Located in the heart of Ilocos Sur, Vigan is a historic town that is steeped in culture and tradition. This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history. When it comes to dining, Vigan has a plethora of options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors, Vigan’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Vigan, highlighting the best places to eat in this historic town.
Traditional Filipino Cuisine
Traditional Filipino cuisine is a staple in Vigan, and you can find many restaurants serving up delicious dishes that are made with fresh local ingredients. Some popular traditional Filipino dishes to try in Vigan include:
- Bagnet: A crispy fried pork dish that is a specialty in Vigan.
- Empanada: A savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables that is a popular snack in Vigan.
- Pinakbet: A vegetable stew made with eggplant, tomatoes, and other local ingredients.
- Adobo: A classic Filipino dish made with marinated meat or seafood cooked in vinegar and soy sauce.
Restaurants Serving Traditional Filipino Cuisine
Here are some of the best restaurants in Vigan that serve traditional Filipino cuisine:
- Vigan Empanada House – This restaurant is famous for its delicious empanadas, which are made fresh daily. They also serve other traditional Filipino dishes like bagnet and pinakbet.
- Crispys – This restaurant is known for its crispy fried pork dishes like bagnet and lechon kawali. They also serve other traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and sinigang.
- Mad Monkeys – This restaurant serves a variety of traditional Filipino dishes like empanada, bagnet, and pinakbet. They also have a wide selection of cocktails and beers.
International Cuisine
Vigan is also home to many international restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Some popular international dishes to try in Vigan include:
- Chinese noodles: A popular dish in Vigan, made with noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
- Japanese sushi: A popular dish in Vigan, made with raw fish, rice, and other ingredients.
- Korean BBQ: A popular dish in Vigan, made with marinated meat cooked on a grill.
Restaurants Serving International Cuisine
Here are some of the best restaurants in Vigan that serve international cuisine:
- Watusi – This restaurant serves a variety of international dishes like Chinese noodles, Japanese sushi, and Korean BBQ. They also have a wide selection of cocktails and beers.
- La Bodeguita – This restaurant serves a variety of international dishes like Spanish tapas, Italian pasta, and Mexican tacos. They also have a wide selection of wines and cocktails.
- Green Valley – This restaurant serves a variety of international dishes like vegetarian and vegan options, as well as traditional Filipino dishes.
Snacks and Desserts
Vigan is also famous for its delicious snacks and desserts, which are perfect for trying while exploring the town. Some popular snacks and desserts to try in Vigan include: (See Also: Where to Eat in Vientiane? Best Local Secrets)
- Leche flan: A classic Filipino dessert made with custard, sugar, and eggs.
- Ube halaya: A popular Filipino dessert made with purple yam, sugar, and coconut milk.
- Chicharron: A popular snack in Vigan, made with fried pork rinds.
Snack Shops and Cafes
Here are some of the best snack shops and cafes in Vigan:
- Leche Flan House – This shop is famous for its delicious leche flan, which is made fresh daily. They also serve other Filipino desserts like ube halaya and halo-halo.
- Chicharron House – This shop is known for its crispy fried pork rinds, which are perfect for snacking while exploring the town.
- Café by the Ruins – This cafe serves a variety of snacks and desserts, including Filipino favorites like leche flan and ube halaya.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes
For a more immersive culinary experience, consider taking a food tour or cooking class in Vigan. These tours and classes will give you a deeper understanding of Vigan’s culinary culture and traditions.
Food Tours
Here are some of the best food tours in Vigan:
- Vigan Food Tour – This tour takes you to various restaurants and food shops in Vigan, where you can try a variety of traditional Filipino dishes.
- Food Tour by the Ruins – This tour takes you to various restaurants and food shops in Vigan, where you can try a variety of traditional Filipino dishes and international cuisine.
Cooking Classes
Here are some of the best cooking classes in Vigan: (See Also: Where to Eat in Tagbilaran? Top Dining Spots)
- Vigan Cooking Class – This class teaches you how to make traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and sinigang.
- Cooking Class by the Ruins – This class teaches you how to make a variety of traditional Filipino dishes and international cuisine.
Recap
In this article, we have highlighted the best places to eat in Vigan, including traditional Filipino cuisine, international cuisine, snacks and desserts, and food tours and cooking classes. Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a unique dining experience, Vigan has something to offer. From traditional Filipino dishes to international cuisine, snacks and desserts, and food tours and cooking classes, Vigan’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage. We hope this article has been helpful in planning your trip to Vigan and trying the best food that the town has to offer.
FAQs
Where can I find the best traditional Filipino cuisine in Vigan?
You can find the best traditional Filipino cuisine in Vigan at restaurants like Vigan Empanada House, Crispys, and Mad Monkeys. These restaurants serve a variety of traditional Filipino dishes like empanada, bagnet, and pinakbet.
What are some popular international dishes to try in Vigan?
Some popular international dishes to try in Vigan include Chinese noodles, Japanese sushi, and Korean BBQ. You can find these dishes at restaurants like Watusi, La Bodeguita, and Green Valley.
Where can I find the best snacks and desserts in Vigan?
You can find the best snacks and desserts in Vigan at shops like Leche Flan House, Chicharron House, and Café by the Ruins. These shops serve a variety of Filipino desserts like leche flan and ube halaya, as well as snacks like chicharron.
Can I take a food tour or cooking class in Vigan?
Yes, you can take a food tour or cooking class in Vigan. There are several tour operators and cooking schools that offer these services, which will give you a deeper understanding of Vigan’s culinary culture and traditions. (See Also: Where to Eat in Silom Bangkok? Best Local Secrets)
What are some popular food tours and cooking classes in Vigan?
Some popular food tours and cooking classes in Vigan include the Vigan Food Tour, Food Tour by the Ruins, Vigan Cooking Class, and Cooking Class by the Ruins. These tours and classes will give you a unique and immersive culinary experience in Vigan.