Home › Glossary › H

Handaan

A gathering or feast prepared for family and guests, such as a birthday, reunion, or holiday. A proper handaan means generous, abundant tables, with signature dishes like pancit for long life, spaghetti, lechon, and desserts that every Filipino remembers growing up with.

Posts mentioning Handaan

Three smiling children in colorful party hats celebrate at an arcade with a decorated birthday cake, popcorn, drinks, and candy.

Culture

The Best Birthday Party Foods All Filipinos Grew Up With

It’s not a party without these 6 dishes at the handaan!

By Patricia Baes

Hands passing a wooden bowl of salad at a busy table during a meal.

Culture

Why Bringing Food Is Such an Important Part of Filipino Gatherings

From handaan and potlucks to fiestas and office parties, bringing a dish to share is more than just Filipino party etiquette—it’s rooted in tradition.

By Patricia Baes