Weekend at Pagsanjan, Laguna

We spent the weekend at Pagsanjan, Laguna where my dad hailed from. This is where our ancestral house is found and where I spent most of my childhood summers together with my brothers. Fond memories float in the back of my head whenever we visit - playing at fields, fishing by the river, learning how to swim. One thing that I look forward to whenever we go visit is the different and tasty treats we find there. I also apply the same thing whenever we travel or visit some far-off towns or provinces. For me, you’ve never really gone there unless you tried the local delicacies and what other food secrets the place has to offer.



Here are some food finds I’d like to share with you which you can easily find here in Pagsanjan.

First is one of my favorite childhood snacks. This is called “minaneng kamoteng kahoy” or simply “minane.” This is kamoteng kahoy (cassava) sliced into cubes and fried just like french fries. After frying it’s lightly seasoned with salt and it’s good to go. Unlike french fries where you dip it in ketchup, you sprinkle “minane” with some vinegar. This snack is perfect to munch up while strolling around the Plaza and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.





Summer is never really complete without Halo-halo. When you’re stuck in a hole and you just came out, you’ll immediately know it’s summer when you see halo-halo stands around every corner. One place to visit in Pagsanjan for awesome halo-halo is Aling Taleng’s. It’s located on the first street on the right after passing the bridge if you’re from the Town Hall or Munisipyo, you won’t miss it.


The place has a cozy and earthy feel to it. I asked the waiter what else they have aside from the famous halo-halo and she answered pancit and cheeseburger. They sell it a wee bit high for a small town at 50 bucks each considering other halo-halo joints around that sells theirs for around 20-30 bucks, but I tell you, it’s well worth it. Aling Taleng’s halo-halo doesn’t look and taste cheap like the ones we’re used to. It’s also not so sweet as not to overpower the various ingredients in it. Try it out for yourself to experience halo-halo that’s been made the same way since 1933.


A favorite dish in this town is “tulingan” or mackarel tuna as described in this marketmanila link (click here) called “sinaing na tulingan.” This is slow cooked tulingan with seasonings, kamias, and a little amount of pork fat. The flavor of the seasonings seep deep within the meat of the fish. You’ll also notice the bones to be soft thus making it edible (like canned sardines). This dish is very tasty and can either be served as it is or lightly fried to concentrate the flavor and the juices.


Some other food finds worth mentioning includes “Bibingkang Bugok” and “Snowball.” I warn you that “Bibingkang Bugok” is not for everyone. This is rotting duck eggs mixed with flour and seasonings cooked like bibingka. Yes you can even mistake it for the real bibingka which we are all used to but upon approaching it, you’ll notice that distinct foul stench (for most it smells foul, yet for me I find it appetizing). Unfortunately, during the weekend we we’re not able to chance upon the lady going around the town to sell these yummy treats. “Snowball” is shaved ice with syrup made up of from a concoction of brown sugar and pandan leaves with sago. Another perfect cheap treat for summer.