I consider Bicol as one of the best provinces I have been to in the country. In my experience, the people were so nice, the beaches were so good (see where I stayed in Donsol here), and the food was really unforgettable!!!
Indeed Bicolano Cuisine are freaking delicious! From coconut milk (gata)-based dishes to unique desserts (try Pili and Sili Ice Cream), almost everything is a must try.
So after the whole Bicol trip, I looked for something to take back to Manila to share the goodness of Bicol to my friends and loved ones.
You can buy different pasalubong items in Ibalong Pasalubong Center located in Legazpi Grand Terminal. But if you want to take home a delicacy like I did, I recommend Bicol's Pinangat. It's Manila's version of Laing, made from gabi leaves, dried fish, shrimp paste and maybe some coconut milk. You can buy it in local restaurants along Camalig, Albay but if you already happen to be in the terminal, you can go to SM Supermarket. They sell famous Dad's Special Pinangat in chilled packaging, perfect for transporting. They sell each pack for Php 45. I recommend getting the spicy flavor.
Travel from Legazpi to Manila took 12 hours so prolonging the life of this dish was very critical. In order to keep it chilled, I bought a cooler box for Php 150 and put some ice in it. Tube ice were conveniently placed beside the Pinangat's chiller.
The icebox had to be sealed securely to make sure that the ice water would not spill during the trip. Thankfully the staff from the supermarket helped me seal it using packaging tape. (Bicolano's are sooo nice!)
Right after I went home, I immediately checked the package and still found some ice on top.
I put the Pinangat in the fridge and left one pack to be heated for dinner.
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| Pili Ice Cream is the bomb! |
So after the whole Bicol trip, I looked for something to take back to Manila to share the goodness of Bicol to my friends and loved ones.
You can buy different pasalubong items in Ibalong Pasalubong Center located in Legazpi Grand Terminal. But if you want to take home a delicacy like I did, I recommend Bicol's Pinangat. It's Manila's version of Laing, made from gabi leaves, dried fish, shrimp paste and maybe some coconut milk. You can buy it in local restaurants along Camalig, Albay but if you already happen to be in the terminal, you can go to SM Supermarket. They sell famous Dad's Special Pinangat in chilled packaging, perfect for transporting. They sell each pack for Php 45. I recommend getting the spicy flavor.
 |
| Pinangat sold for Php 45 |
Travel from Legazpi to Manila took 12 hours so prolonging the life of this dish was very critical. In order to keep it chilled, I bought a cooler box for Php 150 and put some ice in it. Tube ice were conveniently placed beside the Pinangat's chiller.
 |
| Tube Ice |
Right after I went home, I immediately checked the package and still found some ice on top.
I put the Pinangat in the fridge and left one pack to be heated for dinner.
