Amazing Ilocos: Bagnet, Empanada, Dinengdeng, Dinardaraan, Papaitan and More at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina

Who can resist authentic Vigan Empanada with a pinch of salt and a generous splash of sukang iloko? Or a comforting bowl of Papaitan? Then, there's Bagnet and Pinakbet. You don't have to go on a long road trip up north for classic Ilocano flavors. Just head up to Cucina at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

Simple yet hearty dishes with bold and intense flavors, the distinctive cuisine of the north are celebrated with a lavish spread at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila from October 23 to November 4, 2019. Dubbed Amazing Ilocos, find your favorite Ilocano dishes and more at Cucina in another flavorful journey highlighting our rich and diverse regional culinary heritage...

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila follows up on the success of their previous Ilonggo Food Festival at Cucina (more on my earlier post here at Kaon 'Ta sa Cucina! Savor Ilonggo Flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina) with Amazing Ilocos showcasing authentic Ilocano cuisine. Popular Ilocano dishes use the simplest yet freshest ingredients, transforming it with delicate cooking techniques for strong yet perfectly balanced flavors. History and geography combine to define the unique culinary heritage of Ilocos. The cuisine reflects the hardy, rugged, frugal and resilient character of the north, distilled in a variety of dishes that are deceptively simple yet deliver a flavorful punch.

From vegetables to savory pork-based dishes, Ilocano cuisine is characterized by the use of the freshest ingredients for real flavors. With no excessively rich and heavy sauces typical with other local regional cuisines, Ilocanos prefer their dishes simple and straightforward using as much of the fresh ingredients for minimal waste. Grab your plate and begin your culinary journey up north...  

A popular snack any time of day, the deep-fried Ilocos Empanada with its thin and crisp pastry stuffed with a savory filling is the perfect way to start your all-Ilocano feast at Cucina. A pinch of salt and a generous helping of sukang iloko tempers the savory richness of the filling consisting of spiced ground beef, vegetables and egg. At Cucina, the Ilocos Empanada is prepared a la minute at a live station so you get it fresh and hot.

Next, grab a bowl of Papaitan Kambeng for another classic taste of Ilocano flavors.  The bitter goat innard stew is rich with punchy notes, and known to be an effective hangover cure. Cucina recreates these traditional flavors, and one sip of the broth just brightens up the palate for that mid-day jolt.

Cucina's savory spread of main dishes include the Dinengdeng, a vegetable dish similar to the popular Ilocano pinakbet. The addition of grilled fish adds even more flavor to the vegetable dish made with squash, eggplant, string beans and okra with the bold hints of salty shrimp paste ...

...while the Dinaldalem, a liver and pork stew with vegetables delivers deep and rich notes. Also known as Igado, Dinaldalem is another hearty dish that's simple yet flavorful. Innards and offals are never wasted, and many Ilocano dishes use these parts as the main ingredients. The vegetables adds a subtle sweetness to the dish in contrast with the robust flavors of the liver.

Dinardaraan is the Ilocano version of the dinuguan found in many regions of the country. A pork blood stew, the Dinardaraan is much dryer than other regional versions yet equally flavorful even with less sauce. The heat from the chili balances the rich notes with just a whisper of soothing heat. 

Guinataang Utong is a vegetable stew with string beans, squash, shrimps and pork gently simmered in coconut cream adding fresh flavors to your loaded plate.

At the Carving Station, the classic Bagnet is sliced and served. Tender and juicy pork capped by a layer of crisp crackling, you just can't say no to Bagnet. And at Cucina, you can come back for another slab of pure pork bliss. As much as you want.  

Cucina offers a variety of dishes in their extensive buffet spread, from garden-fresh salads and seafood to Japanese, Chinese, Indian, pasta and pizza and their signature paella. But don't pass on dessert. From elegant cakes and intricate pastries to ice cream, Cucina's got it covered. But if you want to keep it local and regional, no problem.

From Karioka to Tupig...


...Bibingka and Dudol, Cucina offers that perfect sweet ending to your buffet feast.

Grab a plate and experience the rich and authentic flavors of the north with Amazing Ilocos at Cucina for Lunch (P 1,450 Monday to Friday/P 1,100 Saturday/P 1,500 Sunday) and Dinner (P 1,700). You don't have to drive all the way up north for your favorite bagnet, empanada, dinengdeng and papaitan. Just head over to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for an amazing Ilocano buffet feast...