Food History of Hidden Garden, Vigan, Philippines
Hidden Garden in Vigan is not just a place of respite with its lush flora, but also a hub of Ilocano culinary arts. The food culture here is rich and utilizes the freshest local ingredients from the Ilocos region. Vigan is famous for its traditional Filipino dishes, many of which have been influenced by Chinese and Spanish cuisine due to the historical trade and colonization. Hidden Garden itself offers a culinary experience that showcases traditional dishes, some of which are made with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hidden Garden, Vigan, Philippines for Tourists
- Pinakbet (Vegetarian) - A classic Ilocano vegetable stew flavored with bagoong (fermented fish or shrimp paste).
- Bagnet (Non-Veg) - Crispy fried pork belly, often served with KBL (kamatis, bagoong, and lasona) dipping sauce.
- Vigan Empanada (Non-Veg) - Savory pastry filled with Vigan longganisa, vegetables, and egg, deep-fried to perfection.
- Dinengdeng (Vegetarian) - A healthy vegetable soup dish with bagoong and sometimes topped with grilled fish.
- Lumpiang Ubod (Vegetarian) - Fresh spring rolls filled with sautéed palm hearts, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp.
- Ukoy (Non-Veg) - Shrimp fritters made with small shrimps, usually served with a spicy vinegar dip.
- Poqui-poqui (Vegetarian) - A flavorful dish made from roasted eggplant sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Longganisang Vigan (Non-Veg) - Vigan's version of the Filipino sausage, known for its garlicky and slightly sour flavor.
- Sinanglao (Non-Veg) - A sour soup dish made with beef innards and clear broth, flavored with kamias or tamarind.
- Mongo (Vegetarian) - A comforting mung bean soup often cooked with malunggay leaves and sometimes with shrimp or fish.
Top Famous Restaurants in Hidden Garden, Vigan, Philippines
While Hidden Garden is a notable attraction in itself, within its confines lies the Lilong and Lilang Restaurant, which is the most prominent place to eat while visiting. Here are the details:
- Lilong and Lilang Restaurant
- Address: Hidden Garden, Barangay Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Food: The restaurant is renowned for its Pinakbet (Vegetarian) and Vigan Longganisa (Non-Veg).
Apart from Lilong and Lilang, tourists can venture into the city of Vigan to explore other various dining options, though they are not within the Hidden Garden itself. Some iconic restaurants to consider in Vigan are:
- Café Leona
- Address: Mena Crisologo Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Food: Known for its Ilocano Pizza (Can be made Veg or Non-Veg) which incorporates local ingredients like Vigan longganisa, eggplant, and Ilocano cheese.
- Café Uno
- Address: Rizal corner Bonifacio Streets, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
- Famous Food: Guests enjoy their Binagoongan (Vegetarian option available) with bagoong flavored rice and vegetables.