Two Remarkable Dishes in the Bicol Region by Jheyma Marbella and Revised By Ma. Liezel Tuazon

May 26, 2022

Two Remarkable Dishes in the Bicol Region

Bicol Region is one of the best places to travel. This place is known for its remarkable tourist spots and especially the perfect cone of Mount Mayon Volcano. Tourists can enjoy different activities while visiting different tourist center that surrounds Bicol. There are a lot of views that can amaze you and make your vacation more fun and exciting while at some point you feel relax.No wonder why Bicol Region become a bucket list of every tourist, locally and internationally. Bicol region is also known for there spicy foods and delicacies like the Bicol Express and the Pinangat or Laing.

The first popular food in Bicol Region is the "Bicol Express," which largely based on coconut and chillies, as evidenced by the likes of gulay na lada, or Bicol Express (pork and local chillies cooked in coconut cream). The name of the dish was inspired by the Bicol Express railway train (Philippine National Railways) that operated from Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay (the regional center of the Bicol region). That's why it's named "Bicol Express." In the Philippines, it is widely known as "gulay na may lada," which is currently one of the vegetarian variants of the Bicol Express dish. The Bicol Express is favored not only by the Bicolanos but also by tourists and people who had already taste and cook according to their own version . That's why, as time ,passed variants of Bicol Express dish expanded and include seafood, beef, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and other versions. This dish also contains a generous amount of meat in some succulent, juicy pork belly and is enriched by a local favorite to season and bring some unique flavor to the dish—shrimp paste, or bagoong. No wonder why people love eating this dish and consider it a dish with well-balanced spice and sweetness that also makes for an irresistible cold-day meal. Furthermore, "Bicol Express" is famous for its taste. That's why it is imitated and has evolved to have more meat and less chili, to suit people who don't have a high tolerance for spicy dishes. Right now, the Bicol Express can be found everywhere in the Philippines being cooked by anyone who appreciates this mouthwatering, spicy dish.

Next, let's proceed to the second well known dish in Bicol Region, which is the "Pinangat," or "laing." "Pinangat" or "Pangat" is a Filipino term originating from the verb "Pangat", which means to cook fish in a broth, and also refers to "Laing," also called simply "Pinangat," a dish from the Bicol Region that primarily uses taro leaves and coconut milk. That's the two versions, or the differences in how the "Pinangat" and "Laing" are cooked. But right now, we are just going to focus on the "pinangat" here in Bicol Region. "Pinangat" is a famous native chili-hot delicacy of the town of Camalig. This is a vegetable dish cooked in coconut milk mixed with select spices, and the important ingredient here is the "taro" leaves, "gabi" in Filipino, and "natong" or "apay" in Bicol. This is one of the favorites of the Bicolanos and those who love taro leaves because this spicy dish with coconut milk really tastes great and has a budget-friendly cost. Also, the way it cooks is very easy, which is why this dish has gained its popularity. Right now, the Pinangat or Laing costs 20–25 pesos per tie, depending on how spicy it is and how large you want to buy it. Like what was said before, the most important ingredient in the "Pinangat" or "Laing" is the taro leaves, which are very abundant here in the Bicol Region. This taro leaf grows every which way here in the wet area or moist area with good soil on it. Also, the "Pinangat" can be served with a variety of toppings, but it is usually ladled over rice. Taro leaves are also good for your health because they are rich in several important micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and calcium, as well as disease-fighting antioxidants. Their high fiber and low calorie content make them an excellent food for boosting heart health and promoting overall well-being.

Now, we see and explore the two remarkable dishes here in Bicol Region. You won't be able to enjoy your stay here unless you eat those foods. Well, for the Bicolanos, these foods are part of their tradition and their meals every now and then. Apart from the beautiful scenery that Bicol Region has, these foods complete the identity of being the remarkable Oragon of the Bicolanos.

Below are some pictures of Pinangat and Bicol Express:

Pinangat:

Photo/s Credit By: Joseph Brebayrants