Lengua

Lengua, the Spanish word for “tongue,” is a delicacy in many Latin American and Filipino cuisines, renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. Typically made from beef tongue, lengua is often slow-cooked or braised to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The preparation varies by region, with popular dishes including tacos de lengua in Mexico, where the tongue is seasoned, sliced, and served in warm tortillas, and lengua estofada in the Philippines, where it is cooked in a savory sauce with mushrooms and olives.

Lengua showcases the cultural practice of nose-to-tail cooking, emphasizing the use of every part of the animal and reflecting a deep respect for food and tradition. This dish is not only a testament to culinary ingenuity but also a symbol of the rich, diverse culinary heritage of the cultures that embrace it.