Pancit Otso is not just a dish; it’s a showstopper! Imagine a platter of vibrant, flavorful noodles, each strand packed with history, tradition, and taste. This unique Filipino noodle dish is named after the number “otso” (eight), as it beautifully blends eight different types of noodles, creating an extraordinary harmony of textures and flavors. Whether it’s a birthday, fiesta, or a simple get-together, Pancit Otso brings people together with its irresistible taste and festive appeal.

The History of Pancit Otso

Pancit has deep roots in Filipino cuisine, brought by Chinese traders centuries ago and adapted with local ingredients and flavors. Pancit Otso is a modern take on this tradition, evolving as a luxurious version that symbolizes abundance and prosperity, perfect for celebrations. Combining various noodles, meats, and vegetables, it represents the diverse influences in Filipino food culture.

Prices:

Serving Size	Price	Calories
21-25 persons	₱ 1400.00	6820 CAL

Pancit Otso Recipe

This step-by-step guide will help you create an authentic and delicious Pancit Otso at home.

Ingredients

Noodles:

• 100g Pancit Canton
• 100g Bihon
• 100g Sotanghon
• 100g Miki
• 100g Linguine or Spaghetti
• 100g Pancit Lomi
• 100g Pancit Palabok Noodles
• 100g Vermicelli

Proteins:

• 200g Chicken (sliced)
• 150g Pork (thinly sliced, optional)
• 150g Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 100g Squid (sliced into rings)
• Fish balls or Kikiam (optional)

Vegetables:

• 1 Carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 Cabbage (shredded)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (sliced)
• 100g Snow Peas
• 1 Celery stalk (chopped)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves of Garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil

Garnishes:

• Chopped Green Onions
• Fried Garlic Bits
• Calamansi or Lemon Wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles. Soak the bihon, sotanghon, and palabok noodles in warm water until soft, then drain. Blanch miki in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain. Cook the other noodles according to package instructions.
2. Cook the proteins. Heat oil in a large wok, sauté garlic and onions, then add chicken, pork, shrimp, and squid. Cook until the proteins are fully cooked.
3. Add the vegetables; toss in carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, snow peas, and celery. Stir-fry until tender but crisp.
4. Make it with chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer.
5. Combine everything; add all the noodles to the wok, mixing thoroughly to coat them evenly in the sauce.
6. Final touch: Adjust seasoning if needed; garnish with green onions, fried garlic, and calamansi wedges.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

What Makes Pancit Otso Unique?

Pancit Otso, meaning “Pancit Eight” in English, is said to symbolize regeneration and good fortune. The name refers to its use of eight distinct types of noodles, which are carefully blended to achieve a harmony of textures and flavors. Each noodle used in Pancit Otso provides a unique personality to the dish, representing the diversity and unity found in Filipino culture. 

Its origins likely stem from the desire to combine multiple pancit recipes popular across regions into one masterpiece. This dish invites both traditionalists and modern foodies to celebrate Filipino flavors.

Tips for the Best Pancit Otso

• Do not overcook the noodles; keep them firm to prevent sogginess.
• Balance the sauce; adjust soy sauce and fish sauce to your taste.
• Customize the ingredients; you can swap proteins with tofu, beef, or other seafood.
• Garnish generously; calamansi, green onions, and fried garlic enhance the dish’s flavors.

faqs

Conclusion

Pancit Otso is more than just a noodle dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and Filipino culinary heritage. By blending eight different noodles with a medley of proteins, vegetables, and savory sauces, this dish brings both nostalgia and excitement to the table. Whether enjoyed at a grand fiesta or a cozy family dinner, Pancit Otso is a true symbol of togetherness and abundance. So, the next time you crave something special, gather your loved ones, prepare a hearty serving, and experience the magic of this iconic Filipino masterpiece!