10 Famous Foods to Die for in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

The Philippines is famous for its "Lutong Bahay" (home-made) cuisine (Image Source)

The Filipino culture is very well-acquainted with different types of cuisines, indeed. Every province has its distinct and particular tastes, and still have their similarities in style, finesse, and delivery. You'll be surprised what this country has in store with your stomachs! Because we all know one thing: it's that Filipinos take utter delight in eating!

Now if you're up for a diverse and eccentric food adventure, Region 4-B has a wide galore of dishes and treats for you! Read along and -try- not to get too hungry for these upcoming scrumptious dishes.

Are your tissues (you know, to wipe off the drool off your face) ready for this? Then let's go!

~Occidental Mindoro ~

1. ADOBONG PUGITA

Adobong Pugita (Octopus) in Camalig Restaurant (source)

In the Sablayan Coasts, seafoods are cheaper than chicken. Try this different variety of Adobo, a "pugita" (or octopus) dish from Camalig Restaurant that will surely keep you wanting for more!

• BUDGET: P200 / plate

OTHER DELICIOUS FILIPINO FOODS IN CAMALIG RESTAURANT:

• Crispy Hipon for Php 100 (source)

• Native Tinola for Php 290(source)

• Fresh Lumpia for Php 50 (source)

• Ginataang Puso ng Saging for Php 100 (source)

~ Oriental Mindoro ~

3. SPARE RIBS AND STEAKS @ TAMARIND RESTAURANT

"The best spare ribs I ever had!" - traveler photo, March 2013 (source)

The Tamarind Restaurant is popular in the area for its delicious steaks and pork ribs that are served in huge dishes. This restaurant is located directly on the Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera, and guests are guaranteed to enjoy a nice view while dining. The dishes that served here are a mix of Filipino as well as different international styles of cuisine. It is also ranked as #3 of the 5 Restaurants in Sabang (source).

Aside from the scrumptious steaks, the restaurant is also perfect for relaxing and chilling, especially during nighttime at the beach. The Tamarind Restaurant is also popular in the nightlife community as it boasts a splendid variety of free-flowing drinks, such as gin juice, fruit daiquiri, frozen margarita and many others. 

• RECOMMENDED DISHES: Pork Ribs and Steaks, partnered with Alcoholic Beverages
• BUDGET: Food prices start at 300 pesos, but most of the dishes are good for two persons.

4. SEAFOODS GALORE! @ HEMINGWAY'S BISTROT

Scallops and Prawns Pasta @ Hemingway's Bistrot, Puerto Galera (source)

The Hemingway Bistrot is in Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera. It is a prime spot for visiting writers, celebrities and tourists alike. From the famous writer, Earnest Hemingway, their is characterized by his many travels, this serving Caribbean, Italian and Spanish-inspired dishes. The restaurant is ranked #9 of 49 restaurants in Puerto Galera (source). The easy favorites in this Western Mediterranean restaurant are the pasta and seafood paella.

• RECOMMENDED DISHES: Cuban seafood dishes, paella and pasta.
• BUDGET: Starts at 120 pesos; a meal for two which comprises of drinks and meal platters costs around 400 pesos (approx. 9 USD).

~ Marinduque ~

5. BIBINGKANG LALAKI

Bibingkang Lalaki (source)

In English, it is directly translated as Male Bibingka. Want to know why this heavy snack is named as such? Not spoiling anything, but I dare you to ask the locals. Don't worry, it's worth all the suspense!

Instead of yeast, the bibingkang lalaki is made with tuba (coconut wine) which makes the insides of the bibingka moist and pudding-like. After all, coconut and other by-products are Marinduque's source of income as the provinces' agricultural produce.

6. ARROWROOT COOKIES

Arrowroot Cookies (source)

Arrowroot cookies are one of the most famous pasalubong from Marinduque. It is made from root crops that grow around the island. The basic arrowroot cookie shape is shaped like a rounded heart, but one of the famous shapes based from what tourists buy would be the image above, meringue looking.

Find what some call the best arrowroot cookies in Marinduque at Rejano’s Bakery.

Price Range: P115 to P150 for a 250-gram tin of cookies, depending on packaging and the design of the cookies.

A.K.A. Uraro in other parts of the Philippines and Arurut in Marinduque as a result of saying "Arrowroot" fast. Try saying it and do so when you buy in Marinduque! 

                                           ~ Romblon ~

7. BOKNOY SIOPAO

Boknoy Siopao (source)

The Boknoy Siopao is different from the typical asado and bola-bola types of siopao because of its sauce. The sauce is already inside the siopao. One could it eat without the messy and hassle application of the siopao sauce. The Boknoy Siopao is currently only found in Romblon Island. Let the hunt begin!

Clue: What's behind the Boknoy Siopao? Where can you find it?

8. ORANGE ROUGHY KINILAW

Orange Roughy Kinilaw (source)

First things first, let us define some things.

Orange Roughy: a type of fish

Kinilaw/ Kilawin: a raw seafood or meat dish popular and varied in the Philippines, similar to ceviche (popular in the coastal regions of the Americas)

Putting two and two together, this dish is made of raw fish cooked in 'liquid fire' or most commonly known as vinegar. For this dish, palm vinegar is used. Other ingredients to achieve the signature tangy taste would be lemon or calamansi, sliced/diced onion, cucumber, tomatoes, pepper, mayonnaise, and salt to taste. Chill before serving and served ala sushi style. It's best as appetizer, pulutan, and sumsuman.

~ Palawan ~

9. TAMILOK

Tamilok (source)

Tamilok is woodworm that lives in mangroves. Yes, woodworm and mangroves. But surprisingly, they are mollusks that taste like oysters, just longer and slimier. They are cleaned, dipped in vinegar, and served raw. Best as appetizer and pulutan!

Trivia: According to some local legends, the name tamilok originated from when two foreigners were with two tribesmen who were about to eat worms or u-od in Filipino and to one of the westerner's astonishment shouted to his companion: "Look, Tommy, look!" Believing that the white men were experts who knew the name of the dish, they named it tamilok. 

10. MARGARITA PIZZA

Margarita Pizza (source)

The Margarita Pizza found in Bistro Coron, along with other European dishes with a touch of Filipino tastes, is made up of hand baked dough topped with tomato, onion, garlic, bell pepper, ham, cheese, and freshly cracked eggs.

The restaurant also offers other pizzas, pastas, steaks, and sausages. It is located in the National Highway and Sea Dive Resort. Plus bar, billiards, and free wifi!

~ REFERENCES ~

• http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurants-g294254-Puerto_Galera_Oriental_Mindoro_Province_Mindoro.html
• http://www.puertogaleraboard.com/puerto-galera-restaurants.php
• http://cushtravel.com/top-restaurants-at-which-to-enjoy-eating-and-drinking-in-puerto-galera/
• "Biyahe ni Drew: Food Tripping in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro" Segment of TV show in GMA News TV, "Biyahe ni Drew" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc3SCtXqJF4
• http://gmanetwork.com/news/story/300376/newstv/biyahenidrew/marinduque-meals-food-from-the-heart-of-the-philippines
• http://www.lakas.com.ph/2012/06/14-things-to-do-in-romblon-island-romblon/
• http://leftmyheartinpalawan.com/2013/5-must-try-foods-of-palawan/
• http://www.lakwatsero.com/spots/best-places-to-eat-in-coron/