tinola

Tinola is a traditional Filipino soup dish made with chicken, green papaya or sayote, and leafy greens, cooked in a ginger-flavored clear broth. It is typically prepared by simmering chicken pieces with onion, garlic, and water or stock, then adding sliced green papaya or sayote and finishing with leafy greens such as malunggay (moringa) leaves or spinach. The dish is usually seasoned with fish sauce or salt and pepper, yielding a light, savory broth.

Variations across regions and households are common. While tinola most often uses chicken (tinolang manok), some versions employ fish (tinolang isda) or other meats, and greens may vary between malunggay, spinach, or other local greens. Green papaya is a frequent ingredient but may be substituted with sayote depending on season and availability.

Preparation and serving: The aromatics (garlic and onion) are sautéed or lightly fried, then simmered with chicken and broth until tender. The papaya or sayote softens, followed by the greens near the end to preserve color and nutrients. Tinola is typically served hot with steamed rice.