I have been away from my hometown for about half a year now and this Holiday break gave me the opportunity to enjoy some of Cabanatuan's goodies that I really missed so much. These are simple gastronomic pleasures that can only be found in Cabanatuan.
Joey's Snack House is Cabanatuan's answer to Pampanga's Razons. Although both establishments specialize in palabok, each differ on the way they are being prepared. Joey's palabok is made up of special kropek and pepper sauce topped with shrimp, boiled eggs, balingit or chicharon bulaklak and spring onions. The flavor is so rich and oh so right. A single serve cost Php 60. Party bilao pack is also available from Php 100 to Php 1000. The palabok is best eaten with their Sago and Gulaman drink. Other food on Joey's stable include Beef Spaghetti, Mami, sandwiches and other viands. Main branch is located in the City Proper just in front of the Cathedral while there are also branches in NE Pacific and Megamall.
When it comes to Sherbet, nobody can beat Puno's Buco Sherbet with Lychees. I grew-up having this desert in every occasion there is. For more than fifty years now, they have truly perfected the taste and quality of their products making it the premium Ice Cream Manufacturing Plant in the entire City of Cabanatuan. Puno’s Ice Cream and Sherbet is known as the “makers of quality made-to-order ice cream and sherbet” in Cabanatuan City and is the established brand in the entire City. The main store is located at Maharlika Highway, Bitas, Cabanatuan City while several branches are located within the province.Ice cream and sherbet are available in one gallon, half gallon, liter, pint and cup sizes. Ice cream flavors include cheese casoy macapuno, lanka cheese casoy, ube macapuno, fruit salad, cookies and cream, chocolate with cashew nuts, and fruits in season.
Edna's Cakeland is probably the best place to buy your pasalubong. Red Ribbon and Goldilocks are no match to the goodness of this quaint bakeshop. My favorite here is the Taizan which is a melt-in-your-mouth mamon topped with cheese and sugar. Other best-sellers include brownies, cheserolls and their leche plan. Cakeland is located in Kapitan Pepe Subdivision just beside the INC Church.
From a simple store-on-a-wheel to a multi-million food and mall business, NE (pronounced en ee) is truly one of Cabanatuan's inspirational success story. Their line of food business include a fast-food restaurant and a bakeshop. I just love their asado siopao and ube ensaymada although the range of their products vary from cakes to hopia and from pandesal to pastillas. You will not miss NE Restaurant and Bakeshop while your in the City because their branches are scattered everywhere.
These are Cabanatuan's simple pleasures that I truly miss whenever I am out of the City. They are Cabanatuan's home-grown specialty that I am truly proud to share.
Yummy. I can eat them all in one sitting Hahaha.
ReplyDeletea must try food :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletegaling ng plugging, dapat may freebies ka nito.
ReplyDeletei grew up in tarlac so for me the palabok that cindy's (before it became national chain) prepare is the best.
hoped you had a good Christmas celebration.
I have heard about Puno's Ice Cream and they say it's a must-try when you visit Cabanatuan. But by the way you described the sherbet, I just can't wait to sample it. Magdala ka na lang sa Manila para masampolan na.
ReplyDeleteoh wow. i am familiar with that cakeland. my mom used to buy lots of those before. sarap!!!
ReplyDeleteglad u had a wonderful christmas back at your hometown. :) enjoy the holidays!
That's a long way to be away from home. Hope you have a great time during Christmas. The food really looked so delicious and yummy.
ReplyDeletefood is really the heart and soul of a particular place. it ads to the experience of visiting there and it makes the people proud knowing they can satisfy the visitors senses---not juts the eyes but the palates as well---which leaves a very lasting impression of the place indeed. napa English much.lol
ReplyDeletelove that pansit palabok ! Looks so yummy :)
ReplyDeleteThis photo makes my mouth water--looks delicious! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteIm sold!
ReplyDeleteKala ko eto na yung entry sa PTB's local delicacies ^-^
and I'd like to finally meet you too nextyear. ^-^
binalilkan ko yung photos, ganda ng effect. eto ba yung soft focus? i like it!
ReplyDeleteJoey's palabok look scrumptious! this post make me think of my own comfort foods--i suddenly miss a bowl of hot la paz batchoy and fresh lumpia. it's good to go back to our roots to feel warm and safe, the way we feel when life seemed simpler.
ReplyDeletei hope you had a great holiday weekend. thank you, too, for the friendship. here's wishing you more adventures in 2011, safe travels and excellent health.
omg! i'm a big fan of palabok at gusto ko masampolan yan. nag-crave tuloy ako :(
ReplyDeleteNakakamis naman ang pagkaing pinoy tuloy.
ReplyDeleteMerry Xmas and a Prosperous New Year, LawStude!
I dunno why you have to post these pictures, they make me drool, hehehe. first time mo ata kasing nag food post.
ReplyDeletepwede palang mag food trip diyan. kala ko yung longganisa at ice cream lang ang talagang masarap.
ReplyDeleteAng sasarap naman. Will definitely check them out pag naligaw ako sa Cabanatuan.
ReplyDeleteNatikaman ko na yung Puno's ice cream pag nasa Pampanga kami! Ang sarap nga? Kaso minsan maasin sa ilalim ng gallon? Napapansin mo yun? Ewan ko lang if ganun pa din ngayon.
ReplyDeleteI have eaten here many years ago because my uncle is one of the best pals of the proprietor! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful holiday and visit home!! That dish looks fantastic! And even more so since I haven't had breakfast! Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia