Food History of Crisologo Museum, Vigan, Philippines
The Crisologo Museum is a historical landmark in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, showcasing the life and times of the Crisologo family, one of the prominent political families in the region. While the museum itself is not centered on food, the cuisine of Vigan reflects the city's rich cultural heritage, influenced by Chinese, Spanish, and indigenous Filipino culinary traditions. Vigan is renowned for its savory and hearty dishes, often made with locally sourced ingredients, rice, vegetables, and various meats—except for beef, in respect of the non-cow meat preference.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Vigan
- Bagnet (Non-Veg) - A crispy, deep-fried pork dish similar to lechon kawali, often served with a side of tomato and bagoong (fermented fish or shrimp paste).
- Vigan Longganisa (Non-Veg) - A local version of Filipino sausage, known for its garlicky and slightly tangy flavor, typically eaten with rice and egg for breakfast.
- Pinakbet (Veg) - A vegetable stew made with bitter gourd, eggplant, tomato, okra, and string beans, flavored with bagoong.
- Poqui-poqui (Veg) - A simple Ilocano dish made from roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and eggs.
- Empanada (Non-Veg) - Vigan’s version of the empanada is filled with Vigan longganisa, grated green papaya, and egg, then deep-fried to a crisp.
- Lumpia (Veg/Non-Veg) - Filipino-style spring rolls that can be served fresh or fried, with a variety of fillings including vegetables and meat.
- Sinanglao (Non-Veg)- A sour soup made typically with beef, but in Vigan, it can be prepared with other meats, and is known for its rich, savory broth.
- Miki (Non-Veg) - A noodle soup dish often served with bagnet or longganisa and topped with an egg.
- Dinengdeng (Veg) - A simple, nutritious vegetable soup commonly made with malunggay leaves and grilled fish, but vegetarian versions can exclude the fish.
- Dinuguan (Non-Veg) - A savory stew made of pork blood, meat, and entrails, usually eaten with puto (steamed rice cakes).
Top Famous Restaurants Near Crisologo Museum, Vigan, Philippines
- Café Leona
- - Address: Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Dish: Pinakbet Pizza (Veg)
- Kusina Felicitas
- - Address: Ground Floor, Grandpa’s Inn, #1 Bonifacio St. corner Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
- Famous Dish: Bagnet (Non-Veg)
- Café Uno
- - Address: 1 Bonifacio St. Plaza Burgos, Vigan City
- Famous Dish: Water Buffalo Milk Cheese (Kesong Puti) (Veg)
- Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant
- - Address: Katipunan St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Dish: Vigan Longganisa (Non-Veg)
- Plaza Area Food Stalls
- - Address: Plaza Burgos, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Dish: Empanadang Vigan (Non-Veg)
Remember that while these dishes and restaurants are popular attractions in Vigan, Crisologo Museum itself is not a food destination but a place to appreciate the history and culture of the Crisologo family and Vigan city.