Made in Bulacan

By: Khristen Jenica A. Pulumbarit

Bulacan may be known for a lot of reasons but one of them is definitely about its very own food & products, just like any other provinces, bulacan also has its own specialty that a lot of filipinos could enjoy and some of them are, Longganisang Calumpit (Calumpit) – a longganisa variant that’s more fatty and garlicky; minsan, tinatawag din itong Longganisang Bawang. A very popular and unique food from bulacan that even people from faraway places go to just to have a taste of it, next on the list is its known pastillas wrapper that’s made with colourful and intricately designed paper wrappers made of Japanese paper called “Pabalat”. Fiestas are not complete without these elaborate paper-cut pastillas wrappers often used as decoration, table centrepieces as well as souvenirs.

We can actually say that bulacan has a diverse taste in food as its famous products do not only focus on one flavour or aspect but it even has something to offer as your sauce. And if you are a bulakenyo you know that this is also a must taste when in bulacan which is called the “Sukang Paombong” – Vinegar extracted from the sap of sasa (nipa) which makes Paombong known and dubbed as the “Vinegar Capital of the Philippines”. Now let’s move to marilao and know about its well liked “Pancit Marilao” – a variant of pancit palabok but what makes it different are its toppings. Pancit Marilao is topped with Bulacan okoy (shrimp fritters) and instead of calamansi, it is garnished with slices of kamias as pampaasim. It sounds delicious right? Maybe you’re contemplating to try it now but let me tell you, we’re just getting close to the exciting part.

Moving to the specialty of its own capital, Malolos also has something to recommend which is “Pinaso” – “a cross between leche flan and crème brûlée,” made of crushed saltine crackers in eggs, sugar, milk, and dayap rind and as someone who was born here in malolos herself I can assure you that it really is one of the best foods in here that could even make you forget your own name. Bulakenyos really are amazing to even come up with various food & products which really makes the province a more special place filled with its own culture. And to tell you, there is lots more food that Bulacan can provide, so what are you waiting for food lovers, adventurers and tourists, come to Bulacan where everyone is welcome.