The Best Dishes And Delicacies From Batangas

What are the best dishes and delicacies from Batangas?

1. Bulalo
2. Batangas Lomi
3. Gotong Batangas
4. Taghilaw
5. Tamales ng Ibaan
6. Adobo sa Dilaw

 

If you’ve always wanted to venture to the southern part of Luzon, then Batangas is definitely the place to visit. Located in the CALABARZON region, the province is bordered by Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon.

At some point in your life, you might have already visited this beautiful province teeming with cool and clear-water beaches. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if you haven’t had a taste of all the delicious dishes Batangas has to offer.

It’s never too late to go on a gastronomical and culinary adventure. Continue reading to learn more about these savory dishes you have yet to try!

 

Bulalo

The first dish on this list is probably one you’re most familiar with. You’ve probably visited a restaurant in Metro Manila hoping to find a dish that replicates that same elusive flavor of a warm bowl of bulalo in Batangas. While these dishes may get close, they can never capture the entire essence of this delicacy.

Bulalo seems relatively simple to cook. Its main and most distinct ingredient is beef shanks simmered for several hours in a flavorful stock seasoned with black pepper, garlic, onions, and salt. The dish typically comes with pechay (Chinese cabbage), potatoes, and even corn.

You’ll know the rich bowl of bulalo soup you have in front of you is genuine when the unmistakably tender meat starts falling off the bones. Pair the dish with a sauce made out of patis (fish sauce), calamansi, and chili and it’s heaven on a plate.

 

Batangas Lomi

Source: Flickr

Acquiring a genuine bowl of lomi is probably difficult to achieve in Metro Manila. Depending on your budget and how much you’re really craving this dish, you might already find yourself settling for a packet of grocery store-bought instant lomi. The trouble with this, however, is you’ll never be able to fully satisfy yourself with such a highly-adulterated meal.

The only simple way to get a taste of authentic Batangas lomi is to visit the Municipality of Agoncillo in Batangas. When you find yourself walking down its streets, you’ll find several small eateries or carinderias serving this hearty dish.

Batangas lomi is characterized as having an unusually thick soup with a more viscous consistency. The thick egg noodles also complement the soup well, adding texture to the dish. While the toppings may differ from place to place, some common ingredients you may find are crunchy pork rinds or pork belly, slices of boiled eggs, sausages, or even spring onions.

 

Gotong Batangas

Source: Wikimedia Commons

You’ve probably had your own share of goto in the city. This familiar dish is a savory rice porridge – similar to the Italian dish risotto. Sometimes, you might even be confused as to what you’re served. You cannot really be too sure if the bowl on your table contains arroz caldo or goto.

The goto in Batangas is altogether different – it does away with rice. Apart from this distinguishing feature, the steaming hot broth of goto originating from Lipa City is uncharacteristically greasy and full of flavor. Perfect for cold weather or for any type of occasion, the rich broth is accompanied with tender slices of beef tripe and innards. It’s typically paired with a soy dipping sauce topped with slices of fresh onions, chili, and calamansi.

 

Taghilaw

Source: Flickr

Taghilaw is perhaps a dish the typical Manilenyo hasn’t heard of yet – and rightly so. The only way you’ll ever truly get a taste of this dish is in the province of Batangas.

Similar to bopis, taghilaw consists mainly of beef or pork innards – particularly the lungs and heart. It is religiously sauteed in a spicy mix of tomatoes, chilies, and onions. Unlike its almost namesake, the kinilaw, taghilaw is a dish with all of its ingredients fully cooked in a vinegar-based broth seasoned with black pepper and other spices.

 

Tamales ng Ibaan

Source: Wikimedia Commons

For those craving finger food, Tamales ng Ibaan would definitely be a dish that can satisfy you. A typical Filipino might be a foreigner to this delicacy, having only heard of the word ‘tamales’ from pop culture references. Nevertheless, it’s a dish you definitely would not want to miss out on.

Similar to the popular Filipino rice cake suman, Tamales ng Ibaan contains sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. It’s distinctively filled with shredded chicken, peanuts, eggs, and annatto to give it its characteristically rich red color.

 

Adobo sa Dilaw

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Adobo is not an uncommon dish in the Philippines. There are typically many ways of cooking this popular soy sauce and vinegar-simmered pork dish. Some cooks would even add a bit of flair by frying the protein first in piping hot oil.

On the other hand, adobo sa dilaw is an altogether different dish, based on the name alone. While the cooking method is typically the same, the ingredient that gives this dish its distinct yellow color is turmeric, or what is called in Batangas as “yellow ginger”.

Without having to walk far, you can find authentic adobo sa dilaw in various eateries around the municipalities of Taal and Lemery.

 

Key Takeaway

Batangas is a beautiful province filled with many other unexplored locations. When you find yourself in the area, however, you should definitely try out the province’s local delicacies. The dishes in Batangas are abounding with cultural distinctions – they’re almost impossible to find outside of the region.

The next time you visit this area, make sure to try the dishes listed above. You’ll be nothing short of satisfied.