A long day in Pampanga may be exhausting. To experience the hidden paradise in Porac or perhaps the rich historical culture that is obviously around Angeles City.
Or perhaps, is it that “Christmas feels like” the City of San Fernando you’re looking for?
If there’s anything you should never forget, it’s the food.
Known as the Philippine Culinary Capital, you probably don’t want to miss it. When it comes to cooking, it’s a big deal. This is how the Kapampangans show you their love and gratitude.
Looking for some appetizers or main courses? I mean, Pampanga has it all. However, a full meal is not going to be complete with just an appetizer and main dishes.
Before going to your next destination, you’ll be needing some energy for you to continue.
The easiest way to recover energy is to eat sweets.
Yes, you read it correctly. In addition, Pampanga takes their dessert seriously. This is perfect for someone who loves sweets.
To complete your full meal course, here are the desserts that you can enjoy in Pampanga:
Tibuk-tibuk
It is the Pampanga version of Maja Blanca, which is traditionally made with carabao milk, with a touch of dayap zest (local lemon) with latik on the top.
Tibuk-tibuk or tibok literally means “heartbeat” that describes the bubbles pulsating upward and down (that looks like a beating heart) when the dessert is cooked.
The best place to try tibuk-tibuk is probably in Susie’s cuisine. The creaminess of the white pudding will melt together with a taste of the latik in your mouth.
You won’t regret it for sure!
Halo-Halo
If there’s one well-known dessert in the country, it would probably be Halo-Halo. It is one of the favorite summertime desserts that everyone else will surely enjoy under the heat of the sun.
Each town has its version of halo-halo. It can vary with different ingredients.
But, if there are two well-known establishments that are well known for their Halo-halo, it would probably be Kabigting’s Halo-Halo and Razon’s Halo-Halo.
These two are considered royalties in the halo-halo scene.
What makes these two different?
Simple, it’s their minimal ingredients used in making their special and well-loved Halo-Halo.
For Razon’s Halo-Halo, they only have 4 main ingredients which consist of sweetened local banana, coconut sport, and Leche flan with dayap rind (peel) topped with finely shaved ice, and milk.
On the other hand, Kabigting’s Halo-halo also has a handful of ingredients which are mashed kidney beans, and creamed corn, and their special ingredient is Pastillas made from carabao’s milk.
Never underestimate this simple ingredient, because it will blow your mind once you taste it.
Turrones de Casoy
If you’re planning to buy some sweet treats and delicacies in Pampanga. This is one of the delicacies you should buy as a pasalubong.
Turrones de Casoy is a sweet treat wrapped in wafer paper made from honey, sugar, egg, and cashew nuts that are great as a snack or dessert.
This delicacy was made with the influence of a Spanish delicacy ‘Turrón‘, which is an old-age delicacy originally from Sta. Rita, Pampanga.
The original and well-known maker of Turrones de Casoy in Pampanga was Ocampo-Lansang Delicacies.
So, don’t miss it next time!
San Nicolas Cookies
Is there one cookie older than you, it’s probably the San Nicolas Cookies. Also known as Panecillos de San Nicolas named after the patron saint of the bakers, children, and the sick, “San Nicholas de Tolentino.”
It is also considered one of the oldest types of cookies in the Philippines. The practice of making San Nicolas Cookies dated back to the 16th century during the Spanish Colonial period.
The uniqueness of the cookies can be seen in the carvings in the shape of San Nicolas on the surface.
The practice and the authenticity of making San Nicholas cookies still exist because of Atching Lilian Borromeo—one of Pampanga’s culinary experts and is considered the keeper of heirloom Kapampangan recipes.
It’s a perfect pair for your Tsokolate de Batirol or coffee.
Kakanin
If there is one thing you must try in Pampanga, most likely it’s the different variations of their Kakanin (Rice cakes).
If you love to get a taste of the authentic Kapampangan Kakanin, you must visit Susie’s Cuisine dubbed as ‘The Best in Pampango Kakanin Since 1972’.
For those who love to try everything, you would like their ‘assorted kakanin’ wherein, they offer different options of kakanin: Tibok-tibok, Tibok Mais, Biko Kalabasa, Duman Pinipig, Kalamay Ube, Ube Lakatan, Halaya Ube and Sapin-sapin.
Eating these delicacies will surely give a new set of experiences. You can take it home and share it with your friends or family. It’s more enjoyable, and fun if you eat this with your family and friends.
Discover more sweet treats and Delicacies here in Pampanga.
Pampanga is definitely that place that keeps you wanting to come back for a taste.
