Regarded as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga has been one of the most popular destination for foodies and travelers alike. Being surrounded with friends from the city, it's not surprising that I've been in and around here for more than I can remember.. most of the time really, just to eat! Kapampangan eh! Hah!
Through the years, I have learned to love the cuisine and here are some of my favorites:
1. Sisig
Aling Lucing's : Corner Glaciano Valdez and Agapito del Rosario Street, Angeles City, Pampanga
Aling Naty's : Henson Street near corner Glaciano Valdez, Angeles City, Pampanga
"Sisig" is a kapampangan term that means "to snack on something sour" hence the method of preparing the meat by marinating in a sour liquid like calamansi or vinegar, then traditionally boiled, braised and grilled to give the meat a distinct smoky taste.
One sizzling plate costs around Php 200 which can be shared by two. What i like about this dish, and what I believe makes it different from it's Manila counterpart is the slight crunch that comes from the fresh grilled jowl and other pork bits without being greasy!
Being born and raised in Manila, I was accustomed to an 8-or-more-ingredients kind of halo-halo. I mean, all the while I thought, the more ingredients -- the better! Who's with me on this? But when I got the chance to taste Razon's not too long ago, I thought, less is more.
How can something this simple taste so good? I mean, come on, really?!- With just a simple mix of sun-ripened banana, macapuno and leche flan topped with finely shaved ice, one cup has been able to surpass all the halo halo I've ever tasted in my entire life! Without exaggeration, I promise!
Truly, an evidence that Pampanga really takes their food seriously.
Razon's of Guagua : Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Guagua, Pampanga
3. Tibok-Tibok from Susie's CuisineRazon's of Guagua : Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Guagua, Pampanga
Susie's Cuisine : Nepo Mart: 36 Hida Nepo Mart, Angeles City, Pampanga
Angeles City: Rizal Extension, corner, Sandra Street, Angeles City, Pampanga
San Fernando: McArthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga
Mabalacat: Pineda Building, McArthur Highway, Mabalacat, Pampanga
This is probably the first kapampangan cuisine I ever fell in love with -- Tibok-Tibok. Akin to the more familiar in other parts of the Philippines as Maja Blanca, but with a more refined and creamier texture. It's made with pure carabao's milk topped with latik or a glazed coconut curd that seems to just melt when eaten.
Trivia: the word "Tibok-Tibok" literally means heartbeat in kapampangan -- referring to the process of how the pudding is made, it describes how the heated milk forms bubbles during preparation, making it look like pulse.
Nathaniel's : San Fernando: Km 69, Olongapo Gapan Road, San Fernando, Pampanga
Angeles City: 1st Floor, Marquee Mall, Angeles City, Pampanga
One small tub costs Php 230 -- Nathaniel's Buko Pandan contains big chunks of coconut meat, pandan flavored gelatin with a sweet coconut cream that balances the flavor. What I like about Nathaniel's is that they do not skimp on the ingredients, thus, making every spoonful an explosion of flavor and texture.
A condiment made of fermented rice with fish or shrimps, best served with steamed vegetables like eggplant, okra and ampalaya. Burong Kapampangan looks similar to a rice porridge, and tastes slightly sour with a hint of salt and garlic. However, this native delicacy is not for the fainthearted -- like bagoong, i believe it requires a bit of getting used to before you can actually enjoy the taste.
I heard it tastes good paired with fish too..
Hmm. I better try that next time!
6. Eat-All-You-Can Kapampangan Food in Cafe Rustico
Cafe Rustico : Under Lazatin flyover, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, San Fernando, Pampanga
If you're in the mood for a bit of heavy eating, I suggest you try the meals at Cafe Rustico. For only Php 188, you'll get to enjoy a lot of the traditional dishes served in a kapampangan household, like kare-kare, lechon kawali, buro and pancit! Yumm!
How about you? What are your favorites?
