Aside from the beautiful scenery that you can discover around Batangas, their cuisines and delicious foods are one of the reasons why many tourists are flocking to visit the place. So these are the Top Batangas foods that you should try and enjoy on your little voyage in this famous province.

Batangas is known for having a simple and straightforward way of cooking its foods. Most of their dishes are easy to cook and not as complicated as other Filipino dishes. Added only a few main ingredients and not as grand as any other cuisines. But this is what sets the Batangas taste more unique and appealing. They have a wide range variety of dishes that many foreign people and even the local ones are loved. Because of the different resources that they have, many dishes are created and originated in this place.

Key Takeaway

Batanguenos love to eat foods with innards in them so if you love eating foods as such, then you will definitely love it. The cuisines are also different based on the places and the availability of the ingredients. Some foods also influenced by our colonizers become traditionally cooked in this province.

Here is the list of Top Batangas Foods that you must try:

  1. Taghilaw
  2. Sinunggaok
  3. Tulapho
  4. Champene
  5. Kalderetang Kambing
  6. Sinaing na Tulingan
  7. Fried Tawilis
  8. Batangas Lomi
  9. Bulanglang na Gulay
  10. Tamales
  11. Bibingkang Galapong
  12. Kalamay-Kapit
  13. Nilupak

Taghilaw

Taghilaw
Image Source: Ang Sarap

One of the dishes that Batanguenos are proud of is the Taghilaw. If you love eating foods with innards, this dish is perfect for your taste.

They said this dish tastes like Dinuguan, but Taghilaw has no blood or stock, and many innards are present as the ingredients. Liver, kidney, brains, and even the intestine, you can find it in Taghilaw. It has a sour taste because of the vinegar, perfect for pairing with a cup of rice.

You can eat this dish when you visit Batangas because some restaurants serve this cuisine, or you can try cooking it by following the recipe that you can search for online. Heaven for an innards lover, but not everyone’s cup of tea.

Sinunggaok

Sinunggaok Batangas
Image Source: Real And Grill

This is the very own Dinuguan version of Batangas, some may call it Dinuguan sa Kamatis because of the presence of Tomato as one of the ingredients, making it different from other versions of Dinuguan.

Unlike the original Dinuguan, Sinunggaok are using pork meat not innards, and uses tomatoes to make it sour and not vinegar. The taste is somehow familiar to how Dinuguan originally tasted, but Sinunggaok has a unique taste that you will love and keep coming for more.

Many locals in Batangas know how to cook this dish as they treat it as their own cuisine. If you want to try it you can follow the recipe online or visit restaurants in Batangas that serve this dish. 

Champene

Champene
Image Source: Kainang Pinoy

Batanguenos love eating foods with innards, and another dish to try is Champene.

The pronunciation of the word Champene is said to vary depending on the places you are in, same as the ingredient that they are using in cooking this dish. Some areas in Batangas call it Sampene and some use goat innards as the main ingredients. It becomes different depending on the availability.

#eXcitingRecipe

Champene

STEP 1

Tenderize the beef or goat innards by boiling them for 1 to 2 hours. Then take it aside.

STEP 2

Saute garlic and ginger and stir in the onion until it cooks. Add the innards and continue to stir for around 5 minutes.

STEP 3

Add the seasonings (peppercorns, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili, and annatto solution), stir to cook then add two and a half cups of water. Let it boil and simmer.

STEP 4

Add tomato sauce and green chili and let it cook. Adjust the saltiness based on your liking and it is ready to serve!

Tulapho

Tulapho
Image Source: Panlasang Pinoy

If you love eating pork chop then you will definitely love Tulapho of Batangas.

This dish is effortless to cook because you just need to do the three main steps in cooking it. First, tenderize the pork in boiling water with spices that suit your taste. Second, wait until the water evaporates, the natural oil from the pork will serve as the cooking oil. Third, fry the pork until golden brown. Many people in Batangas often use Tulapho as an ingredient in other dishes, but you can enjoy eating it as it is. It is perfectly paired with gravy as the sauce!

