The Best After-Gig Munchies

By: IVY M.G.
(some?) photos by: R Ibanez

Whether you’re a performing artist or the loud boozed up member of an audience, the after gig food is not only a must, but an essential part of the evening or early morning.

And for all intents and purposes, we know what it is to be torn between deep sleep (or hibernation) and late dinner-fast (self explanatory). It is both the best way to regain some strength, and to have some sort of nightcap after a night of great music, and music appreciation – whatever side of the stage you’re on: hungover, with the munchies, or not.

We’ve been told not to have a full belly before dozing off to dreamland, but an after gig meal is an after gig meal. Just make sure to give at least 4 hours downtime before catching some well deserved zzz’s.

Hot noodles, with or without soup
Ah, yes, one of the cheapest types of food, and usually instant, if no open ramen or noodle shops are around. Instantly good after slamming in the pit, or maybe a nice acoustic evening at a cozy bar.

This is mostly easy to do, unless one is David Hasselhoff-level wasted, with instant noodles instead of the burger on his floor. Instant noodles, or instant noodles with soup may be good for the soul and very cheap and easy to cook, but it also comes with tons of sodium content. The very spicy ones will also make for a nice surprise tomorrow.

For the more demanding chow connoisseurs, add some chopped leeks, meat, veggies, and an egg. Other people (read: drunks) even swear that replacing the water in the cooking pot with beer will also make it much killer.

Goto / Pares

It’s 2:30 am and you’re all tired from the show and can’t cook at home. But there’s a small goto pares street joint next to the tricycle station, replete with tokwa, tokwa’t baboy, and other good instant munchies for cheap.

Two, maybe three bowls later, and you’re good to go for home and some much needed zzz’s. Classic goto with calamansi and pepper is good, with all the ox tripe and beef / pork mystery meat included in the goodness. For those that have it, arroz caldo is also good, with chicken as a healthier substitute.

Burgers

If at all possible, non McD’s or Jolli burgers are preferred, especially the big fat greasy ones. A better choice is a big fat greasy cheeseburger, or two, depending on the hunger level. Everyone has their own favorite go to place that is still open late. If not, well, good old McD’s or Jollibee will do.

One can never be wrong with a burger or cheeseburger in your life, and your tummy will thank you after, forget the fat and calorie guilt. After all you have to take care of yourself at all times.

The SILOG – Tap/Toci/Long/Chicken/Hotdog/Spam/Bangus/Ham – Whatever Silog Meal
Yes, the quintessential Pinoy all day breakfast meal, lead by the main dish of Tapa, Tocino, Longganisa, Chicken, Hotdog, Spam or whatever, with sinangag fried rice, and a sunny side up egg on top.

We have heard people become religious and thank Jesus after this unholy power trio is served. And some of those were rastafarian or black metal bands and show goers. Unbeatable and reliable, all the time. Extra order of sinangag rice may be imminent.

Kebabs and Shawarmas

Heavy grub is essential after a heavy night out in the nightlife, and for many, good kebabs and shawarmas are very welcome into our stomachs, thank you very much. Beef will make them work overtime and even instantly induce food coma, but we don’t care, get that order on our table now.

Another similar alternative with heavy content: Burritos, both the steak and breakfast varieties. Great especially if it was a great show, or if a fight broke out when some loud and wild grindcore band played and destroyed the equipment.