I work in Eastwood City, and every Thursday I would always wait for Mercato Centrale to open their food stalls. One of my favorite store is Bagnet Rice Patong, and I would always order the Double Bagnet Combo with Rice and Tofu mix. This would cost me Php 150 or about $2.95. I'd always request for vinegar to go with my order.

Bagnet, if you're unfamiliar with it is a delicacy of the Ilocos Region. It is almost similar to Lechon Kawali except that it's crispier and tastier. It is locally known as 'chicharon' if you're Ilocano.

Bagnet is made from pork belly or liempo. Just like Lechon Kawali, it too is deep fried until it is golden brown. A typical bagnet usually takes about two to three days to prepare and is seasoned with garlic, onion, salt and pepper before cooking. The biggest difference between Lechon Kawali and Bagnet is that the latter is fried twice to give that crispy perfection.

Bagnet is usually served with bagoong, or added to Pakbet, which is an ilocos mixed vegetable dish. For some, the dipping sauce for Bagnet is just spiced vinegar, but I liked mine to be a mix of soy sauce, siling labuyo and onions, with some calamansi to give that tangy taste.

That's it for now. Check out this stall when you visit Eastwood City.

Restaurant Information

Bagnet Rice Patong

188 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, 1110 Metro Manila, Philippines

• tasteem
• tasteem-intl
• oc
• newsteem
• curation
• philippines
• food