If you’re heading to Vigan, Philippines, get ready for more than just beautiful old houses! Vigan is a feast for the eyes and, most importantly, a feast for your stomach. This guide will walk you through the must-try Ilocano dishes that will make your trip unforgettable.
What Makes Ilocano Food Special?
Ilocano food is known for being simple, hearty, and flavorful. Think lots of vegetables, grilled meats, and dishes that pack a punch of umami. A key ingredient you’ll find in many Ilocano dishes is bagoong, a fermented fish paste that adds a salty and savory depth. They also commonly use ingredients found locally due to the area’s agricultural practices. This is why you may find the same dish but with very unique flavors depending on where you are in the Ilocos region.
The Must-Try Dishes in Vigan
Let’s dive into the dishes you absolutely have to try when you’re in Vigan. Prepare to be amazed!
Pinakbet: The Vegetable Superstar
Pinakbet is probably the most famous Ilocano dish. It’s a vegetable stew made with a mix of veggies like eggplant, okra, string beans, squash, and bitter melon (ampalaya). These vegetables are simmered in bagoong, sometimes with pork or shrimp for added flavor. Don’t let the bagoong scare you – it brings everything together beautifully! While some may be put off by the bitter flavor of the ampalaya, many locals have accepted that bitterness is a part of the authentic dish. Most modern recipes try to incorporate it while decreasing the over-all bitterness.
Bagnet: Crispy Pork Perfection
Bagnet is essentially deep-fried pork belly, and it’s incredibly delicious. The pork is boiled first, then air-dried, and finally deep-fried until the skin is super crispy and the meat is tender. It’s often served with bagoong or a vinegar dip. Fair warning: it’s very addictive. It’s often seen served at festivals, celebrations, and town events across the Ilocos region. A popular way to cook bagnet at home is with a large wok to ensure the pork is consistently deep-fried and the skin becomes very crispy.
Longganisa: Vigan’s Own Sausage
Vigan longganisa is a type of Filipino sausage that’s garlicky, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s made with ground pork, garlic, vinegar, and spices, and then stuffed into a casing. What sets Vigan longganisa apart is its unique flavor profile, which is a result of the specific blend of spices and the curing process used in Vigan. You’ll often find it served for breakfast with fried rice (sinangag) and a fried egg (itlog), a combo known as longsilog. It’s a Vigan staple, and a great way to start your day. Many tourists purchase it as pasalubong or a gift to take back home as well.
Poqui-Poqui: Eggplant Goodness
Poqui-poqui (pronounced “poke-ee poke-ee”) is a simple but tasty dish made with grilled eggplant, tomatoes, and eggs. The eggplant is grilled until the skin is charred, then peeled and mashed. It’s then sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs. It’s a great vegetarian option and a light, flavorful dish that goes well with rice. Locals will often recommend this to children or guests who are not used to the strong flavors of Ilocano food.
Dinengdeng: A Vegetable Soup with a Twist
Dinengdeng is another vegetable dish, similar to pinakbet, but it’s more of a soup. It usually includes squash blossoms (bulaklak ng kalabasa), string beans, okra, and bagoong broth. Grilled or fried fish is often added to the soup for extra flavor. It’s a comforting and healthy dish that’s perfect for a rainy day. Dinengdeng is great for people who may not like the dryness of pakbet. However, it does depend on the family recipe on how they like to enjoy it.
Sinanglaw: Sour and Savory Soup
Sinanglaw is a sour soup made with grilled pork offal (like liver, intestines, and spleen), ginger, onions, and kamias (a sour fruit). The soup is known for its tangy and slightly bitter flavor, which is a result of the kamias and the grilled offal. It’s an acquired taste, but many locals swear by it as a hangover cure. This is a popular dish during drinking sessions with friends and family.
Igado: Pork and Liver Stew
Igado is a stew made with pork, liver, and vegetables like bell peppers, peas, and potatoes. It’s cooked in a vinegar-soy sauce base and flavored with garlic, onions, and bay leaves. The dish has a slightly sweet and savory flavor, and the vegetables add a nice contrast to the richness of the pork and liver. Igado is very popular during celebrations and parties. It’s one of the more common party dishes together with lechon, barbecue, and fried chicken.
Warek-Warek: Grilled Pig Parts
Warek-warek (or “Wari-wari”) is a unique Ilocano dish made from grilled pig ears, snout, and cheeks, all chopped into small pieces. These bits are combined with onions, ginger, and pig brains (which sounds scary, but adds creaminess) and then seasoned with vinegar and spices. It’s usually served as a pulutan (appetizer) during drinking sessions, but can also be eaten as a main dish. The dish can be served hot or cold and some versions may include chili for an extra kick. Warek-warek is often served with a side of rice and can be found in many local restaurants and eateries throughout the Ilocos region.
Imbaliktad: Stir-fried Beef
Imbaliktad is a simple dish made with thinly sliced beef sirloin, onions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The beef is quickly stir-fried until just cooked through, which keeps it tender and juicy. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal, especially if you are looking for a beef-based meal. The best way to enjoy this is with a bowl of hot rice.
Kardis: Pigeon Pea Soup
Kardis is a hearty Ilocano soup featuring pigeon peas (kardis), meat (often pork), and various vegetables. What sets it apart is the souring agent used, typically either guava or tamarind, lending a unique tangy flavor. This soup is a staple in many Ilocano households, particularly during the colder months, offering warmth and comfort. The hearty broth and the mix of ingredients make it a filling and satisfying dish, showcasing the resourcefulness of Ilocano cuisine in utilizing locally available ingredients.
Where to Eat in Vigan
Now that you know what to eat, let’s talk about where to find these delicious dishes. Vigan has a variety of restaurants and eateries that offer authentic Ilocano cuisine. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cafe Leona: Located in Calle Crisologo, Cafe Leona is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of Filipino dishes, including Ilocano specialties. The ambiance is charming, and the food is delicious.
- Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant: A bit outside the city center, this restaurant offers a beautiful garden setting and serves traditional Ilocano dishes. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
- Bistro Amarillo: Another great spot in Calle Crisologo, Bistro Amarillo offers a mix of Filipino and international dishes, with a good selection of Ilocano favorites.
- Street Food Stalls: Don’t underestimate the street food scene in Vigan! You can find delicious and affordable Ilocano snacks and meals from street vendors, especially around the public market.
Tips for Trying Ilocano Food
Here are a few tips to make your Ilocano food adventure even better:
- Be open to trying new things. Some Ilocano dishes might sound a bit unusual, but don’t be afraid to give them a try. You might discover a new favorite!
- Ask locals for recommendations. They know the best places to eat and the most authentic versions of the dishes.
- Prepare for strong flavors. Ilocano food is known for its bold flavors, so be ready for a punch of salt, sourness, and umami.
- Pace yourself. There are so many delicious dishes to try, so don’t try to eat everything at once. Take your time and savor each bite.
Making Ilocano Food at Home
Can’t get enough of Ilocano food? You can try making some of these dishes at home! There are many recipes available online for pinakbet, bagnet, and longganisa. Just remember to use authentic Ilocano ingredients and follow the instructions carefully. Making Ilocano food at home can be a fun way to relive your Vigan experience and share the flavors of Ilocos with your friends and family.
The Importance of Bagoong
As we’ve mentioned, bagoong is a key ingredient in many Ilocano dishes. It’s a fermented fish paste made from small fish or shrimp, and it adds a unique salty and savory flavor to the food. Bagoong is an acquired taste, but it’s an essential part of Ilocano cuisine. Different regions in the Philippines have their own versions of bagoong, but the Ilocano version is known for its strong flavor and aroma. The preparation involves salting and fermenting the fish or shrimp for several weeks or months, resulting in a paste that is rich in umami. Bagoong is not only used as a flavoring agent but also as a condiment, often served with steamed vegetables or grilled meat.
Beyond the Dishes: The Culture of Food in Vigan
Food in Vigan is more than just sustenance; it’s a reflection of the region’s culture and history. Ilocano cuisine is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices of the region, with many dishes featuring locally grown vegetables and ingredients. The simplicity of the dishes reflects the resourcefulness and practicality of the Ilocano people. Food is also an important part of social gatherings and celebrations in Vigan. Family meals are a common occurrence, and special occasions are often marked with elaborate feasts featuring traditional Ilocano dishes. Sharing food is a way of bonding and strengthening relationships within the community. When visiting Vigan, take the time to learn about the cultural significance of the food and appreciate the stories behind each dish.
Modern Twists on Classic Dishes
While traditional Ilocano dishes remain popular, some restaurants in Vigan are also experimenting with modern twists on classic recipes. You might find bagnet served in a salad, or pinakbet transformed into a pasta sauce. These innovative takes on Ilocano cuisine offer a new way to experience the flavors of the region. Some chefs are also incorporating international cooking techniques and ingredients to create fusion dishes that blend Ilocano flavors with global influences. These modern twists can be a great way to introduce Ilocano food to a wider audience and showcase the versatility of the cuisine. However, it’s important to maintain the integrity of the original dishes and respect the traditions behind them.
Pasalubong: Bringing a Taste of Vigan Home
Before you leave Vigan, don’t forget to buy some pasalubong (souvenirs) to take home with you. Popular food items to bring back include Vigan longganisa, bagnet, and bagoong. You can find these products at the public market or at specialty stores in the city. These food items are not only delicious but also serve as a reminder of your trip to Vigan and the flavors of Ilocano cuisine. When buying pasalubong, make sure to check the expiration dates and pack them properly to ensure they stay fresh during your travel.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ilocano food:
What is the most popular Ilocano dish?
Pinakbet is arguably the most popular Ilocano dish. It’s a vegetable stew with bagoong that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.
Is Ilocano food spicy?
Some Ilocano dishes can be spicy, but it’s not a defining characteristic of the cuisine. You’ll find that some versions of warek-warek use chili peppers to add extra heat. Most dishes can be customized to your spice preference.
Where can I find authentic Ilocano food in Vigan?
You can find authentic Ilocano food in various restaurants, eateries, and street food stalls throughout Vigan. Ask locals for their recommendations to find the best spots.
What is bagoong, and why is it used in Ilocano food?
Bagoong is a fermented fish paste that’s a key ingredient in Ilocano cuisine. It adds a salty, savory, and umami flavor to the dishes. While it may have a strong smell, its flavor is essential to the Ilocano palette.
Are there vegetarian options in Ilocano cuisine?
Yes, there are vegetarian options in Ilocano cuisine, such as poqui-poqui and dinengdeng without fish. Pinakbet can also be made without meat or seafood.
Can I buy Ilocano food as pasalubong?
Absolutely! Vigan longganisa, bagnet, and bagoong are popular pasalubong items that you can buy in Vigan.
What’s the best way to describe Ilocano food to someone who’s never tried it?
Ilocano food is simple, hearty, and flavorful. It often features vegetables, grilled meats, and the distinct taste of bagoong. The dishes offer a unique and satisfying culinary experience that reflects the region’s culture and traditions.
References
Philippine Statistics Authority
Department of Tourism Philippines
Ready to explore the rich flavors of Vigan? Don’t just read about it—book your trip today and experience the authentic Ilocano cuisine for yourself! Taste the crispy bagnet, savor the flavorful longganisa, and discover the unique blend of vegetables in pinakbet. Vigan is waiting to delight your taste buds and create unforgettable culinary memories. What are you waiting for?
