“Food is a lot of people’s therapy—when we say comfort food. We really mean that. It is releasing dopamine and serotonin in your brain that makes you feel good.”-Brett Hoebel
Without a doubt, Pampanga is widely known and revered to be the culinary and gastronomic capital of the Philippines. In fact, it has been said that the place is considered somewhat of a Filipinos food haven what with all their epicurean delights. The province’s reputation for good food has been said to stem from its history being an American and Filipino military Air Base. Clark Air Base, known to be a military facility for both Filipino and American forces from 1903 to 1991) is in proximity to Angeles. For this reason, foreign ingredients and international goods have since become more accessible to local chefs and culinary. As a result, Filipino cuisine assimilated with global ingredients have become somewhat of a staple in the province. Signature Kapangpangan dishes such as tabang talangka, morcon, pindang and even the world-famous sisig have since then ensued.
Considering all this, it is no doubt that the title of being the gastronomic mecca in the Philippines is well-deserved. So, if you are ever in the area or perhaps, you might want a quick bite after a day of adventure in Alviera, give some of their restos a try. However, if you truly want to give yourself a treat and sample only the best Kapangpangan dishes, then here is a list of restaurants that should make it to your itinerary:
1.) HUES Restaurant
Located at park Inn Clark, Hues Restaurant is rather known for their delectable and sumptuous cuisines. The restaurant features a casual dining experience that offers a wide selection of local favorites and international fares that there is bound to be something for everyone. Some of the must try items in their menu are: Boneless Chicken Inasal, Blacken Chicken and Baby Back Ribs Adobo.
2.) Café Fleur
A restaurant conceptualized by Chef Sau Del Rosario , Café Fleur incorporates the aspect of travel into the chef’s unique passion for food. The café is divided into concepts and each concept has something different to offer to its patrons. The ground floor is the Café which mainly serves casual food, cakes and smoothies. Right across that is Leh-Leh which is largely a Thai-inspired eatery. Lastly, the topmost floor is called Babo—an elegant dining area that serves exclusively Kapangpangan dishes.
3.) Bale Dutung
Known as one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Asia, Bale Dutung looks like a simple home turned into restaurant from the get-go. But do not let appearances fool you, as this humbled abode has reached celebrity status. In fact, this restaurant was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”back in 2008. If you want a homey ambiance to amplify the food experience, Bale Dutung is an ideal place for you to dine in.
4.) Everybody’s Café
No list claiming to be a collection of must-try and best restaurants of Pampanga would ever be complete without including Everybody’s Café. In fact, one might even go as far to suggest that Everybody’s Café is the epitome of Kapangpangan cuisine as you can find most of the Kapangpangan staples on their menu. The menu largely consists of exotic food, but they do have some food items reserved for those who do not have the nerve to eat unfamiliar food. The timelessness of this café is attributed to the fact that the recipes have remained unchanged since they were introduced back in the sixties—and even then the restaurant already garnered a following from older generations.
5.) Mila’s Tokwat Baboy and Sisig
A household name to most Kapangpangans, Mila’s Tokwat Baboy and Sisig is an unassuming carenderia that serves the best and most addicting crispy sisig. Established in 1989, this eatery was originally famous for their Tokwa’t Baboy, but they serve a range of dishes today.
Image Source
No comments:
Post a Comment