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15 of the Top Locals’ Favorite Food to Try in Nasugbu, Batangas
Is your favorite food in Batangas on the list?
By: Niña Caraig | April 30, 2024
Discover the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Nasugbu, Batangas, and satisfy your cravings with these top 15 food recommendations.
Images (from left to right): Ladylyn Abena Dimayuga, Dampa Express - Batangas City (Batangas City) Facebook page, Screengrab/Lino Sedanto
Attention, all food enthusiasts! Nasugbu in Batangas is the ultimate food destination you've been searching for. From delectable kakanin to mouth-watering seafood, Nasugbu has it. With its nearby restaurants in and out of town, you're in for a culinary adventure you will remember.
Enjoy the chance to satisfy your cravings and indulge in Nasugbu's diverse and flavorful cuisine. Unlock the authentic flavors and locals’ favorite food in Nasugbu, Batangas, with these 15 top food recommendations. From traditional delicacies to modern twists, these must-try foods in Batangas satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
1. Halo-Halo
Where to Eat: Celing’s Halo-Halo
Location: Brias St., Brgy. IX, Nasugbu, Batangas
Halo-Halo is the perfect choice to cool off on a hot day.
Image: Celing's Halo-Halo Facebook page
Halo-Halo is an exquisite dessert with a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This tropical favorite food is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, all credit to its colorful and vibrant appearance. The dessert primarily consists of sweetened fruits like bananas, jackfruit, and beans, which add a distinct and refreshing sweetness. Various jellies are added to the mix, each adding a distinctive texture and taste to the dessert. The concoction is then topped with finely shaved ice, adding a cooling and refreshing touch to the dessert. A generous drizzle of evaporated milk is poured over the top, adding a creamy and rich element to the dessert. Finally, a slice of leche flan is placed on top, which provides a sweet finish to the dessert. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet and refreshing on a hot day or want to indulge in a delicious treat, Halo-Halo is the perfect dessert.
2. Barbecue
Where to Eat: Celing’s Halo-Halo
Location: Brias St., Brgy. IX, Nasugbu, Batangas
Enjoy every bite of this soulful taste of barbecue.
Image: Pa Bhe BheAnn’s
At Celing's Halo-Halo, Pork Barbecue is a must-try dish that is a favorite food among many customers. The dish is made using marinated pork that is cooked to perfection. The pork is grilled, smoked, or roasted, depending on your preference. Their secret recipe sets Celing's pork barbecue apart, which infuses the meat with a tasty flavor that will leave you craving more. The pork is juicy, tender, and succulent, with an excellent blend of sweet and savory tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The aroma of the meat wafting through the air is enough to make your mouth water, and once you take your first bite, you'll know why this dish is so popular.
Make your way to Celing's Halo-Halo and prepare to be blown away by their famous pork barbecue food in Batangas. This meal promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
3. Tanigue Steak
It's not surprising that seafood lovers can't resist this delicious treat.
Image: Jho Galvan
Tanigue Steak is a mouth-watering seafood delicacy made from the Tanigue fish, also known as the Spanish mackerel. The steak is expertly prepared to retain the fish's tenderness, and it's usually served with a delectable lemon butter sauce that perfectly complements the sweet, mild flavor of the fish. The dish is accompanied by juicy onions that add flavor and texture to every bite. Tanigue Steak is a favorite food in Kainan sa Dalampasigan, and it's no surprise because it's a delicious treat that seafood lovers can't resist!
4. Pinangat
Where to Eat: Parekoy Restaurant
Location: Brias St., Brgy. I, Nasugbu, Batangas
Pinangat is a well-known dish in the Philippines that many people enjoy.
Image: Screengrab/Lino Sedanto
Pinangat is a traditional Filipino dish that is flavorful, aromatic, and one of Batangas’ best foods. To create this delicacy, fresh fish is wrapped in banana leaves along with some kamias, a sour fruit common in Southeast Asia. The fish is seasoned with enough salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Once wrapped, the fish is slowly simmered until it becomes tender and brewed with the flavors of the herbs and spices. The resulting dish is a succulent and slightly tangy masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.
5. Paradusdos or Paladusdos
This sweet and savory dessert perfectly balances satisfying and delicious flavors.
