The Bicol Region isn’t just all about the Mayon Volcano, the pristine beaches, or the breathtaking views. It’s also about that amazing explosion of unique flavors waiting for you to be explored. Your adventure through Bicol will never be complete without a taste of its incredible, creamy coconut milk and sometimes chili-infused ginataan dishes that will leave you begging for more.
To help make your trip to Bicolandia just a little bit more unforgettable, we’ve put together a list of must-try Bicolano ginataan dishes that is sure to make you fall in love with Bicol on bite at a time!
Image Credit: Food Panda – Ultra Spicy Bicol Recipe
Bicol Express
There’s no other dish that screams “Bicol” more than the Bicol Express. Also known as “Sinilihan” (meaning “filled with chilies”), this dish is a flavor bomb featuring spicy chilies and creamy coconut milk as the main ingredient. Giving you that rich and creamy flavor followed by a spicy kick. While you might find versions of this dish across the Philippines, nothing beats Bicolano style than the authentic Bicolano taste.
Regardless if you find it in a cozy karinderya or a local restaurant, the Bicol Express is an absolute must-try, best enjoyed with a heap of plain rice!
Image Credit: Knorr – Laing Recipe
Laing
Here’s one dish that’s been a culinary staple of Bicol for locals and visitors alike. The Laing is a dish made with shredded taro leaves mixed with either meat or seafood and cooked in thick coconut milk spiced with chilies and a bunch of other spices. The dish’s earthy flavors cemented itself as a delicacy in the Bicol peninsula and has been one of the biggest take homes or pasalubongs by visitors, especially with the advent of preserved Laing products.
Image Credit: Red Platter – Pinangat
Pinangat
Pinangat is yet another coconut milk-based dish that’s kind of like Laing but with a swaddled twist. The dish is usually ground shrimp or crabs wrapped in taro leaves. Creating a savory veggie pouch that’s gently steamed in coconut milk, peppers, and spices. Although, the dish may come in all shapes and sizes as every place in Bicol has their own distinct version of Pinangat and that’s an entire adventure on its own.
Image Credit: Food Panda – Coconatz Bicolano Restaurant Naga
Kinunot
If the spiciness of Bicol Express and the funky flavors of Pinangat make you wanting more, then this exotic seafood dish may just be for you. The Kinunot is a traditional Bicolano dish that contains flaked shark meat, simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with moringa leaves, chilies, and other spices.
Whenever you’re around Bicol, consider the Kinunot as your next must-try Bicolano dish!
Image Credit: Querica – Sinantolan: Bicol Cuisine’s Sour-Salty Secret
Ginataang Santol
If you think that the strange Bicolano cooking style would stop at coconuts then you’re truly mistaken. Not even the innocent cotton fruit is safe from the Bicolanos. Ginataang Santol or Sinantolan is an underrated Bicolano dish that’s usually served as a sider for other dishes like the Lechon Kawali (for good reason). The main highlights of this dish are the distinctly sour cotton fruit (santol) and the rich coconut milk (gata).
While the Ginataang Santol is considered a dish in its own right by many in Bicol, it is truly best paired with whatever you feel like during your meal.
