Craving Ilocos Empanada? Here’s What You Need to Know
Ilocos Empanada is a popular Ilocano street food. It is a savory snack with a super crunchy exterior filled with veggies, longganisa, and eggs, making it a meal in itself. The empanada is as unique as it can get, from the large, orange outer shell to the scrumptious filling inside.
The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 1 invites you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the north of the Philippines! Recently, Team Out of Town, together with culinary experts, tour operators, content creators, provincial tourism officers, and other stakeholders, were invited to visit Ilocos for a gastronomic journey titled “MAY-KAN: Discovering Flavors of the North Through A Gastronomic Experience.” The familiarization trip aims to showcase the region’s unique flavors and explore the culture and heritage of Ilocandia! One of the unique Ilocano foods that we sampled is the popular Ilocos Empanada.
The Ilocos Empanada is a must-try snack for anyone visiting the Ilocos region. It is commonly sold in street stalls and markets, where you can watch the vendors skillfully make the empanadas right before you. Of course, you can now find this Ilocano delicacy in Metro Manila, and you can even order it on the Grabfood app, but It tastes better if you sample it where it originally came from. The empanada is not only delicious but also represents the unique flavors and culture of the Ilocos region.
History of Ilocos Empanada
The origins of Ilocos Empanada can be traced back to the Ilocos region in the northern part of the Philippines. The Ilocos region comprises four provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The dish is particularly popular in the cities of Laoag and Vigan.
The history of Ilocos Empanada is intertwined with the Philippines’ history. The dish reflects the country’s colonial past, with its Spanish and Chinese influences. The Spanish introduced the concept of empanadas to the Philippines during their colonization of the country. On the other hand, the Chinese brought in the practice of using rice flour in pastry-making.
Over time, the Ilocanos developed their unique version of the empanada, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The dish became a staple in the Ilocos region and gained widespread acclaim for its delicious taste and cultural significance.
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