You can find it in some of the restaurants around Batangas. You may search online to find those restos, or do this easy-to-cook dish by following the steps provided online.

Kalderetang Kambing

Kalderetang Kambing
Image Source: LifeGetsBetter

Chicken, Pork, and Beef are the common meat that serves as the main ingredient in most Philippine Cuisines. But the next dish from Batangas is somehow uncommon, the Kalderetang Kambing.

On the name itself, this is the famous kaldereta recipe but instead of using pork, goat or kambing is the main ingredient. Many Batanguenos love to eat this dish, but some find it hard to cook because you really need to remove the odor and the unwanted taste of the goat’s meat for you to be able to cook it as kaldereta.

If you visit the province, you should try looking for this cuisine and try eating food that you’re not usually eating. Or you can try cooking it on your own by searching for the complete recipe online.

Sinaing na Tulingan

Sinaing Na Tulingan
Image Source: Yummy Kitchen

Stop for a while in finding meat-centered food and try this Sinaing na Tulingan of Batanagas!

Many beaches and bodies of water will be found around the province, the reason why many seafood dishes are created in this place, and one of those is the Tulingan dish. Some of the local household cook this when they want to cook a very easy dish with a delicious taste and perfectly paired with rice. How to cook it? Here are the easy steps:

#eXcitingRecipe

Sinaing Na Tulingan

STEP 1

In a palayok or any pot, put a kamias or tamarind and a small amount of water.

STEP 2

Rub the Tulingan fish with salt and wrap it in the banana leaves.

STEP 3

Put it in the pot with other ingredients and cook it on a low fire. Wait until it cooks and serves it with patis and rice!

If you find it easy, you must try cooking it at home. Or if you want to experience the beauty of Batangas while tasting their famous food, then you definitely need to find a restaurant serving this Sinaing na Tulingan.

Fried Tawilis

Fried Tawilis
Image Source: Cookmunity

If you love finger foods that you can just eat anywhere while dipping in chili vinegar then Fried Tawili should be on your checklist to try on.

Batangas is known for the fish Tawils, which is a small fish that is usually found in freshwater. It is said to be a member of the genus Sardinella which is only found in the Philippines. Many locals sell it at wet markets and even distribute it to other nearby areas and even in the international markets. Batanguenos usually fry Tawilis and partner it with vinegar. This also serves as a pulutan when they are having a celebration.

Batangas Lomi

Lomi Batangas
Image Source: AngSarap

Did you know that Lomi’s original recipe is from the province of Lipa, Batangas? Yes! It is from a Chinese family who lives in the province and starts creating Lomi. The ingredient that they used is all homemade reason why some find it hard to copy the taste of the original Lomi.

Many versions of how to cook it are created because of the popularity of this dish. You don’t need to go to Batangas to taste it because many nearby places and even restaurants and food stalls in the metro are serving this Lomi.

Eating food where it originated is a different kind of experience, so be sure to find a restaurant that serves Lomi around Batangas when you visit the province!

Bulanglang Na Gulay

Bulanglang Na Gulay
Image Source: Panlasang Pinoy

If you’re a vegetable lover and a vegetarian then you should try Bulanglang na Gulay when you visit Batangas.

Bulanglang means a mixture of vegetables without any other ingredients except for bagoong. It has a variety of vegetables such as malunggay leaves, okra, squash, eggplant, and many others. It is a simple recipe that only requires boiling and adding seasoning. Locals have it along with other fried dishes or eat it along with rice.

#eXcitingRecipe

Bulanglang Na Gulay

STEP 1

Boil water in a pot then adds garlic, ginger, and onion. Let it boil and cook for 5 minutes.

STEP 2

Put tomato, papaya and squash then cook it on medium heat.

STEP 3

Then add eggplant, okra, and patola. Add seasoning based on your preferred taste.

