Introduction
Bicol is a region in the Philippines that's known for its natural beauty and the bounty of its agriculture. It's also home to some of the best food in the country, including delicious dishes like ginataang santol (coconut milk-based dessert), laing (a soup made from pig's trotters) and pinangat na isda (rice cakes stuffed with pig's blood). If you're planning a trip to Bicol soon, here are some must-try dishes:
Bicol Express
Bicol Express is a dish made with spiced pork, chicken or beef. It can also be served with rice, but you'll find that most of the time it's instead eaten as a snack. Originating from Bicol, Philippines, this recipe has been passed down for generations and is now known as "Bicol express."
Laing
Laing is a stew made with taro leaves and is a popular dish in Bicol. It's usually eaten with rice, but you can also add some raw fish or shrimp to make it more filling. Laing is a good source of vitamins A and C, so if you're looking for something healthy to eat while visiting this part of the Philippines, consider ordering laing!
Ginataang Santol (Santol cooked in coconut milk)
Ginataang santol, also known as sinantolan, sinantol or gulay na santol, is a Filipino dish made with grated santol fruit rinds, siling haba, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), onion, garlic, and coconut cream. Meat or seafood are also commonly added, and a spicy version adds labuyo chilis. It originates from Southern Luzon, particularly from the Quezon, Laguna, and Bicol regions. It is a type of ginataan.
Ingredients:
- 1 kilo of santol (a type of radish)
- 3 cups coconut milk
Procedure:
- Cut off the top of the santol and peel off part of its skin. Then cut it into four pieces, keeping in mind that each piece should have about an inch long at its widest point.
- In a pan on medium heat, add enough oil so that when you put in your ginger and garlic, you can easily slide them around without having them stick to the bottom or sides of your pan; then cook until fragrant but not browned yet—this will be our finishing touch! Add your onions next along with other ingredients if desired; season well with salt/pepper powder then stir continuously while cooking until all ingredients are soft enough but still firm enough not to fall apart when squeezed between thumb and forefinger together."
Pinangat na isda
Pinangat na isda is a fish dish that you'll find in many Bicol restaurants and homes. This dish is made with fresh, locally caught fish and coconut milk, which makes it creamy and sweet. The pinangat flavor comes from dried red chilies that have been ground into powder form to add heat to the dish. When served with white rice or breaded fried potatoes on the side, this simple yet delicious meal will leave you craving more!
This piece promotes tourism to Bicol by focusing on the region's food.
You might be surprised to learn that Bicol is home to some of the most delicious food in the Philippines. The region has been a favorite destination for travelers and foodies alike, as it offers an abundance of mouthwatering delicacies.
Bicol's rich culture and vibrant lifestyle have made it one of the country's top tourist destinations, so much so that people from all over Asia flock there year after year to try out their local dishes.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of must-try dishes! We know it can be overwhelming to choose from so many, but with these tips, there’s no reason why you won’t find something delicious and satisfying at every restaurant in Bicol.