6-23-2015 Food of the Day: Empanada

One of the best things about the almost 400 years of Spanish colonization culinary-wise is the empanada. I just love this stuffed pastry that is perfect as a snack or even a meal. My favorite stuffing for empanada is minced pork with some potatoes, carrots, and bits of hard-boiled eggs. There are so many versions nowadays as people experiment on what to put inside. For me, the perfect empanada should be hot, must have a crispy pastry, and succulent filling.  One of the best empanadas that I ever tasted is the Ilocos version.  The Ilocos empanada is bigger than the usual empanada, it is freshly fried and has a very crunchy exterior.  The stuffing includes some flavorful Vigan longanisa, bean sprouts, and egg.  It is a dish that I am willing to travel hundreds of kilometers.  The Ilocos empanada becomes one of best the Ilocano food ever when you add some of their local vinegar. It is simply awesome.  Too bad, I am living in Cebu and nobody has tried inventing a similar snack here. 

How about you, do you have a favorite empanada place? Let me know where by posting a comment and sharing a link. ;) 

Related articles

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cafes in Cebu: Cramming at Bubble Bee Cafe

Image
Cafes are fast becoming the favorite study places for college students here in Cebu. In the Cebu Asiatown I.T. Park, one of the most popular cafes for students is the Bubble Bee Cafe. It's location is very convenient and it has an ample seating to accommodate around 30 people at the same time. 
Read more

Rediscovering Comfort and Resilience: Itchoy Batchoyan Reopens with Hope

Image
When news broke that Itchoy Batchoyan had reopened its doors, my heart did a little dance of joy. The unassuming eatery nestled in the heart of Cebu City had become a cherished haven for many, offering more than just food; it provided comfort, solace, and a sense of community during the tough times of the pandemic and beyond. In a city known for its bustling food scene, Itchoy Batchoyan still found a way to stand out. During the pandemic, I never stopped exploring and looking for the best local eats.  One of my most exciting discoveries was this unassuming Batchoyan and Paresan. I remember the first time I walked through its doors, drawn in by the aroma of familiar Filipino comfort foods. Batchoy,  beef pares, Sisig, Crispy Kare-Kare, and Lechon Kawali were just a few of the fantastic creations that awaited those lucky enough to discover this culinary haven.  The eatery back then had a "dirty kitchen" were you can watch how the delicious food are made. The man behind this hid
Read more

Wing Night Part I: Bad Boys Wingz- Another Awesome Chicken Wing Place in Cebu

Image
In the past year, there have been several restaurants in Cebu that wants to claim "The Best Wings Place in Cebu" title.  The introduction of several chicken wing places cannot outpace the demand for delicious and spicy chicken wings. It is definitely a booming segment as many  Cebuanos flock to their favorite wing place.  Recently, I had a "wing night" with my wife and we restaurant-hopped in two of the best chicken wing places in Cebu. First, we visited the newly opened Bad Boys Wingz right across Bright Academy in Talamban. This wing place used to be a small, but very popular food stall at the BTC and because of the high demand of chicken wings, the owners opened a stand-alone restaurant. I would say it was an excellent decision because they really serve one of the best chicken wings in Cebu.
Read more

Abaca Baking Company: The Trendiest Bakery/Cafe in Cebu

Image
The Abaca restaurant group opened its newest outlet that is fast becoming the trendiest bakeshop/cafe in Cebu.  The Abaca Baking Company started serving fresh breads and pastries to Cebuanos a few weeks ago.  It is located at the Crossroads Mall in Banilad. The Abaca brand has always been a favorite among upscale diners and this new bakery/cafe/coffee shop is another sure hit by the famed restaurant group.
Read more