Halfway through our 6hr drive to Pangasinan, I asked my company if they're up for a lunch stop. (We were due, been on the road too long!)
But I asked if it's possible to go somewhere that's not franchised. You know: a place locals go to. This place was suggested.
I remember coming through here but that must have been decades ago - if at all. But the turo-turo style looked very familiar. And boy, there was plenty I wanted to try!
FRESH LUMPIA: Good, but I've had better. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't made-the-same day fresh given the wrap's appearance. (It looked like it was in the warmer for far too long.) But it is delicious, most especially with the sauce. I'd most likely skip it next time.
LECHON KAWALI: Really liked this! Skin was crispy and meat was moist. No hints of dryness at all. The homemade liver sauce made it even better. Recommending!
DINUGUAN: Flavor was subtle and not gamey at all. Perfect salt level. Didn't have more than a small bite, but what I had was good.
GINILING: I'm not a fan of peas, but I understand it's standard with this dish. No biggie - I have no issues separating them. All good from there on! Really good balance of sweet and savory flavors. Meat was cooked well. The rest of the sidekicks blended well.
PANCIT PALABOK: This looked AMAZING! And then it wasn't. The whole plate was COLD. Noodles: cold, Sauce: COLDER. I hope this is NOT how they normally serve it. They may have not been aware the warmers for noods and sauce was off....
DAING NA BANGUS: Nothing to call home about, but it is what one would expect. Pretty decent size.
FOOD: 4. Even with the cold palabok.
SERVICE: 3. Very little interaction.
VALUE: 4. 6 dishes plus rice plus drinks for three people for the bargain price of $15? Score.
PARKING: Street only. I didn't notice a parking lot.
OVERALL: 3.75.
They're a very popular stop for travelers trekking between the north and south regions of Luzon. Not once was the place empty the whole time we were there.
Keeping them in mind for the next trek should I head this way again if only to try their other dishes. Homemade stuff is far better than fast food franchise eats, hands down. read more