Boodle Fight is described as the military style of eating wherein food of different kinds piled up in a mountain of rice at the center of a long table lined up with banana leaves. The eating combat then begins as hands reach out for the yummiest viand there is. 

Today, this form of dining is adapted not only by families or groups of friends but also of restaurants and famous dining spots. What used to be an unorthodox style of eating is now a form of a feast.

Of course, the utensil only available in this feast are your hands. Before every meal, each “combatant” washes their hands on a nearby water filled jar prepared for the occasion. Prayers are then said, led usually by the elder, in expression of gratitude and blessing of the meal. 

A typical Filipino boodle fight table has grilled or fried fish/chicken/pork, Adobo, boiled seafoods, a smorgasbord of blanched vegetables and sauces, and of course a pile of white rice. 

The dishes may sound incompatible altogether, but once you get a taste of eating on banana leaves with your family and friends around you to enjoy the food and the moment, nothing else tastes better.

After digging in on the delicious Filipino food, the “combatant” will feel nothing less than a victor, as if winning a big fight while rubbing their tummies in satisfaction.

Boodle fight is not only limited to military style of eating. When we learn to adapt to it, its quite fun. But its true message always comes across, the willingness to do things together shows brotherhood and unity. These two virtues makes this feast truly Filipino.