Benguet is one of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines and a popular destination for travelers. It is home to some spectacular mountain views, numerous waterfalls, hot springs, and unique adventures. It also has an abundance of delicious food that you won’t find anywhere else!
Discover the flavors of Benguet with Pinikpikan, a dish of pounded chicken or pork. Indulge in Pinuneg, Kiniing, and Etag, smoked meat delicacies. Try Binungor for a lighter a popular exotic delicacy. Don’t miss Kiniwar, Baguio Longganisa, Bulalo, Adobo, and Pancit. For a unique taste, savor Laing, taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with chili peppers.
Whether you’re exploring the mountains or relaxing in Baguio City, make sure to sample some of the delectable dishes that this region has to offer.
1. Pinikpikan
Pinikpikan is a traditional Filipino dish from the Cordillera region. It is made with chicken that is beaten with a stick before being cooked in a pot with spices and herbs.
The dish is said to have originated from the Igorot people, who believed that the beating of the chicken would help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Pinikpikan is typically served with rice and vegetables and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a snack.
Here are some additional details about Pinikpikan:
Ingredients: Chicken, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and chili peppers.
Flavor: Savory and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions: Pinikpikan is typically served with rice and vegetables and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a snack.
2. Pinuneg
Pinuneg is a Filipino blood sausage made with pig’s blood, minced pork fat, salt, red onions, ginger, and garlic stuffed into a casing made from a pig’s small intestine. It is traditionally prepared during pig sacrifice ceremonies. Pinuneg has a strong, savory flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It is typically served boiled or grilled and is often eaten with rice.
Pinuneg is a popular dish in the Cordillera region of the Philippines and is often served during special occasions such as fiestas and weddings. It is also a common breakfast food in some parts of the region. Pinuneg is a good source of protein and iron and is a relatively inexpensive dish to make.
Ingredients: Pig’s blood, pig’s small intestine, pork fat, onion, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
Flavor: Strong, savory flavor, slightly sweet, and salty.
Serving suggestions: Pinuneg can be boiled, grilled, or fried. It is often served with rice and vegetables.
3. Kiniing and Etag
Kiniing and Etag are both dried pork products that are popular in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. Kiniing is made by drying pork meat, while Etag is made by drying pork fat. Both dishes are a popular snack in the region, and are often served with rice or vegetables. Kiniing and Etag are also good sources of protein and fat and can be a filling meal.
Here are some additional details about Kiniing and Etag:
- Kiniing is made by first marinating pork meat in a mixture of salt, vinegar, and spices. The meat is then dried in the sun or over a fire. Kiniing has a slightly salty and smoky flavor, and a chewy texture.
- Etag is made by first curing pork fat in salt. The fat is then dried in the sun or over a fire. Etag has a strong, salty flavor, and a soft, fatty texture.
4. Binungor
Binungor is a popular exotic delicacy in the province of Benguet. It is a vegetable stew made with local mollusks, chili peppers, and other vegetables. The mollusks used in binungor are called agurong or bissukul, and they are found in rice paddies and streams.
The stew is typically made with bamboo shoots, local mushrooms, unripe jackfruit, squash, string beans, and bird’s eye chili peppers. Binungor is a spicy dish, and it is often served with rice. It is a popular dish during the cold months, and it is a good source of protein and vitamins.
Ingredients: Agurong (local mollusks), bamboo shoots, unripe jackfruit, squash, string beans, kardis (local peas), chili peppers, onion, garlic, fish sauce, salt, black pepper.
Flavor: Binungor has a strong, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the squash and jackfruit. The chili peppers add a significant amount of heat, so adjust the amount to your taste.
Serving suggestions: Binungor is typically served with rice. It can also be served with a dipping sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili peppers.
5. Kiniwar
Kiniwar is a sweet sticky rice dessert similar to biko made of diket and tagapulot or sugar syrup. It is a popular dish in the Cordillera region. Kiniwar is made by mixing diket, a type of sticky rice, with tagapulot, a thick sugar syrup.
The mixture is then steamed until it is cooked through. Kiniwar is often topped with grated coconut and candied fruits. It is a delicious and nutritious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients: glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, water, pandan leaves
Flavor: Kiniwar has a sweet, nutty flavor that is enhanced by coconut milk and brown sugar. The pandan leaves add a subtle, floral aroma.