Image: Yuri Yamakita
Paladusdos is a sweet and creamy dessert popular in the Philippines. It is also known as Ginataang Bilo-Bilo by many. This delectable and locals’ favorite food treat is made by boiling small glutinous rice balls in rich coconut milk and sugar until they become tender and chewy. The dish is then flavored with various ingredients, such as jackfruit, plantains, sweet potatoes, and tapioca pearls, adding their unique textures and flavors. The result is a satisfying and delicious dessert with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
6. Balot sa Dahon
This dish is an exceptional culinary creation that will transport you to the heart of Batangas.
Image: Kainan sa Dalampasigan Facebook page
Balot sa Dahon is a mouth-watering and aromatic Batangas food that will delight your senses. The dish features a bed of perfectly cooked rice wrapped in fresh banana leaves infused with a subtle herbal flavor. On the side, you'll find a succulent blend of chicken-pork Adobo and garlic shrimp that will tantalize your taste buds with its savory goodness. The dish is served with juicy tomatoes, expertly dipped in Bagoong, and a tangy, flavorful, fermented anchovy sauce to complement the entree. Together, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece that will transport you to the heart of the Batangas.
7. Crispy Canton
Crispy Canton is a delightful combination of textures and flavors to satisfy your palate.
Image: Anjolito Leyran
Crispy Canton is a mouth-watering and flavorful Filipino noodle dish that will satisfy your cravings. Deep-frying flour noodles make the dish until they are crispy and golden brown, giving them a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender meat, seafood, and vegetables mixed in. The savory sauce that accompanies the dish perfectly complements the crispy noodles, and the toppings add texture and flavor to every bite. Crispy Canton is a dish sure to delight your palate and satisfy you with its textures and flavors.
8. Gatang Tulingan
Where to Eat: Parekoy Restaurant
Location: Brias St., Brgy. I, Nasugbu, Batangas
Ginataang Tulingan is best paired with hot rice.
Image: Vhina Ferrer
Ginataang Tulingan is a delectable, aromatic local’s favorite food in Batangas that perfectly blends savory flavors. It features slices of tulingan fish, also known as mackerel tuna, cooked in a creamy and rich sauce made with coconut milk and vinegar. The coconut milk is simmered with garlic, chilis, and other spices to make a fragrant and tasteful sauce that perfectly complements the tender fish. The result is a mouth-watering and comforting dish best enjoyed with steaming hot rice.
9. Pancit Balita
Where to Eat: Pancit Balita Restaurant
Location: Mulingbayan St., X, Nasugbu, Batangas
The dish is called Pancit Balita because it is served wrapped in banana leaves and newspaper.
Image: Evelyn Paronda Tabuzo
Nasugbu is renowned for its Pancit Balita, a dish with a rich history and an heirloom recipe that has been passed down through generations. The pancit bihon in Pancit Balita is a simple yet delectable dish that has left a lasting impression on many locals and tourists alike.
A special kaldo (broth) is used to prepare this dish, imparting a unique flavor to the pancit. The broth simmers pork bones, onions, garlic, and other seasonings for hours. The pancit is then cooked in the kaldo, with sayote, pork, carrots, and other vegetables, until tender and flavorful.
Once the pancit is cooked, it is wrapped in banana leaves and newspaper before being served, hence Pancit Balita.
In conclusion, Pancit Balita is not just a dish but a cultural treasure embodying Nasugbu's rich history and tradition. A must-try for anyone visiting the town, this food in Batangas will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
10. Seafood Bilao
Seafood Bilao can be truly satisfying for the eyes and the taste buds.
Image: Dampa Express - Batangas City (Batangas City) Facebook page
Seafood Bilao is a mouth-watering favorite food in Batangas, combining Kainan sa Dalampasigan's signature dishes. This delightful platter includes a variety of seafood, such as Baked Tahong, Calamares Negra, Daing na Bangus, and Chili Garlic Shrimp, which are all perfectly cooked. The platter is made of intricately woven bamboo strips and is beautifully adorned with fresh banana leaves, which adds an earthy and tropical aroma to the dish. The side dish of Atcharang Kangkong is a perfect accompaniment to the seafood, providing a tangy and refreshing flavor that complements the different tastes of each seafood dish. The Seafood Bilao is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds and will leave you feeling satisfied and craving more.
11. Bibingkang Kanin
Where to Eat: Telet’s Special Bibingka Stall, Nasugbu Public Market
Location: F. Castro St., Nasugbu, Batangas
Bibingkang Kanin is a Filipino dessert made of sticky rice and coconut milk.
