[Food] The Vigan Empanada of Ilocos Sur

The Vigan Empanada cut in Half. The ingredients are mainly of ground meat of longganisa, papaya and egg yolks.

Visiting Ilocos Sur would not be complete without tasting some of their native foods like Bagnet, Longganisa and the equally famous empanadas. There are two famous delicious empanadas in the province; one is the Batac/ Laoag Empanada and the Vigan Empanada which I just tasted for the first time. The unique taste of this Empanada makes tourist want to go back just to have a bite again. The rich flavor comes from its ingredients as well as the preparation.

Served hot with vinegar (Ilocano Vinegar)

Tourists and locals doing some food trip.

Some of its notable ingredients are papaya, carrots, the egg yolks (the Vigan version has only eggyolk unlike the one in Batac that includes the egg white) and ground meat, at times their Longganisa. The dough of the crust is made of rice flour. It is prepared deep fried. Better to eat this when it is hot dipped in Iloko Vinegar with chillies, chopped onions, garlic and pepper. I had my try when we strolled by the Burgos Plaza near the church. There is ample number of empanada and street food stalls there as well as benches for eating.

Not just the empanada is available here, there are also Okoys and street foods.

Very delectable to the taste, this native empanada recipe is addictive. The texture is soft inside with its crispy dough wrap. The price ranges from 25Pphp-40Php depending on the size or the stall. If you are planning of a visit to this famous wonder city of northern Philippines, then you should take a bite of this delicious but affordable delicacy.

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Sagada's Yoghurt House: A Food Experience

The Yoghurt House with the colorful and artsy sign.

One thing that is a must to do Sagada is visit its famous restaurants and eateries. The town with all its fresh and healthy vegetation offers delicious nutritious foods. After sight-seeing on lush green trees or adventure on its caves and falls, for sure all we want is a very fulfilling dinner on a cozy place where relaxation and craving satisfactions co-exist. The colourful signage of Sagada’s Yoghurt house is one of Sagada’s easy to find establishment that is just few meters from the Municipal Hall. If you are heading to or from the Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, then it is easy to find and dine at this very delightful restaurant.  It is found in South Road, Sagada 2619.

Their very rich menu.

Cozy and warm feel.

We had the chance to eat dinner on our first night in Sagada, it was then a peak season as evidenced by overflowing customers in the first and second floors so we patiently waited for a vacant table for four. Still, the ambiance gives a very comfortable feel with all the lights, furniture and exciting menu.  Because we dined there in night time, we did not see the views in the second floor. Surely, I will come back again for that. There were wonderful photos of the history of Sagada, their respected tribesmen and artefacts hanging on the walls in black and white but there is a note saying that taking pictures of the frames were prohibited.

Sagada Honey Yoghurt.

My meal, Bolognese.

Chicken Cashew Favorite.

Looking at the menu could just make your mouth water as the foods vary from pancakes, pastas to chicken recipes and many more. Of course, from its name, there are their famed Yoghurts which make the food experience complete. The price range is not so cheap but not so expensive either.  I could guarantee that it is sulit because of large servings plus sumptuous taste. A pasta lover myself, I ordered Spaghetti Bolognese while my friends had their Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Salad, (I posted the pictures of the orders together with this blog) we ordered the sweet unique Sagada Honey Yoghurt and the tasty Banana Granola Strawberry Preserves for dessert. The dishes do have bright colors with rich taste. I love how they serve with large amount of vegetables since it the vegetation in Sagada is one of their main sources of economy and pride.

Roasted Pork with Brown Sauce Vegetable and Rice.

Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Salad.

Banana, Granola Preserves.

Overall, your stay in Sagada will not be complete if you do not try their specialty eating establishments especially the Yoghurt House. In the end is a full healthy tummy. It is also one of the reasons why I want to go back there again.

PHOTO CREDITS:

Denise Marie Domingo (She remembered all the long names of foods we ordered. Thanks to her.).

Kristine Marla Guevarra (For that picture in the front view because I failed to take one since we came on night time. She went there during daytime.).

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Sagada Lemon Pie House

The famous Sagada Lemon Pie House Cafe & Resto

One of the country's gem in lush green trees, beautiful mountains and many natural scenic spots, the town of Sagada in the province of Mountain Province has been a new well commended travel spot in the Philippines for those who want to detoxify their minds from the noise and stressful environment in the cities. Aside from these wonderful natural treasures, the area also is a must visit for Food Bloggers because of the many delicacies and food houses to give a try.

My friend Denise at the entrance.

Look at those artworks and the woods!

Having a cold climate contributes to growing many vegetables and fruits that makes it obvious that farming is one of the main production and livelihood among its people. One the many fruits that they are growing there are the Meyer Lemons; this species of lemons were just imported from the US then cultivated in the town. Joseph Daoas, son of an Ilocano woman, the one who formulated the recipe of the popular Lemon Pie then passed it on her son and a native of Sagada, his father Bartolome founded The Lemon Pie House in 2008 having its own public opening.

My friend Angie feeling cozy.

To die for menu.

Those yellow lights are relaxing.

The restaurant has been very popular among tourist for it carrier delicacy, their Lemon Pie. I am indeed very lucky to have tasted it when we had our vacation there. After anticipating the sunrise (which did not happen because of the cloudy skies) in Mount Kiltepan, we headed to the Lemon Pie House to eat breakfast. The ambiance is cozy, a little bit dark but the endearing yellow lights along with its shining floors and well crafted hard wooden furniture give a relaxing feel. The menu at that time were mostly breakfast meal, I ordered Onion and Cheese Omelet with Garlic Rice, Longganisa and Hotdog all for 100Php, a reasonable price for the taste and the time of the day. Next time, when I come back, I should try their famous new Red Spicy Chicken.

Lemon Pies! Oh so divine!!!

It was overwhelming to taste the Lemon Pie for the first time. There is a sour taste with a mix of sweetness for the pie was said to be made by citrus, obviously lemons so the taste was dominated by bizarre sourness making it unique. The texture is smooth in texture and the crust is tasty too because of the thick liquid. You can have a slice at 25Php and 180Php if you want a pan. Aside from this tasty Pie, there are also other pie delicacies like their Egg Pies and Blueberry Pies.

For sure I will comeback!

Their address in Atey, Daoangan, Sagada found in the heart area of the tourist spots and inns walking distance near to the Municipal Hall. -FAF

You can visit their blogsite at: http://sagadalemonpiehouse.blogspot.com/

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