Ilocos Region is considered one of the most sought after Philippines tourist destinations by land where you can enjoy both historical and satisfying gastronomic adventure. If you are curious about the best Ilocano foods to try during your visit to the province, then Google or my Facebook post 🙂 has brought you to the right page!

There are a lot of Ilocano foods to try for sure but we didn’t have enough time to scour the whole city so below are just some of the tastiest Ilocano delicacies that made our list!

1. Empanada

Thin crust or stuffed crust? Ilocos Empanada offers two options, like pizza. Thin crispy crust is more popular in Vigan while the thicker chewable version can usually be found in Batac or Laoag. Both however share the same ingredients for the filling: egg, grated unripe papaya, mongo sprout and Ilocos longganisa. For an authentic Ilocos Empanada experience, dip it with authentic Ilocos vinegar with sili.

If you’re in Vigan, you can try out Nanang Sion’s empanada located at the street beside Calle Crisologo. But we also do hear that you can get the best Ilocos empanda at Glory’s Empanada in Batac, Ilocos. Your pick!

2. Bagnet

The most popular guilt-inducing dish of the north, Bagnet is the Ilocano cousin of our all-time favorite Lechon kawali. But what made Bagnet unique on its own is its sauce: pork blood in vinegar and sugar.

Bagnet with its balat (pork skin) that crisply adheres to its sun-dried meat will no doubt tempt you for another order and extra rice. Take it easy though! You don’t want that blood pressure to go skyrocketing 🙂

3. Pinakbet

Pinak-but, as Ilocanos would call it, is said to be the Ilocano counterpart of Ratatouille. The original Ilocano pinakbet is prepared with eggplant, okra, string beans, ampalaya and tomatoes that is added spice and flavor with bagoong or fermented monamon fish. It is both healthy and easy to prepare, no wonder why Filipino families all over the world have their own version of this vegetable-stew.

We’ve tried Cafe Uno’s Pinakbet located in Grandpa’s Inn, 1 Bonifacio, Vigan City. It is 2 minutes away by foot from Hotel Luna where we stayed. Their Pinakbet is pretty good, better than what we have in Manila definitely. But it really didn’t blow me away, maybe because I’m not such a huge fan of Pinakbet. 🙂

4. Poqui-poqui

I’ve always wondered what this dish is made of. Finally, I was able to see and try one in Cafe Uno as well. This irresistibly mouth-watering grilled eggplant tomatoes and shallots (or onions) sauteed in beaten eggs is one of the most interesting Ilocano foods, thanks to its risque name. As to why this innocent dish is named as such, we surely have no idea. But we do know that you can eat Poqui-poqui in the morning and have Adobong Utong for Lunch. Luckily, we do know that Utong is the Ilocano word for Sitaw, hence Adobong Sitaw. Yum yum!

5. Longganisang Iloco

While Filipino flavor always oozes with sweetness, such as your ordinary longganisa, the Ilocos version is filled with punches of garlicky flavor. This Ilocano food is a popular breakfast choice for the young and old. It is a crowd-favorite breakfast option especially when paired with egg and sinangag. Or you can try it with poqui-poqui for a really authentic Ilocos menu.

6. Pinakbet Pizza

The Ilocanos offer a healthier twist to your guilt-inducing pizza. Pinakbet Pizza is not your ordinary novelty dish, taste tests by the locals and tourists alike give thumbs-up to the cheesy pizza and savory Pinakbet blend.

The lovechild of Ilocano Pinakbet Pizza is available at Herencia Restaurant just in front of Paoay Church. It really does taste like Pinakbet but Pizza! You know what I mean? Although all I can take was 1 slice (because I’m not crazy for Pinakbet) hence, the Hawaiian flavor. 🙂

7. Royal Bibingka

Christmas is extra sweet and joyful in Vigan, thanks to this Ilocano rendition of Bibingka. It looks like mamon on the outside and a casava cake on the inside. But it tastes more than worth the deliciousness of both. Royal Bibingka is a sweet chewy delight topped with margarine and cheese. If you want to give it a shot, just drop by Tongson’s Bibingka in Vigan located just at the end of Calle Crisologo towards the plaza. As of writing (November 2017), each bibingka only costs Php13.

What’s your favorite Ilocano food? If you have something to add to this list, share it to us in the comment section below.

Planning for an Ilocos trip, check out our Joiner tours!

We have a scheduled Ilocos Joiners Tour on Dec 8 to 10, 2017. If you wish to join, send us a message at kamusta@delactravel.com.