mitaot

The term "mitaot" refers to a traditional Filipino dish originating from the Bicol region of the Philippines. It is a type of stew, typically made with pork, and known for its spicy and savory flavor profile. The core ingredients usually include pork belly or other cuts of pork, coconut milk, and a generous amount of chilies, particularly the bird's eye chili (siling labuyo), which imparts its characteristic heat.

Other common additions to mitaot can include garlic, onions, ginger, and sometimes fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) to enhance the umami. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender. The coconut milk provides a rich and creamy base that balances the spiciness of the chilies. Mitaot is often served with steamed rice, making it a popular comfort food in Bicolano cuisine. Variations of the dish exist, with some families or communities adding other vegetables or proteins, but the fundamental elements of pork, coconut milk, and chili remain consistent. Its distinctive taste makes it a memorable part of Filipino culinary heritage.