Image: Ladylyn Abena Dimayuga
Bibingkang Kanin is a delectable sweet treat made using glutinous rice, also called malagkit, soaked in water and ground into a paste. The paste is then combined with coconut milk and sugar, which gives it its unique taste.
The mixture is then poured into a pan lined with banana leaves and baked to create a firm yet soft texture. Once the dessert is baked, it is often topped with rich coconut cream, which adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
Bibingkang Kanin is similar to another Filipino dessert called bibingka, but what sets it apart is the use of sticky rice instead of rice flour. This gives it a unique texture that is slightly chewy and sticky.
Bibingkang Kanin is a delightful dessert and a favorite food of many locals and beyond.
12. Bibingkoy o Bibingkang Monggo
Where to Eat: Telet’s Special Bibingka Stall, Nasugbu Public Market
Location: F. Castro St., Nasugbu, Batangas
Bibingkoy is a traditional Filipino cuisine you can buy in malls and markets.
Image: Zedrick Gas
Bibingkang Monggo is a delectable dessert and one of Batangas' best foods to satisfy any sweet tooth. This mouth-watering treat is made from mung beans (monggo), glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating its unique flavor and texture.
To prepare Bibingkang Monggo, the mung beans are gently simmered until soft and tender, then mashed with creamy coconut milk and sweet sugar to create a thick and velvety paste. This mixture is then spread into a pan lined with fragrant banana leaves, providing a subtle tropical aroma that adds to the dessert's overall appeal.
To finish the dish, a layer of glutinous rice flour batter is added to the mung bean-coconut mixture before baking it to perfection. The result is a golden brown and slightly crispy top, with a soft and chewy base infused with the rich and creamy flavors of coconut and mung beans.
Whether served warm or cold, Bibingkang Monggo is a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. Its sweet and creamy texture, combined with the unique flavor of mung beans, makes it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine.
13. Suman
Suman is best paired with sugar or syrup.
Image: Ayumi Castillo
Suman is a delectable Filipino delicacy known for its exquisite taste and aroma. This locals’ favorite food is a rice cake made from glutinous rice, first soaked in coconut milk and then sweetened with sugar to give it a luscious taste. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves, which infuses it with a delightful aroma and flavor. The banana leaves also add a subtle crunch to the texture, making it a perfect snack or dessert that many enjoy. Suman is often served with sugar or coconut syrup to enhance its taste, which complements its sweetness and creates an ideal balance of flavors.
14. Kalamay na Mais
Kalamay na Mais is commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert
Image: Rose Ann Manalo
Indulge in the sweet and delectable Kalamay na Mais, a dessert that is a culinary treasure of Nasugbu. This traditional Filipino delicacy and food in Batangas is made from locally sourced native corn, coconut meat, and coconut milk. This dessert's soft and smooth texture is a standout characteristic that sets it apart from other kalamay desserts. The use of ground corn and coconut milk in its preparation lends a delightful taste and texture to the dish, making it an irresistible treat for those with a sweet tooth. Combining these ingredients creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
15. Taho
Where to Eat: Peddled in Poblacion Nasugbu
Location: Along the beach shore of Apacible Blvd.
Taho is one of Filipinos’ favorite childhood breakfasts.
Image: Roseben Mendez
Taho is a delectable locals’ favorite and widely coveted Filipino street food, a staple of the country's culinary landscape. It is a warm, comforting dish often enjoyed as a breakfast or mid-morning snack. Taho is made from the freshest, softest, silken tofu combined with sago pearls, tiny balls similar to tapioca pearls, and arnibal, a sweet syrup that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
When you buy Taho from a street vendor, it is served in a cup. The warm, silky tofu forms the base of the dish, while the sago pearls and arnibal are spooned on top. The combination of textures is genuinely delightful, with the softness of the tofu and the sago pearls' chewiness perfectly complementing the syrup's sweetness.
In Nasugbu, locals have a unique way of enjoying Taho. They like to indulge in this delicious dish while sitting along the beach shore, savoring the warm, comforting flavors in the morning before dipping in the crystal-clear water. It's the perfect way to start the day, and it's no wonder that Taho has become such an integral part of Filipino cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and locals' favorite foods of Nasugbu.
Visit Yoorekka to learn more about local food and delicacies in the top tourist destinations in the Philippines!
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About Niña Caraig
Niña is the content development manager at Yoorekka. Before Yoorekka, she began her career at a publishing company. In her free time, she loves to pamper herself, go shopping, and watch movies with her friends.
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