STEP 4

Lastly, put Malunggay leaves and serve them in a bowl!

You can cook it in the comfort of your kitchen or feel and taste of the delicious recipe of Bulanglang na Gulay when you visit the province.

Tamales

Tamales Batangas
Image Source: Filipeanut

This food traditionally came from the influence of Spaniards back in the days when they were colonializing the Philippines. Many families in Batangas, specifically in Ibaan treat it as their own family recipe and cook it during special seasons.

Tamales came from the word “Tamal” which means “rice wrapped in leaves”. It is a go-to food for travelers and hunters back in BCE. it is a glutinous rice cake with chicken shreds and peanuts as an inside filling, wrapped in banana leaves, and very convenient to eat. It is not as sweet as any other rice cake because this is like a go-to meal for travelers.

If Ibaan Batangas is one of your destinations to visit, be sure to look for Tamales in their local markets! This is perfect as a pasalubong for your family and friends.

 

Dessert

Batangas is not only famous for dishes or cuisines but also for sweet and delicious desserts that you will definitely love!

Bibingkang Galapong

Bibingkang Galapong
Image Source: YummyPH

Bibingka is a famous rice cake that is usually present during the Christmas season. Many Filipino loves to eat it after attending a Simbang Gabi, but in Batangas, you can find their own version of Bibingka and call it Bibingkang Galapong.

Unlike the other original Bibingka, this Bibingka is somehow much heavier in texture but soft and creamy in taste. Perfect pairing with hot chocolate or a cup of hot coffee.

Kalamay-Kapit

Kalamay Kapit
Image Source: Kawaling Pinoy

The glutinous recipe is one of the famous recipes not just in Batangas but in many places in the country as well. Batangas’ Kalamay-Kapit is one of them.

Just like many other dishes that originated in this province, this sweet malagkit recipe is easy to cook. You just need to mix the three ingredients (the sticky rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar) and stir them. Flatten and flip until it is cooked and ready to serve. Top it with latik to add some flavor. This is perfect for a mid-day snack or for breakfast, same with other malagkit recipes. Many locals in Batangas are selling Kalamay-Kapit, be sure to buy it in the local market if you visit the province!

Nilupak

Nilupak
Image Source: Yumming Kitchen

Nilupak is a well-known Filipino sticky cassava cake that originated as one of the delicacies of Batangas. The word “lupak” means “to pound” which makes it hard to prepare. Pounding and smashing it non-stop until you found the texture that you needed in making the Nilupak is laborious.

Mashed cassava, butter that added the taste into it, sugar and condensed milk, and the presence of cheese on the top, will make you crave for more! This is perfect to eat after a delicious meal, or as a merienda pairing with a hot coffee. 

You can find this dessert even in the local wet markets around the country, but tasting the original version of it in Batangas is worth to try for!

Batanguenos’ taste may seem unusual for some but definitely unique and something that you will love and appreciate. Visit the province and have a taste of their culture and tradition.

Frequently Ask Questions

What are the must-visit tourist spots in Batangas?

Must-visit tourist spots in Batangas include Taal Volcano, Calatagan Beaches, Laiya Beach, Mt. Maculot, and Anilao for diving and snorkeling.

How do I get to Batangas from Manila?

You can get to Batangas from Manila by bus, private car, or van. The most common route is taking a bus from terminals like Buendia or Cubao bound for Batangas City or other specific destinations within the province.

Can you recommend any local delicacies or food specialties in Batangas?

Batangas is famous for its local delicacies such as bulalo (beef marrow soup), lomi (thick noodle soup), and tawilis (a type of freshwater fish). Don’t miss trying these local specialties!

Is it safe to travel to Batangas?

Batangas is generally considered safe for travelers, but it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions like being aware of your surroundings and following basic safety guidelines.

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Best Batangas Products

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About the Author

Ihra

Ihra

She loves traveling with her friends…and soon on her own. Coffee is her first love and dreams to taste every coffee in the world.

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