The food: Ginataang Alimango – Steamed Crab in Coconut Milk

Where to find it: Dampa sa Farmers Market, Manila, Philippines

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With more than 36,000 km of beaches and waterfronts, the Filipinos live for the sea. Beach palm trees will often rustle off coconuts and toss them into the lapping waves. Before idle sunset evenings you’ll spot catamarans bobbing in the low tide waiting for the evening catch.

At Cebu’s wet market, you’ll discover that each chef and fisherman harnesses the Filipino sea and surroundings for all that it’s worth. Its ginataang alimango crab epitomizes this. With crabs from nearby Honda Bay and simmering coconut milk squeezed from the bounty of palm trees on the island, we receive this dish that can only be appreciated—like any good crab dish—with your bare hands. And let’s hope you have the strength to crack open these steamed treasures.