What to Eat: Tasting Ilocos’ Bests

Photo Credit: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/

Nestled on the western coast of Luzon, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte are provinces steeped in history and culture. These Philippine gems are an exciting blend of Spanish colonial architecture, natural wonders, and deletable cuisines.

Ilocos region is exceptionally known for its cuisine. The region has been a source of cuisine that has been embraced by the entire country. From Ilocos Norte to Ilocos Sur, visitors will find an array of delicious, exotic, and even vegan-vegetarian delicacies that will ticket their taste buds. And if you have plans of visiting this northern town soon, here are some of the must-try delicacies you should never miss out!

Bagnet

Bagnet is a crispy, deep-fried pork belly dish that originated in Ilocos. The pork is seasoned with salt and garlic and fried until the skin is golden brown and crispy. It is often served with a side of vinegar dip and steamed rice.

Ilocos Empanada

These empanadas are different from the typical empanadas found in other parts of the Philippines. They are made with a bright orange dough filled with a mixture of ground pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. The empanada is deep-fried until crispy and served with a spicy vinegar dip.

Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a vegetable dish that is a staple in Ilocano cuisine. It is made with a mix of local vegetables such as bitter melon, eggplant, squash, and okra. The vegetables are sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, and then stewed in a mixture of bagoong (fish paste) and water.

Dinengdeng

Dinengdeng is another Ilocano vegetable dish that is similar to pinakbet. It is made with a variety of vegetables such as bitter melon, squash, and string beans, and cooked in a broth made with fish or shrimp paste. For many Ilocanos, dinengdeng is also known as “inabraw”.

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Ilocos Longganisa

This longganisa is a sweet and garlicky sausage that is usually served with rice for breakfast. The sausage is made with ground pork and a variety of spices such as garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

So, pack your bags and set off to explore the alluring charm of Ilocos Region.

Kyla Demdam

Every word Kyla writes is an honest reflection of who she really is. She has a bookshelf in her heart and a typewriter in her head. She's expressive but she prefers to let her thoughts bleed through her pen.