Home to the Majestic Mount Mayon
Bicol Region, located in the southeastern part of Luzon island, is recognized for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. But it is popularly known for being the home of the majestic Mt. Mayon.
Because of its iconic and perfectly symmetrical cone shape, Mayon Volcano is known as one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. In addition to this, the Bicol also offers some of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines.
However, the Bicol region is recognized not only for its tourist attractions and culture but also because of its unique tasty delicacies, often characterized by its signature spicy twist. Make your adventure more memorable by trying these most famous Bicolano cuisines.
Six Famous Dishes to try in Bicol
Bicol Express
What is a trip to Bicol without tasting the authentic Bicol Express? This is the most famous Bicolano dish, which is made up of pork, coconut milk or coconut cream (also known as gata), fermented shrimp paste (or bagoong), and siling labuyo (a local chili). Sometimes, people use pork offal to give the dish extra flavor.
The combination of coconut milk and spicy chili peppers creates a creamy yet spicy sauce that coats the tender pieces of pork, resulting in a savory and flavorful dish.
Bicol Express is traditionally served with hot rice and dipped in soy sauce, which helps balance out the heat from the chili peppers. It is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is often enjoyed during gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals.
Laing
Another coconut milk-based dish is Laing. Like Bicol Express, it is another popular Bicolano dish – it is a combination of shredded taro leaves, coconut milk, shrimp paste, and, of course, chili peppers.
Laing is typically served as a main dish and is best enjoyed with piping hot steamed rice. But recently, they also made a pizza-flavored Laing, called Laing Pizza.
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, as taro leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals. So if you are looking for a healthy meal to try in Bicol, go ahead and try their Laing.
Kinunot
Another one of the must try dishes is the Kinunot which originates from the Bicol Region, specifically from the provinces of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.
It is a savory and slightly spicy dish made primarily from shredded stingray meat, or shark meat, cooked in coconut milk with malunggay/moringa leaves, ginger, garlic, and vinegar. Other versions use tilapia since stingrays have become prohibited from eating.
Kinunot is typically seasoned with fish sauce (patis) or shrimp paste (bagoong) to enhance its umami flavor and is often served as a main dish alongside steamed rice, although it can also be enjoyed as a pulutan or side dish.
Nilupak
Moving onto snacks and desserts, Nilupak, a native delicacy, is a Bicolano favorite composed of mashed cassava (kamoteng kahoy), sweet potatoes (kamote), or a mix of both, combined with brown sugar, rice flour, and coconut milk.
Some variations may include adding butter for richness or grated coconut or cheese for texture. Other sprinkle grated peanuts on top for an extra flavor.
If you like Cassava cake, you will definitely enjoy this dessert as it tastes almost like cassava cake with grated coconut on top.
Sili Ice cream
Want to try a highly exotic flavored ice cream? Try the Sili Ice Cream in Bicol. Both spicy and sweet, this crowd favorite often comes in pink with chili on top. You will be surprised how the two flavors of spicy and creamy blend well together.
For those who do not have a high tolerance for spicy foods, you can adjust the level of spiciness of your ice cream based on your tolerance.
One of the restaurants that serve this is 1st Colonial, whish is found in Legazpi, Albay. They also offer other native flavors such as Pili, Tinutong Na Bigas, Carmelado, Malunggay, and Cacao ice cream.
Pili Nuts
Pili is native to the Philippines and an indigenous nut to the Bicol Region. These are highly prized for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them a popular ingredient in various Filipino dishes and desserts.
They can be eaten raw, roasted, or candied and are often used as a topping for ice cream or included in pastries and cakes.
Irresistibly Delicious foods in Bicol
These are just six of the many Bicolano dishes you should try when you come and visit the Bicol region. A tremendous gastronomic adventure awaits you since food is a big part of their culture.
Indulge in the rich and flavorful culinary delights of Bicol, where chili-infused cuisines reign supreme as the hallmark of its gastronomic heritage.
With its great food and friendly people, Bicol is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Aside from this, it is a good place for investments because of its excellent business climate and robust economy.
So if you’re looking for a place to settle and invest, Naga, the “Queen City of Bicol,” is a top real estate destination. Find out more reasons here:
Coming home to Naga
Fondly called the “Heart of Bicol,” Naga is a highly progressive first-class city in the province of Camarines Sur.
It is the center of trade, business, religious, cultural, industrial, commercial, medical, educational, and finance of the Bicol region.
Due to its historical significance, Naga is regarded as a “Pilgrimage City” where thousands of tourists flock to see the shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, considered one of Asia’s biggest Marian devotions.
Naga is deemed the most awarded LGU, having been recognized multiple times by international and local organizations for being a model local government unit.
The city is also recognized by the UK Financial Times Group as the “Most Cost-Effective City in Asia” in 2006. It has been elevated into the “Most Business-Friendly City” Hall of Fame.
When it comes to location, Naga City sits right in the center of Bicol Region, where most of Bicol’s business establishments are. Many investors favor the city to be the center of their regional operations in this part of South Luzon.
The real estate industry is established as Naga continues to develop as a bustling investment and tourism hub. Living here offers residents the best of urban living with many opportunities awaiting.
Camella Naga: Your home in the heart of Bicol
If you’re looking for a trusted home builder in Naga, find high-quality yet affordable homes in Camella Naga. This premium development in Camarines Sur prides itself on being a world-class and flood-free community.
Camella Naga is an Italian-Mediterranean-themed house and lot in Camarines Sur, complete with an impressive set of amenities: a clubhouse, basketball court, playground, swimming pool, jogging trail, biking path, and a gated entrance.
This property for sale in Naga is a popular choice among starting families, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), young professionals, retirees, and other individuals because of its relaxing and safe environment.
Located in Del Rosario, Cararayan Rd, Naga, this house and lot in Camarines Sur are located near essential establishments like business centers, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, churches, tourist destinations, and major transportation routes.
One of its selling points is its panoramic view of the beautiful Mount Isarog.
Found along the Pan-Philippine Highway, tourist spots like the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) are highly accessible, as well as significant infrastructures like the Naga Airport.
Your Forever Home
Boasting a prime location and a host of amenities, Camella Naga provides residents with a harmonious blend of comfort and convenience.
You can choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed house models, each meticulously crafted to provide ample living space and functionality.
Camella Naga also features an array of amenities to enhance its residents’ quality of life. These include landscaped parks, a swimming pool, a playground for kids, and a basketball court.
In addition to this, the community has gated entrances and 24/7 security personnel ensuring the safety and peace of mind of residents.
Enjoy the perks of living in the heart of Naga. Camella Naga gives you the ultimate convenience and comfort for a well-balanced and holistic lifestyle.
Ready-for-occupancy units are now available. Visit Camella’s official website for more information.
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