Despite numerous delectable regional dishes in our 7,107 islands, Pampanga is still known as the culinary capital of the Philippines.
So for this week’s food trip, we hit the road and headed to Angeles City — Pampanga’s city of angels — to taste authentic Capampangan cuisine as well as new additions to this foodie haven as suggested by our very special food guide: celebrity chef Sau del Rosario.
Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy at Sisig
San Andres Street, Angeles City
The late and great Aling Lucing invented the addictive concoction we now know as sisig, but there’s another must-try place to experience Pampanga’s signature dish.
Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy at Sisig is a no-frills joint along San Andres Street, but do not let the humble façade and plastic chairs dissuade you. When we visited Mila’s on a Thursday night, it was packed with diners — despite the black out.
As their name suggests, Mila’s is famous for tokwa’t baboy (fried tofu and chopped pork with a seasoned soy-vinegar sauce), a staple in drinking sessions anywhere in the Philippines.
And of course, their sisig (grilled and chopped pork face — yes, face) is a must-try. Served on a sizzling plate, the pork is just the right amount of charred when it gets to your table. Devoid of bells and whistles, Mila’s sisig keeps the Capampangan way alive: tasty, simple, and addictive.
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Make sure to also try Mila’s Tocino BBQ (grilled cured pork, tangy and sweet) and Chef Sau’s personal favorite, the beef caldereta.
Café Fleur
Miranda Street, Angeles City
Now that you’ve tried Pampanga’s classic fare, head to Café Fleur for some “avant-garde Capampangan” dishes.
Conceptualized and opened by our food guide, Chef Sau, Café Fleur is the culmination of his travels and training abroad.
His quaint and chic restaurant — located in the beautifully restored 1898 Narciso home in the heritage district — features dishes highlighting the familiar and nostalgic flavors of Pampanga mixed with Chef Sau’s French-Asian flair.
Aside from Café Fleur, the ancestral home also houses Babo and Leh-Leh, two other concept restaurants by Chef Sau and managed by business partner Chloe Cauguiran.
Café Fleur is a foodie haven, so make sure to come back several times to try their Capampangan Tamales, Crispy Okoy and Shrimp, Tinapa Mousse (yes, addictive), Chef Sau’s signature Macadamia Kare-Kare with Crispy Pork Belly (sinfully delicious as it sounds), and any cake they have in the stand. And I mean, ANY CAKE.
Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery
Jesus Street, Angeles City
Just behind Café Fleur is a restaurant with an industrial feel and authentic Vietnamese menu simply called Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery.
Created by former Nobu New York chef Rex Soriano and his Vietnamese wife, Banh Mi offers tasty Vietnamese fare — no wonder their food is extraordinary!
Make sure to try their Goi Gah (fresh chopped salad with chicken and egg noodles), Pho Bo (beef pho with the works), BBQ Pork Banh Mi (BBQ pork with pickled vegetables in a baguette), and fresh spring roll with lip-smacking roasted peanut sauce.
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