A Food Lover's Guide to Batangas

If you happen to find a nice promo for a beach resort in Laiya, Batangas — one of the most private beach enclaves in the Philippines — and will be staying for a few days, make sure you head out of your room and explore the food of the region. There is no shortage of good food here to satisfy the senses of any food lover.

Let this list give you a headstart:

Kapeng Barako – Definitely a Batangas classic, kapeng barako is a strong brand of coffee that definitely packs a punch. The name says it all: barako means strong man or manliness. The beans used to make this coffee are home-grown from Lipa and it is renowned for its bold character and flavor.

Bulalo – One of the best in the country, this hearty bowl of stewed beef bone marrow and shank should not be missed. Many restaurants lining the highways serve it as an instant pick-me-up for travelers but everywhere you go, as long as there is dining, count on it that bulalo is under the house special.

Suman – Lots of places in the Philippines serve their own version of suman, a sweet sticky rice delicacy wrapped in banana leaves. It is prepared by steaming and it is served with a sweet sauce made from coconut milk. The local suman is called Sumang Magkayakap from Tanauan City. It got the named because of its presentation. Two pieces are tied together, resembling an embrace or yakap.

Gotong Batangas – The traditional goto or congee is defined by its rice component. As such, the Batangas version is definitely a far departure as it does not contain any trace of rice. Tripe and other innards take its place, making it more like papaitan than goto. Sometimes meat is added to the mix but the innards always play the main role.

Kilawin – This is as fresh as it gets. Take a freshly caught fish, soak it in vinegar, cook it with a squeeze of calamansi, and toss with a confetti of chopped onions, garlic, and hot peppers. The result is a pickled fish preparation that as light and delicious as it is cleansing to the palate.

Adobong Dilaw – Philippines is well-known as the adobo nation. Interestingly, each region has its own way of cooking the popular dish. It is no different in Batangas. Here it is prepared with yellow ginger instead of soy sauce, giving it a distinct color and taste. If you are an adobo fan, this is definitely a must-try.

Tapang Taal – Wake up to good mornings with a unique Batangas flair each time you have a plate of tapang Taal. Made from pork marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and calamansi, this jerked pork dish is best enjoyed at breakfast served with fried rice and fried eggs. If you want the complete package, have it with hot tablea, the local version of the hot chocolate made from locally produced chocolate. Ask your resort in Laiya, Batangas if they serve it and dig in.