The Difference Between Italian And Filipino Spaghetti

When you think of spaghetti, you might picture a tasty plate of fresh, perfectly el dente pasta covered in a savory red sauce. But, depending on where you're from, the experience of spaghetti can differ greatly. While Italy and the Philippines are thousands of miles apart, they both have their own unique take on this beloved dish. One of them includes an unexpected ingredient: hot dogs. (Spoiler alert: It's not the Italians.)

You might be surprised to learn that the Phillippines have their own take on the Italian classic. However, Filipino spaghetti has been sound for quite a while. Believed to have been created in the post-World War II era, Filipino spaghetti is thought to have evolved when Filipinos began adapting traditional Italian pasta dishes using locally available ingredients. While Italian spaghetti and Filipino spaghetti share the same basic foundation of pasta, they differ widely in terms of ingredients and flavor profile.

Italian spaghetti is known for its simple, fresh, and vibrant sauce made from ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and a touch of salt and pepper. The focus is on the ingredients' natural flavors, with a light, slightly tangy taste. It can also be served alongside sausage, ground beef, meatballs, or some sort of protein. 

Arguably, the most noticeable difference between the two styles is the sauce. Filipino spaghetti, which includes noodles, hot dogs, ground beef, and yellow cheese, is topped with a sweet, banana ketchup-based sauce. Banana ketchup is a sweet, tangy condiment made from bananas, sugar, and vinegar. Mixed with tomato sauce, soy sauce, garlic (and other spices), and a punch of fish sauce, it's a far cry from Italian spaghetti.

Filipino spaghetti also uses some form of meat — but it's different than you'd expect. Hot dogs or sliced sweet sausage called longanisa are often added to this dish for an extra burst of flavor. The hot dogs deliver a salty, meaty punch that perfectly complements the Filipino spaghetti's sweetness.

In contrast to parmesan or romano cheese, Filipino spaghetti is often topped with yellow (usually cheddar) cheese. The mild, slightly salty flavor of the processed cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy tomato sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The cheese's creamy texture also helps smooth out the sauce, making it more indulgent and comforting.