A trip is never complete without tasting the local and
traditional food of the places you have visited. In this article, I would be
sharing with you some of the best and yummy dishes that you can try once you
visit the southern area of Central Luzon!
The Province of Bataan
1. Araro Cookies
Samal
is known as the Araro Capital of Bataan because of its infamous Araro cookies.
The cookies are made of arrowroot instead of the usual flour and eggs mix, thus
giving it a milkier and richer taste than the puto seko. Not just that, the
araro cookies also have little carvings that make it aesthetically beautiful!
2. Sinigang na Manok sa Ayo
The
province of Bataan is known for its version of the classic sour soup of
Southeast Asia, Sinigang, because it uses a different ingredient that makes the
dish have its distinct taste. The Ayo leaves gives the Sinigang na Manok a
twist because of the sweet and sour flavor that it contributes to the dish.
Thus, making the Bataan version of Sinigang, a dish to remember.
3. Tinapang Banak
Being
one of Bataan’s thriving industries, the people of Bataan had already perfected
the art of pagtitinapa. Having many fishes that are freshly caught, the
province is able to sustain the excellent flavor that it has been giving to the
tinapa. Contributing to the fresh flavor of tinapa is the smokey flavor caused
by using wood shavings as pampausok to
the fishes.
The Province of Bulacan
1. Pancit Marilao
Make
way for another pancit variety, Pancit Marilao! Pancit Marilao is almost the
same as the pancit palabok but unlike the classic dish, the pancit marilao is
topped with crunchy okoy (crispy shrimp fritters) and slices of kamias as a
better substitute for calamansi. The dish might sound adventurous but with the
right blend of crunchiness given by the okoy, the tenderness of the noodles,
and the sourish taste of kamias, every bite is surely a fun experience!
2. Pastillas de Leche
Pastillas
de Leche, which literally translates to “milk tablets”, is one of the
delicacies that are famous in Bulacan, particularly in the town of San Miguel.
Unlike other pastillas that uses condensed and powdered milk, the pastillas in
Bulacan are made with cooked carabao’s milk, which makes it tastier and more
delectable!
3. Ensaymada Malolos (Buttered
Brioche)
When
I asked my dad about the famous delicacies of Bulacan, he immediately said
“Yung ensaymada ng Malolos!” According to him, Bulacan is known for its unique
and yummy ensaymada. The ensaymada of Malolos has a slightly darker color from
other ensaymadas. Butter, cheese and a slice of salted duck egg on top are the
ingredients that completes this yummy treat!
The Province of Pampanga
1. Batute Tugak
One
of Pampanga’s exotic dishes, Batute Tugak or stuffed frogs, is a must-try for
adventurous foodies! The Batute Tugak are made by stuffing each frog with seasoned
ground beef and then deep-fried so as to attain its crispiness. No worries, the
frogs that are being used in this dish are farm-raised and poison-free, so
everyone are free to indulge!
2. Balo balo
Another
Kapampangan dish is the Balo balo, more commonly known as ‘buro’, which is
composed of fermented rice with shrimp suahe and then sautéed in garlic and
tomatoes. Serving the dish with mustasa, grilled talong and grilled hito will
make the dish more enjoyable. The sour funny smell of the delicacy might make
you reconsider eating it but you can never stop yourself from eating once you
have tasted the dish!
Pampanga’s
version of the Spanish Paella is the Bringhe, made with glutinous rice cooked
in coconut milk and turmeric, which gives the yellow green color and distinct
flavor to the dish. A lot of different ingredients are also mixed into the dish
like chicken, chorizo, bell peppers, carrots and raisins. It is also common to
top the dish with slices of boiled eggs to make it more tasty and
picture-perfect. The Bringhe is usually served during special occasions and
fiestas but it is actually very easy to prepare.
The Province of Zambales
In
1995, the Guinness Book of World Records has awarded Zambales as the province
who has the sweetest and most sumptuous mangoes! The mangoes of Zambales are
one of the reasons why tourists keep coming back to the province. Today, the
mangoes of the province are being transformed into delectable desserts,
refreshing drinks and cocktails, thus diversifying the uses of mangoes and
enhancing the experience of tourists!
2. Linga
A
nutritious yet scrumptious candy can be found in Zambales? Yep! Linga, more
commonly known as “sesame seed candies”, is one of the native delicacies of
Zambales. One would surely love these candies once he has tasted one! The linga
is a sweet delicacy that is made of just two ingredients, namely: raw sugar and
freshly roast sesame seeds!
3. Ginipang
Another
native delicacy of Zambales is the Ginipang that is made of dried rice grains
and has a unique sweet taste. Once you visit the northernmost part of Zambales,
do not forget to have a taste of this delicious yet affordable delicacy!
References:
- http://www.pinasmuna.com/2014/05/eurobake-ensaymada-of-malolos-bulacan.html
- http://www.filipino-recipes-lutong-pinoy.com/pastillas-de-leche.html
- http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/festivals/1325/zambales-mango-festival/
- http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=PinasSarapCulinarySites&func=all&pid=8670
- http://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/386/pancit-marilao/
- http://www.pinasmuna.com/2014/05/eurobake-ensaymada-of-malolos-bulacan.html
- http://8list.ph/kapampangan-food/
- http://testcook.businessmirrorireport.com/?p=75
- http://tourism-philippines.com/bataan/
- http://www.linamnam.com/anak-ng-tinapa
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