I want to share a little of our trip in Ilocos. My siblings, cousin and I went there last year. We tasted the very famous "BAGNET" and "EMPANADA".
BAGNET is an Ilocos original delicacy. It's a pork belly dish which is similar to lechon kawali, boiled are deep-fried until crispy.
The difference of the two dish, except that BAGNET is an Ilocano dish is that BAGNET is fried twice to give that double crispiness whereas LECHON KAWALI is deep-fried only once.
ILOCOS EMPANADA is one of the famous delights in Ilocos. Actually, there are two kinds of ILOCOS EMPANADA, one is the VIGAN EMPANADA in Ilocos Sur and the other is the BATAC or LOAG EMPANADA in Ilocos Norte. The latter is more known and always referred as the "ILOCOS EMPANADA".
The difference between the two empanadas is the crust. VIGAN EMPANADA has thinner crust and more pale in color whereas LOAG or BATAC EMPANADA has thicker crust and brighter in color. When it comes to the basic ingredients, manner of preparation, way of cooking are the same.
Well, there's no huge difference between the two empanadas, but I prefer the VIGAN EMPANADA because of the thinner crust.
Enjoy the BAGNET and EMPANADAS when you visit Ilocos. Never miss out these two mouthwatering delicacies that Ilocanos offer.
