Flavors of Ilocos

The ultimate Ilocos experience isn't just about sight seeing but, you have to try their 

to-die-for cuisine. As promised, I will introduce you to their mouth-watering dishes.

So, on our very first night in Laoag, we were so excited to try the taste of Ilocandia. 

We went to a fine dining restaurant just in front of our hotel (imagine that?!). 
We are so lucky!

This is La Preciosa Fine Dining and Catering Services located along Rizal St., 
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. They are known for their exquisite Ilocano dishes. 

I have tried different longganisas elsewhere. But this is absolutely far different from others as obviously this food is carefully produced. I love this! 

Another Ilocano dish, Dinengdeng is a method of cooking various vegetables. 

If you are from Cebu this is the Ilocano version of our very own "Otan Bisaya". 

For meat lovers, this one's for you! Bagnet is also a must try! 

It's similar to lechon kawali and chicharon. According to our driver it is 

boiled and deep-fried not just once, twice or thrice but many times! 

During our day 2, we conquered Vigan not just the sights but as expected the so called "food" (lol).Again, we tried their longganisa. Need I say more? 
Just look how delicious the dish is.

One of my faves also, Poqui-poqui! What?! Yes! maybe you're wondering what kind of food is this but  it is commonly known as ensaladang talong or simply 
called eggplant salad. bow!

Of course a meal wouldn't be complete without rice, but it's not an ordinary rice. Ilocanos are known for using bagoong in their dishes. So this rice has bagoong (really?!). It's actually called binagoongang rice with some vegetable toppings. 

As they say, kanin pa lang, ulam na. hehe

Another well-recommended restaurant in town, Saramsam means "sarap na katakam-takam". We tried their different pizza flavors. This is their pinakbet pizza, and it goes best with bagoong and olive oil. Yum, yum, yum!

Ilocos' famous empanada. Super yummy. This can be found almost everywhere. Near the Ilocos Capitol, there is an array of stalls selling barbecue and of course, freshly prepared empanada. Best eaten while it's hot, costs around 30-40 pesos.


We just stayed for 3 days in Ilocos, but I guess I gained weight (waahhh!!!) because of their sumptuous  food. Ilocano food is just simply awesome. You need not spend a fortune to actually try delicious cuisines once in a while. Actually right now, I'm already craving for these kind of foods. 
Wish i could find an Ilocano resto here in Cebu. Any suggestions? 

-bratpacker-