almusal

Almusal is the first meal of the day, commonly referred to as breakfast in the Filipino context. In the Philippines it forms part of a traditional three-meal cycle that also includes tanghalian (lunch) and hapunan (dinner). While some speakers use agahan as a general term for morning meals, almusal remains widely understood in Tagalog and other Filipino languages.

Origin and usage: the term is believed to derive from the Spanish word almuerzo, but in Filipino usage it has come to denote the morning meal rather than midday or noon meals. The word reflects historical linguistic contact and local adaptation, and its meaning can vary by region and household.

Typical foods: a Filipino almusal commonly combines starchy staples with protein and a hot beverage. Popular options include fried rice with a fried egg and a meat side such as tapa, tocino, or longganisa, often assembled as silog variants (eg, tapsilog, tocilog). Bread such as pandesal with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk is also common. Regional preferences include porridge varieties like arroz caldo and sweet dishes such as champorado, sometimes served with milk.

Cultural role: breakfast routines differ between urban and rural areas. For many, almusal is a quick, practical meal before work or school, while weekends may feature more elaborate preparations. Morning markets and street vendors frequently offer ready-to-eat options, highlighting the meal’s everyday function in daily life.

See also: tanghalian, hapunan, silog.