Naimas! Mabisinakon!
One of the things that we do while travelling is tasting what food the local offers. Whenever you go and visit Ilocos provinces, make sure to find and try their local cuisines and delicacies.
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10 Ilocano Food You Must Try
Here I list 10 of their original delicacies:
1. DINENGDENG (INABRAW)
Dinengdeng is a dish of the Ilocano people of the Philippines, similar to pinakbet. It is classified as a bagoong monamon soup based dish. Unlike pinakbet, dinengdeng contains fewer vegetables and contains squash and more bagoong monamon soup base.
RELATED: How To Cook Dinengdeng
2. DINAKDAKAN
Dinakdakan is a grilled pig's head parts (e.g. ear, nape, face) and offal (e.g. tongue, liver, intestines) blended with pig's brain. It is a very popular dish in Ilocos region.
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| Dinakdakan |
For the Ilocanos, this Dinakdakan dish is an epitome when it comes to "finger food" (pulutan) to accompany beer, liquor, wine, or cocktail drinks. It is a very authentic dish and one hundred percent (100%) Filipino.
3. IGADO
Igado is a popular Ilocano dish made from strips of meat, liver, and other internal organs such as kidney, heart, and intestines. This dish reflects the influence of the Spanish cuisine as the name "Igado" was derived from the Spanish term "higado" which means "liver".
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| Igado |
A tell-tale story was once told that the Spaniards pronounced it as Higado but was understood by the natives in the region as Igado. Time passed and the name Igado was accepted as one of the popular Ilocano dishes.
4. POQUI-POQUI
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| Poqui-poqui of Ilocos |
This Ilocano vegetable dish is essentially made of eggplant, tomatoes, and eggs. A deceivingly simple Filipino recipe, this dish is a tasty meatless recipe one has to try.
5. SINANGLAO
Sinanglaw, a popular soup from Vigan, but nowadays I see it everywhere, even at hometown in Agoo, La Union. Sinanglaw is oftentimes sold in carinderias along the main road of the city especially near bus or jeepney stations. It is serve in the night until dawn. It’s a soup good enough to warm yourself from cold night and fills an empty stomach.
Other Delicacies to Try in the Philippines
6. TINUBONG
Tinubong means cooking a mixture of young coconut meat, sugar, margarine, cheese, and ground glutinous rice inside a young bamboo or tubong.
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| Tinubong |
This native rice delicacy is a favorite among the Ilocanos, which they usually serve during special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and New Year.
7. EMPANADA (BATAC)
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| Empanada of Ilocos |
The Ilocos empanada is actually of Spanish and Mexican origin. Notice how it's similar to the taco? The basic empanada has a rice flour or galapong crust with grated green papaya inside. The longaniza, egg and bean sprouts were later added.
8. PINAKBET/PAKBET
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This native rice delicacy is a favorite among the Ilocanos, which they usually serve during special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and New Year.
9. LONGGANISA (ILOCOS MADE)
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| Longganisa of Ilocos |
This Laoag longganisa is from the San Nicolas Public Market. The version is San Nicolas are said to be juicier than the ones in Laoag itself since they contain more fat. These longganisas are finely-ground, on the salty side and fall in the derecado garlicky category.
10. BAGNET
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| Bagnet of Ilocos |
Bagnet is a deep fried crispy pork belly dish that is similar to lechon kawali. It originated from Ilocos and is considered to be a top favorite among Filipinos. This is best served bagoong monamon. it is a dip made of fermented anchovies.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comOh, by the way, don't forget their CHICHACORN. It's a good pasalubong! :)
Ilocos is definitely a food haven and if you are planning to visit the province, check out my Ilocos Travel Guide:
- TOP 10 Must-See Sights in Ilocos Norte (Best Tourist Spots!)
- Pagudpud Tourist Spots (Itinerary + Budget)
- The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City
- Bangui Wind Turbines, the First Wind Farm in the Philippines
- Malacañang of the North and the Marcoses
- Patapat Viaduct - Connecting Ilocos and Cagayan Valley
- 4x4 Adventure at Paoay Sand Dunes
- Saint Augustine Church AKA Paoay Church
- La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel of Badoc
- Blue Lagoon, The Boracay of the North
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formation of Burgos
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos
- Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac
About Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is a province in the northern Philippines. In the capital Laoag City, grand Paoay Church is a fusion of local and baroque architecture. Farther north, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and the dramatic Kapurpurwan Rock Formation offer panoramic ocean views. At the province’s northern tip, the town of Pagudpud is known for its beaches, like Blue Lagoon, plus bell-shaped Timmangtang Rock and towering Kabigan Falls.
WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?
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WHERE TO STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE:
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