The difference between lugaw, goto, and arroz caldo | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

The difference between lugaw, goto, and arroz caldo
Photos by Samantha Ong

Craving lugaw, goto, or arroz caldo? Make sure you know which one you really want

It’s been raining nonstop these past few days. While we’re all transitioning our wardrobes to something more weather-appropriate, it’s time to indulge in rainy day comfort food to help us feel a little warmer inside, too. Like lugaw. Or goto. Or arroz caldo.

I’m sure you’re now picturing just one thing in your mind with those three: a steaming hot bowl of rice porridge. But the thing is, they are different from each other. If you plan to cook or order some for yourself today, be sure you know exactly which one you want.

Lugaw

The most basic of the three, lugaw is actually the base. It’s just rice porridge with pretty much nothing else. You can add toppings like toasted garlic chips, green onions, or maybe even an egg. Lugaw has no meat in it whatsoever.

Goto

Goto Monsters Goto Special
Goto Monster’s Goto Special

Goto, on the other hand, is lugaw with innards, tripe, and sometimes also beef or pork.

Arroz caldo

Arroz caldo
Photo by Sarah Arrogante

Although arroz caldo translates to rice broth, there’s more to this dish than just soupy rice. Unlike goto that uses innards and tripe, arroz caldo has chicken meat in addition to the basic lugaw.

Read more:

Makati’s favorite gotohan is now in Malate

Drinks and snacks to soothe your sore throat

This cold, wet season calls for porridge

Read more by Pauline Miranda:

America’s “chocolate porridge” is so 16th century

You won’t want to miss breakfast at Sunny Side Café

Unique takes on sinigang we want Liza Soberano to try

What does it take to make Tsuta’s Michelin-starred ramen?

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