4 Traditional Foods
You Have To Try in Vigan

Pinakbet pizza is a Filipino pizza variety originating from Ilocos Norte. It's traditionally topped with vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, long beans, okra, and bitter gourd, making it suitable for vegetarians. The pizza is derived from pinakbet vegetable stew and uses most of the ingredients used to prepare the stew. Only local vegetables are traditionally used as toppings, and it's said that the pizza has a slightly bitter and salty finish.Expand

Pinakbet is a traditional meat stew prepared with various vegetables and shrimp paste. It originated in the region of Ilocos, but today it appears in many regional and seasonal varieties. Most commonly, it consists of fatty pork, bitter melon, squash, sweet potatoes, eggplants, okra, and green beans. Although the ingredients may be adjusted to personal preferences, the key element of the dish is the pungent shrimp paste, which provides pinakbet with its unique flavor. This colorful and versatile stew is usually served alongside steamed rice and enjoyed as a hearty and nutritious main course.Expand

Pancit is a staple Filipino dish found at numerous feasts and celebrations, consisting of stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables such as chicken, pork, shrimp, celery, carrots, onions, garlic, and cabbage. The dish has Chinese origins, and the name of the dish is derived from the Hokkien phrase pian i sit, meaning something convenient, cooked fast. Over time, pancit evolved and became a signature Filipino dish, so today, there are numerous variations of pancit such as pancit canton and pancit bihon. Egg noodles are used for pancit canton, while thin, translucent rice noodles are used for pancit bihon. The dishes are often prepared for birthday celebrations as they symbolize longevity and health according to ancient Filipino superstitions.Expand

Pancit canton is a Filipino dish of Chinese origin which combines yellow wheat noodles and a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetables, blended with a flavorful mixture of soy and oyster sauce. The ingredients are easily adjusted to taste, availability, and preference and can be prepared separately or shortly stir-fried alongside noodles. Since long and thick noodles symbolize long and prosperous life, this versatile and colorful dish is usually served on special occasions, such as various celebrations and birthday parties.Expand