Serving suggestions: Kiniwar can be served plain or topped with fresh fruit, such as mango, pineapple, or banana. It can also be served with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
6. Baguio Longganisa
Baguio Longganisa is a type of sausage that is made in Baguio City. It is made with pork, garlic, and spices, and is known for its sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
Baguio Longganisa is a popular breakfast food in the Philippines, and is often served with rice and fried eggs. It can also be eaten as a snack or appetizer.
Here are some additional details about Baguio Longganisa:
Ingredients: Pork, garlic, spices, salt, and water.
Flavor: Sweet and slightly smoky.
Serving suggestions: Baguio Longganisa is a popular breakfast food in the Philippines, and is often served with rice and fried eggs. It can also be eaten as a snack or appetizer.
7. Bulalo
Bulalo is a Filipino beef soup made with beef shanks, bone marrow, and vegetables. It is a popular dish in the Philippines, especially during the cold months. Bulalo is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day.
The beef shanks are cooked until they are tender and fall off the bone, and the bone marrow adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup. The vegetables, such as cabbage, corn, and onions, add a bit of freshness and crunch to the soup. Bulalo is typically served with rice and a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers.
Ingredients: beef, onion, garlic, salt, black peppercorns, bay leaf, cornstarch.
Flavor: Bulalo is a hearty, flavorful soup that is made with beef shank, bone marrow, and vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the beef is tender and flavorful. The green onions add a touch of freshness to the soup.
Serving suggestions: Bulalo can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, cornbread, or tortillas. It can also be served with a side of chili peppers or hot sauce.
8. Adobo
Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made with meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns, which is browned in oil, and simmered in the marinade. It has occasionally been considered the unofficial national dish in the Philippines.
Adobo is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is typically served with rice, and it can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish. Adobo is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients: chicken or pork, soy sauce, white vinegar, garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaf, oil.
Flavor: Adobo has a savory, slightly salty flavor that is enhanced by the garlic and peppercorns. The vinegar adds a touch of acidity, and the bay leaf adds a subtle, herbal flavor.
Serving suggestions: Adobo can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, vegetables, or noodles. It can also be served with a side of chili peppers or hot sauce.
9. Pancit
Pancit is a Filipino noodle dish that is made with a variety of ingredients, including noodles, vegetables, meat, and seafood. It is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served as a main course or as a snack. There are many different types of pancit, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients.
Some of the most popular types of pancit include pancit bihon, which is made with rice noodles, pancit canton, which is made with egg noodles, and pancit palabok, which is made with rice noodles and a thick sauce. Pancit is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ingredients: Dried pancit noodles, pork, onion, garlic, bell pepper, snow peas, water chestnuts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, fresh cilantro.
Flavor: The dish has a savory, slightly salty flavor that is enhanced by the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. The vegetables add a touch of sweetness and freshness, and the cilantro adds a touch of brightness.
Serving suggestions: Pancit can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, vegetables, or salad. It can also be served with a side of chili peppers or hot sauce.
10. Laing
Laing is a Filipino dish made of dried taro leaves, coconut milk, meat or seafood, and chili peppers. It is a popular dish in the Bicol region of the Philippines, where it is known as pinangat. Laing is typically made with pork, but it can also be made with chicken, beef, or seafood.
The taro leaves are shredded and cooked in coconut milk with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and shrimp paste. The dish is then simmered until the flavors are well-blended. Laing is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day. It is also a good source of fiber and protein.
Ingredients: Pork, onion, garlic, ginger, chili powder, turmeric, black pepper, fish sauce, coconut milk, long beans, cilantro, taro leaves
Flavor: The dish has a savory, slightly spicy flavor that is enhanced by the chili powder, turmeric, and fish sauce. The coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, the long beans add a touch of freshness, and the taro leaves add a touch of earthiness.
Serving suggestions: Laing can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, vegetables, or salad. It can also be served with a side of chili peppers or hot sauce.
In conclusion
Benguet has a wide variety of delicious dishes to offer. From the unique Pinikpikan and Pinuneg to the delectable Pancit and Laing, there is something for everyone in this beautiful province.
Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, Benguet has it all. So, don’t miss out on the chance to explore and try some of the delicious dishes that this province has to offer!
