ANGONO: A Gastronomic Destination in Rizal
Angono isn't just the Art Capital of the Philippines. It's also a gastronomic destination that prides on a great list of local eateries in Rizal. In between our visits to museums and galleries, we were treated to mouthwatering food and drinks, some of which I continue to dream and drool over up to this day.
TINDAHAN NI INDAY
Before heading to the Angono Municipal Hall, we were brought to the home of Ms. Jhoana de Borja Miano, owner of Tindahan ni Inday. Her cheery demeanor, as well as her tasty Pancit Malabon and sweet Kumanoy helped perk up our morning.
If you're not familiar with Kumanoy, it's a local kakanin (a well loved dessert by the Angonians) that is made out of coconut milk, ground rice and sugar. Similar to sapin-sapin, in terms of texture, Jhoana's version was creamy and soft. I had to take in a second serving because it was that good.
Address: Dela Paz St., Brgy. San Pedro, Angono, Rizal, Philippines
Contact #: (63) 917-6802779
BALAW-BALAW SPECIALTY RESTAURANT AND ART GALLERY
After our courtesy call at the Mayor's office, we were taken to a restaurant-cum-gallery called Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Art Gallery. Founded by Mrs. Luzvimin Vocalan and her late husband Perdigon Vocalan (a celebrated painter and sculptor of Angono), the restaurant was named after a specialty dish called ‘Binurong Hipon’, a local dish made out of fermented rice and shrimp.
Balaw-Balaw’s menu consist of authentic Filipino dishes, some of which are native to the town of Angono. We were served a sumptuous selection of their specialties such as their Toasted Alamang, Soup #5, Cream Dory Alagaw w/Mango sauce, Minaluto, Sizzling Kabayo w/Turmeric, Tahong w/Burong Hipon, and Maruya topped with ice cream.
Out of all the food choices, the Minaluto stood out for me in terms of taste and presentation (a smaller version of a boodle feast), given its delicious fusion of fish, crabs, shrimps, mussels, fried pork, chicken, calamares, salted eggs, tomatoes, ginisang kangkong, and two types of rice.
I also enjoyed munching on the toasted alamang, which complemented the Cream Dory Alagaw and the Tahong w/Burong Hipon. The Sizzling Kabayo, on the otherhand, was also delicious, despite its hard-to-chew meat.
Address: 16 Doña Justa Subd. Angono, Rizal
Website: Balaw-Balaw
KIM IS HUNGRY
Kim is Hungry is a chic pastry cafe that offers a variety of food, mostly serving pastries (cakes, cupackes), as well as Italian and Mexican-inspired dishes. I love that the diner was still able to offer an intimate and cozy setting despite having such a small space.
Out of all the food that was served to us, the Salted Caramel Cupcake, Ferrero Nutella Cake, Lasagna and Quesadillas stood out for me the most. I regret not taking home a slice of their Ferrero Nutella. Then again, this gives me an opportunity to come back to Angono.
Address: 2nd floor, M. Diaz corner Ibanez St. Brgy. Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal. They are near the University of Rizal System and Angono General Hospital (walking distance from Angono Municipal Hall and and Plaza).
Facebook: KIM is Hungry
Instagram: @kimishungrycakescafe
WINGS ON THE GO
Wings On The Go definitely topped my list of good eateries in Angono. I was already full from all the eating that we’ve been doing the entire day. But I somehow, still managed to eat what they prepared for us.
We were able to sample their nachos, fries (love their Chili Cheese), and Buffalo Wings, which were served and dipped in two types of sauce. I also loved that they incorporated some green salad into our 'evening feast' to help balance our meat and carb-filled meals.
Their food is freshly made, and their burgers are 100% pure beef and grilled. I particularly loved the Latino Heat, which had their signature patty, cheese, lettuce, jalapeno and chili con carne. I love spicy food, so this burger variation became an instant favorite.
Address: 213 E.Rodriguez Itaas Brgy. Sto. Niño (near the Plaza)
Facebook: Wings On The Go
Instagram: @wingsonthego
LAVA MOCHA
Lava Mocha is a very interesting diner. Not only do they serve some of the best tasting finger food (i.e. nachos, buffalo wings, cheese drizzled fries), they also offer one of the most unique drinks in the Philippines: the Higante Frappe. It’s literally the tallest and most unique D-I-Y drink that I've seen and tasted in a long time! The Higante Frappe is so huge and packed with sweet treats, that you may or may not be able to finish it in one sitting. But it’s definitely worth the price since it's good for sharing.
Address: 97 Doña Aurora St., Angono, Rizal
Facebook: Lava Mocha
Instagram: @lavamochacafe
CHEF JOEL'S KUMANOY/INUTAK
We were also able to sample Chef Joel's own version of the Kumanoy, which we ate after having breakfast at Villa Jhoana Resort. The Kumanoy actually tasted better when chilled.
Owner/Chef: Joel Liwanag Villamarin
Facebook: Chef Joels
Contact #: (63) 917-6323878
BALWARTE
Balwarte not only prepared a tasty lunch for us. They were also able to entertain us with the interesting names that they coined for their buffalo wings: Nagmahal (sweet), Nasaktan (spicy), and Nagpatiwakal (extremely hot)! These chicken wings were definitely best in taste and hugot!
I’m not a fan of Isaw or Gizzard. But I definitely enjoyed their Nachos and Sizzling Pork Steak. Their Pork Steak was definitely something that I relished, as the meat was tender and flavorful. I was able to finish all the rice on my plate, as it was that good.
Address: 201 E. Rodriguez Rd. Sto. Niño, Angono, Rizal (beside Angono Municipal Hall)
Facebook: Balwarte
Instagram: @thebalwarte
ART CAPITAL CAFE
Our merienda at Art Capital Cafe was our group's version of "one for the road". I loved how we ended our 'Food & Art Crawl' with a lot of good food and delicious frappes, amidst a great display of Carlo “Botong” Francisco’s artworks.
There were a variety of frappe drinks that were served to us. But out of all the drinks that were prepared, the Salted Caramel Mocha and Buttered Beer stood out for me. I also enjoyed munching on their Chips & Salsa, Buffalo Wings (parmesan and spicy), Potato Wedges, and Cheeseburger Shots.
Address: M. L. Quezon Ave., Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal
Facebook: Art Capital Cafe
Instagram: @artcapitalcafe
Special thanks to Angono Tourism, Celine Reyes, and Villa Jhoana Resort for taking care of us while we were in Angono! You can also check this LINK for more updates on the Higantes Festival.
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
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