s Bubur Ayam (4.7), Vietnam’s Pho (4.3), Thailand’s Pad Thai, and Indonesia’s Satay (both got 4.2) behind. Malaysia’s Nasi Lemak (3.9), Singapore’s Chili Crab (3.9), and Vietnam’s Bánh Xèo (3.8) are rated OK by the website’s community. While Cambodia’s Steamed Curried Fish (3.3), Indonesia’s Acar (3.2), and the Philippines’ Balut (2.7) are named worst. While this is another win for Filipino cuisine, many are baffled by the ranking. One social media user commented, “the ‘Lumpiang Shanghai’ and ‘Tortang Talong’ of [the] Philippines [aren’t] really the best. There are more aside from [those].” Others are looking for other Southeast Asian dishes that should make the list such as Kare-kare, Laksa, Nasi Goreng, and Banh Mi. How about you? Do you agree with this ranking?