"Tuyo" (Salted Dried Fish)

Tuyo, a mainstay in Philippine food, is a delicacy made from salting and drying fish, typically tunsoy (herring). Dipped in vinegar or eaten with chopped tomatoes, grilled or fried tuyo is a suitable viand to rice. Tuyo can also be paired with champorado (chocolate porridge).

Filipinos' preference for tuyo might have been attributed to the country's coastal nature, so there is an abundance of fish. The salt from the sea has offered an opportunity to preserve the fish, and tuyo is the plausible result. 

Tuyo is popular with Filipinos from all walks of life. Jose Rizal, the national hero, used to eat tuyo for breakfast. (He, however, referred to tuyo as sardinas secas). Even some celebrity chefs formulate new recipes that take advantage of the culinary offerings of tuyo.