Snack Hunting in Laog

February 21, 2008 · Filed Under Uncategorized, Blogging, Musings, Events

My regular readers will probably remember my fascination on “snack hunting” whenever I go to a foreign land, or in this case, just out-of-town.

And, much like Korea, my business trip to Laoag is no exception. Although my family hails from the North, I seldom get to visit. I see and learn about northern food from TV and magazines, yes. But the actual tasting and literally - trying to hunt for these local delicacies are an adventure in itself.

More about Laog snacks after the break

Name: Laoag Empanada
Taste: 5
Busog Factor: 5
Eye Candy: 3

It doesn’t look pretty. It just looks like a greasy, huge orange dumpling. But take a bite out of the crispy exterior (see photo above) and you’ll find that the Laoag empanada is a complete meal in itself. Inside, there’s minced beef, garlic, onions and fried egg. A great meal! Wonderful! How I wish I took a couple back to Manila to share with my wife and friends. Busog ka talaga!

Cost? P30 each! Goes well with iced tea or soda.

Aside from this specialty, Laoag and the northern provinces are also home to the following food:

Chichacorn - everyone’s favorite garlic-intensive Kornik orginates here. I got to take home some as “pasalubong”
Pinakbet - wen manong! Gulay galore. I love it
Bagnet - this is northern deep fried pork. Kinda’ like crispy pata with a twist
Papaitan - Pork, Beef or Goat innards souped in a sour mix. A feast!

So, if you’re heading out north like the wonderful city of Laoag, be sure to stop and try the delicacies.

Bon Apetit!

GM T

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Comments

8 Responses to “Snack Hunting in Laog”

Noel on February 21st, 2008 3:06 pm

hey what timing! am planning to go to Vigan by the Holy Week. Can you help me out how to get there from Manila? Travel guides I’ve reading haven’t been helpful so far, in terms of general direction and landmarks.

Thanks

p.s. I like pork. Have to have that bagnet
Tango on February 21st, 2008 9:47 pm

Let’s help the guy.

Vigan. Go North. Way NORTH. When in Pangasinan instead of staying right to go to Baguio stay left. Head North some more in Mc Arthur Highway. I passed by Dagupan just for lunch.

Then from there go towards Mangaldan and go north some more. Stay in the highway and don’t turn towards Baguio. Just about the time you’re getting really bored on the way North an old looking town will appear. That’s Vigan.
Noel on February 22nd, 2008 8:10 am

“Just about the time you’re getting really bored on the way North an old looking town will appear. That’s Vigan.”

Hahaha, sounds like a mirage
Blackwolf on February 22nd, 2008 8:52 am

That looks suspiciously like Vigan empanada. It certainly has the ingredients of Vigan empanada. Well, if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and goes steady with ducks…
Tango on February 22nd, 2008 4:52 pm

@Noel - Yes it does. Heheheh

Actually, if I remember right that empanada is native to Ilocos.

Other things you should try:

1) Crispy Dinuguan (for BREAKFAST!!!)
2) Crispy Tenga ng baboy
3) Halo halong Ihaw (different cuts and cooks mixed with bagnet)
4) Longaniza (Native in Vigan)
GM T on February 23rd, 2008 2:10 am

Thanks for helping out one of our readers and the delish additions to the Northern food list. You seem to like food articles. Maybe Blackwolf here can contribute…
cath on May 1st, 2008 10:42 am

hi!
i’m currently researching local foods in laog and vigan. were planning to take a trip there…food trip to be specific. anyway, i’d like to ask where i can find or where we can try the crispy dinuguan in laoag and also the laoag empanada.and if you guys know other local food that we can try in laoag and vigan. thank you so much guys!
Noel on May 5th, 2008 12:04 pm

Just got back from Vigan! Nice place, especially that we happened to be there on the Viva! Vigan festivities. We didn’t get to visit Laoag (we headed to Bolinao after a day and a half in Vigan), but I sure tried to sample the local cuisine. Had Vigan longganisa for breakfast and dinner(via our inn, Mel-Sol), bagnet for lunch (Grandpa’s Inn), empanada for merienda (at the Empanadaan in Burgos Plaza), and kalamay. Brought home some chichacorn and longanisa as well.