Pares (food)


The Filipino term Pares commonly refers to Beef Pares, a braised beef stew served with garlic fried rice, and a bowl of clear soup. It is particularly associated with specialty roadside diner-style establishments known as Pares House that specialize in serving these type of meals. In recent years, it had also become a common dish served in karinderyas, small eateries that serve economical meals for local residents.
Informally, Pares can also refer to any dish that is cooked in the manner reminiscent of the "asado-style".

Etymology

The Filipino word Pares literally means pairs in English. The name for this style of serving meals comes from the practice of "pairing" the meal with garlic fried rice and a light beef broth soup.

Description

Beef Pares, or Pares as it is commonly known, is a meal that consist of beef asado, garlic fried rice and a bowl of beef broth soup.
The soup may originate from the broth in which the meat is simmered in until tender before being seasoned with the sweet-soy sauce but it can also be prepared separately and be made with beef bouillon cubes instead. This soup is usually made and seasoned with onion, garlic, peppercorns, chives, and onion leeks. Some cooks also add bay leaves to this broth to improve the flavor.
A garnish of chopped green onion and fried garlic mince is often added atop the dish before serving. Steamed rice is sometimes served instead of fried rice, depending on personal preference of the customer. Some Filipino restaurants also offer the option to serve the dish with an accompaniment of noodles instead of rice.