Aside from the famous Mayon Volcano, there are also mountains of Albay delicacies that you should notice when visiting the Bicol Region.
Home of the country’s majestic Mount Mayon
The Albay province in Bicol region is home to the popular Mayon Volcano, considered one of the most majestic volcanoes in the country.
Legazpi City is its capital and the gateway to some of the region’s top tourist destinations including Donsol, Sorsogon which has gained prominence as site for whale watching activity.
The second largest province in Bicol, it is situated at the southern tip of Luzon and approximately 500 kilometers from Manila.
Part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere
In 2016, Albay was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere as it is also hosts natural destinations like an underground river, luxury beach resorts, enchanting waterfalls, and island hopping activities.
Province is famously known as a hidden tourism gem that offers numerous travel, fun, and leisure activities. The 12-14 hours of travel from Manila will always be worth it. The breathtaking scenery and impressive beaches are just some of the best things this province offers.
You’re probably thinking of adding Albay to your bucket list or even planning what to do on your next trip here. But you know what makes your Albay tour experience so unique and memorable?
Rich Culture and Heritage
Albay’s rich culture and heritage is pronounced in its festivals and the Bicolano cuisine which is a must-experience part of any travel to Albay. It’s to tour your taste buds with the mouth-watering dishes and native delicacies as soon as you step out of Bicol International Airport or your vehicle transport.
With the signature tastes of its typical dishes, it became famous in the country. The creamy coconut filled with hot chili peppers added to any dish makes it more satisfying.
The abundant use of these ingredients represents the diverse cultures in which this province has become exceptional.
Try some of these when you visit Albay on a quick vacation or just plain sightseeing. Let’s drive south and taste the flavors of Albay. We’ve listed some delicacies waiting for you to sate your appetite:
Bicol Express
Bicol’s well-loved spicy dish
This Bicol’s spicy dish is the most popular in the country. Many think this originated here in Bicol, but its recipe was based on the original Malate creation.
However, the natives here in Bicol have made their version. It is made up of pork cooked in coconut milk with sautéed shrimp paste, chili, and chili pepper. The spiciness and saltiness add to the flavor, making it perfect with rice.
You can find this coconut milk based dish anywhere in the Philippines, but nothing beats the taste of Bicol Express cooked in Albay.
Pinangat
A version of “Laing”
Another signature dish is the “pinangat,” prepared with meat, chili, coconut milk, and taro leaves (gabi leaves). It is a “laing” variant, both with coconut cream, but the only difference is that it is wrapped in taro leaves. Other variations of pinangat are filled with sardines, catfish, or tuna. Some folks even use shark meat whenever available.
The best pinangat is in Camalig, Albay, which is freshly served, either hot or frozen. Your Albay getaway won’t be complete if you don’t buy frozen pinangat because this is usually one of the treats visitors bring home.
Inulukan
Almost like “Pinangat”
This aromatic dish is also another version of laing and almost the same as pinangat but with a slight difference in recipes. Inulukan is made from the shredded meat of river crabs (ulok) and then wrapped in several layers of taro leaves (gabi) cooked with lime and coconut milk. To enhance the taste of this local cuisine, shredded gabi or taro leaves are added to the dish.
You can also check out the stores along the street of Camalig that offer individually packed frozen Inulukan available for taking out or pasalubong to your loved ones. Isn’t it good to bring this typical dish to your family or friends? Let them try it too!
Pili Nut Candy
Bicol’s native premium nuts
For local dessert, look no further! Head on to Legazpi City, Albay. The town is also known for its native premium pili nuts. There, you can experience the unique taste of Philippine nuts.
Pili Nut is an indigenous nut that grows primarily in the Bicol region. It can be eaten raw, roasted, or caramelized (Pili Nut candy).
One of the most trusted stores that offer the best pili nut candies and other products made of Pili is the Albay Pilinut Candy, located in Legazpi City. There are many variants of pili candies that you can choose from. Mazapan De Pili, Caramelitos, Salted Pili, Butternuts, Pastillas, and Sesame seed coated pili nuts are best-sellers.
Prices are very affordable here; that’s why visitors would always include their pili nut shopping in their itinerary to bring home to friends and family after their trip.
Tiwi Halo Halo
All-time Filipino favorite, Albayano style
The Bicol’s most popular halo-halo is in Tiwi, Albay, at the DJC Halo-Halo. This has a unique, tasty blend of sweet and salty flavor.
Its finely mixed ingredients are genuinely a reflection of Albayano’s style. It is a concoction of snowy, perfectly shaved ice, minatamis na saba (bananas cooked in sugar syrup), and ube halaya (purple yam).
In addition, it also has Leche flan and fruit salad to bring the signature taste to the whole experience. Indeed, your trip will surely be a sweet escape!
Ligao’s Rice Puto
Macapuno and pandan delights
Let’s go to the home of the best rice puto. Upon entering the town of Ligao, you would first notice the stores selling piping hot and freshly steamed rice puto, placed on banana leaves What makes this native delicacy so unique is that it has two different variants of fillings, macapuno and pandan.
The first bite would satisfy you because the flavors melt in your mouth. Nothing beats a trip that’s full of food trips!
Longanisa de Guinobatan
Sumptuous delicacy prepared manually
This time, another sumptuous delicacy from the town of Guinobatan, Albay. Take a big bite of Longganisa de Guinobatan. It is a pork sausage with a salty flavor dipped in vinegar and egg.
Unlike other native sausages in the country, Guinobatan’s product is made manually. This distinct sausage has two types: Regular (50% lean meat and 50% fat) and Special (80% lean meat). It also has fewer additives, which is perfect for those not fond of foods with more preservatives.
Catandungan Latik
Mouth-watering rice cake
Catandungan Latik consists of a steamed rice cake generously topped with a sweet and sticky coconut syrup known as bañar, the Spanish term for “bathe” or “to pour syrup on.”
Similar to the latik of Cebu, this mouth-watering treat also incorporates coconut into its topping, mixing it with brown sugar and water to create a heavenly sweet syrup that perfectly complements the soft and fluffy rice cake.
Whether you’re a fan of rice cakes or simply love trying new and exciting desserts, Catandungan Latik is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in some truly unique and delicious Bicolano cuisine.
Sili Ice cream
Albay’s ice with a kick!
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Most of us love this, but what if this dessert has a slight twist? Spice up your taste buds and indulge with Albay’s ice cream with a kick of chili! Its strawberry-like color looks so delicious and might fool you at first sight.
1st Colonial Grill Restaurant
Introduced by 1st Colonial Grill Restaurant, this ice cream’s primary ingredients include “siling labuyo” and coconut milk, which are the local food symbols of Bicol. As you savor it, you’ll feel a lingering spicy sensation on your tongue, feeling the combination of hotness and coldness in every scoop.
This also comes in four spicy levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Volcano, which you can choose depending on your spice tolerance.
Perfect place for the wanderlust
Whether you love adventure, visiting to explore breathtaking sceneries, or out for food trips, Albay is the place to be for a wanderlust person like you.
The native delicacies and local dishes that it offers are always distinct to their kind. Do not forget to visit most pasalubong shops to bring the goodness back home.
Plan your visit and taste the rich culture of Albay on your next getaway. You’ll probably never run out of new things to try.
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