Byasaan

Byasaan refers to a traditional Filipino dish, specifically a type of noodle soup originating from the Bicol region of the Philippines. It is characterized by its rich and flavorful broth, often made with pork or chicken and infused with a blend of spices. The noodles themselves are typically made from rice flour, giving them a soft yet slightly chewy texture.

A key ingredient that distinguishes byasaan is the use of fermented shrimp paste, known locally as bagoong, which imparts a distinct umami and slightly pungent taste to the soup. Other common ingredients include vegetables such as pechay (a type of bok choy), string beans, and sometimes squash. The dish is often garnished with fried garlic, chopped spring onions, and a squeeze of calamansi, a small citrus fruit native to the Philippines, to add freshness and acidity.

Byasaan is a comfort food for many Bicolanos and is enjoyed as a hearty meal, particularly during cooler weather or as a breakfast dish. Its preparation involves simmering the broth with aromatics and the chosen protein, then adding the noodles and vegetables to cook through. The bagoong is typically added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavor. While variations exist across households and towns within Bicol, the core elements of a savory broth, rice noodles, and the distinctive taste of bagoong remain consistent.