Batac Empanada (Glory's Empanada)

One of the BESTs local merienda that a must taste when you are in ILOCOS REGION is the EMPANADA.

Ilocanos made some twist with the typical empanada that everyone knows. It's the orange colored empanada that can only be found in Ilocos! 

 Many parts of the region made its own version of it. Like in Vigan and Laoag to name a few but most of the people said  that Batac empanada is the best of them all. So during our Ilocos Norte trip, we went to Batac to taste it! 

Batac, Ilocos Norte is not only known to be the "Home of Great Leaders" but also with its annually celebrated Empanada Festival. 

They are considered to be the origin of the famous orange colored merienda. I don't know the exact history though.

Batac Empanada is characterized by its orange crust and its filling made up of Iloco longganisa and young papaya shreds. 

The orange colored crust is due to the use of achuete leaves and aside from the above mentioned fillings, they added whole egg,  mung bean sprouts and best eaten with sukang Iloco as its sawsawan (sauce). Perfectly combined! 

Most of the stalls selling this can be found at the the Batac Riverside Empanadaan. Most famous of them all is the Glory's Empanada. As recommended by our friend too. 

Prices varies based from its additional ingredients such as double egg and more. 

Some variations are all done with the fillings. You can add more or you can remove some ingredients as you wish.

You must try and taste it when you visited the province! I am pretty sure you'll love it! 

Until my next blog! 

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-Yrag