Kinulob na Itik

Kinulob na Itik Did you know that Victoria, Laguna is the duck-raising capital of the Philippines? That makes itik or duck a common fare! A celebrated rendition is the “kinulob na itik.” The term “kinulob” refers to an ancient method of preserving meat by adding salt and sealing it tightly in a clay pot. In … Read more

Kulawong Talong

Kulawong Talong Charcoal embers are placed on a bed of grated coconut meat until it burns. The fire is tamed by pouring vinegar followed by squeezing the liquid. The result is a sensual medley of smoked coconut-cream vinaigrette ran over grilled eggplant. It can be eaten as a salad or placed on top of rice. … Read more

Bibingkang Laguna

Bibingkang Laguna As the smoke of charred coconut wafts in the air, your nose will follow its source. Situated along roadside stalls or outside the church, the bibingka of Laguna comes with a unique filling of swarming shreds of buko (coconut) that lends a moist and creamy texture to every bite. This local delicacy is … Read more

Pansit Kalabuko

Pansit Kalabuko Have you tried a low-carbon footprint pansit? Joel Frago takes a new spin on the classic by introducing an organic pansit kalabuko. The term stands for mushroom (or kabute in Filipino, the “Ka”), squash (or kalabasa stands for “la”) mixed with coconut (buko) meat, and other vegetables. Mushrooms, strands of coconut meat, and … Read more

Inalamangang Lechon

Inalamangang Lechon The humble alamang is a luxurious catch of fresh krill sauteed in the trifecta of garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Adding it to a slow-roasted pork belly, the crispy skin bursting in your mouth is pure joy. Aurora’s Filipino cuisine serves traditional dishes of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, is set in a century-old ancestral house. … Read more