Which category of dishes is typically reserved for special occasions rather than forming the workhorse meals of the week?
Answer
Complex, richer dishes like *Kare-Kare* or *Pancit*
There is a clear cultural division between the dishes prioritized for practicality in daily sustenance and those reserved for celebratory events or weekend gatherings. The workhorse meals of the week tend to be the simpler, easily batch-cooked, sour, or braised dishes that reheat well, allowing for culinary efficiency. In contrast, complex, richer preparations are typically reserved for special occasions. Examples provided of these richer, time-intensive dishes set aside for festivities include *Kare-Kare*, which involves an oxtail stew base with peanut sauce, and *Pancit*, which features noodles, suggesting that richness is a marker for celebration rather than routine.

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