Ilocos norte,Philippines

Special Vigan Empanada

Vigan is known for numerous culinary breakthroughs in Ilocos Region. An adventure in this part of Luzon won’t be complete without having a bite of its very own emapanda. Many locals from other nearby provinces would brag about their own empanada with its distinct flavor, texture, and ingredients. In fact, a taste of empanada in Laoag is dissimilar to an empanada in Vigan.

After a long stroll along Calle Crisologo, it’s the best time to try on Vigan’s pride. This particular empanada has egg, carrots, and cabbage. And one unique ingredient that makes it more flavorful and special is Vigan longganisa (local sausage). Then the texture of the wrap is crunchier and the color is lighter than Laoag’s empanada. I have never seen an empanada being dipped into vinegar, and it tastes so good.

Bagnet

Ilocos is gastronomically-synonymous to its well-known food, bagnet. It is chiefly a deep fried pork, sliced in chunks preferably the liempo part and marinated with special local sauce. It is specially mixed with tomatoes, bagoong (fish or shrimp paste), and onion. Another must-try native food in Vigan.

Budget: P190 per order (good for 2 persons)

Location: Hidden Garden Lilong & Lilang Restaurant at Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Tinubong

It is a sweet and glutinous form of snack in Ilocos, especially wrapped in bamboos, mainly made of sticky rice mixed with coconut, sugar and oil. It's an interesting delicacy because you have to hit the bamboo stick on the wall in order for you to split it. One of the best-buys as pasalubong in Ilocos.

Budget: 3 pcs for P100

Location: Near Marcos Mauseleum   

Pinakbet Pizza

Philippines is an archipelago of diverse culture. It even reflects on the way their palate so efficient in creating appetizing cuisine by the use of local ingredients. Each province has its own unique style to impress the tourists both local and foreign using their cooking ingenuity.  Who would have thought that pizza can be this more luscious? Pamapageno’s culinary expertise has once impressed me with their original pizza using daing (local fish) or salted duck egg as the main ingredients. Our food trip has never been this so daring after we tasted Iloco’s pride- the pinakbet pizza. Yes, you heard me right. Could you imagine a whole round of pizza has ampalaya (bitter gourd) as one of the toppings. And the uniqueness didn’t stop right there. The sauce was not ketchup not even the chilly one, but bagoong (fish sauce). The fish sauce blends perfectly with this local pizza. You should not definitely miss this once you drop by Paoay.

Budget: P385 per order (good for 4 persons)

Location: Herencia Restaurant at Paoay, Ilocos Norte (just in front of Paoay Church)

Coron Palawan, Phillipines

Spicy Chicken Adobo

Spicy Chicken Adobo (Braised chicken in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce), P360. This dish really reminded us of a Chinese dish – Claypot Sesame Oil Chicken.

Malaguno Fish Fillet

Steamed Malaguno Fillet, P490. The fish was fresh but other than that the flesh was bland and dry as there was not much gravy or marinade.

Bak Choy

Bak Choy, P140. The vegetables was really pathetically little and dry, like it was fried haphazardly.
The Flan De Leche, P150, must be the worst dessert I have ever tasted in my life or at least their version of it. The sweetness (only one taste was apparent) was too diabetic and overpowering! We only took half and couldn’t bear to stomach any more of it (sorry no photo here as I feel so sick eating this) but Winnie’s Restaurant version of Flan De Leche was so much better and palatable and best of all, its complimentary!

Baguio city, Philippines

Japanese restaurant Chaya serves rich, authentic Japanese fare, from fresh tuna and salmon sashimi, to crisp vegetable and seafood tempura. But it is their homemade green tea ice cream – a small serving of which comes complimentary at the end of every meal – that really takes the cake. Served with red beans and, in the case of the Cream Anmitsu, a generous serving of fruits in season, the green tea ice cream makes for the perfectly refreshing cap to a classic Chaya.

Lagud (Strawberry beer) at Baguio Craft Brewery

Marcos Highway

BOTTLES OF BEER. Enjoy bottles of craft beers with a view of the city at Baguio Craft Brewery. Photo courtesy of Baguio Craft Brewery

Baguio’s first craft brewery offers a variety of flavors that will keep both the curious and the avid craft beer fan on their toes. Try the distinct flavor of the strawberry beer, Lagud,which is highly recommended with the buffalo wings.

Dark beer cheesecake at Ozark Diner

Bareng Drive, Bakakeng

GO AHEAD AND SIN. Indulge in Ozark’s sinful and rich dark beer cheesecake. Photo courtesy of Ozark Diner

You probably won’t eat cheesecake and down it with beer, but there’s another – nay, more ingenious – way of doing it: the dark beer cheesecake, which you can indulge in at Ozark Diner along Bareng Drive in Bakakeng. And if you’re still up for another slice, also try the Chocolate Siling Labuyo cheesecake (yes, complete with candied chillies on top).