Exploring Abra's Culinary Treasures: 14 Abra Dishes and Delicacies You Must Try

March 10, 2024 by Rhona Espada

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines lies Abra, a province known for its breathtaking scenery and rich culinary heritage. Abra’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional indigenous flavors and Spanish influences, resulting in a unique gastronomic experience that tantalizes the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. In this article, we’ll delve into 14 Abra dishes and delicacies you must try to appreciate the province’s vibrant food culture fully.

14 Abra dishes and delicacies you must try

1. Pinikpikan

Pinikpikan - Abra dishes and delicacies — Pinikpikan

Pinikpikan is a traditional Igorot dish with significant cultural value in Abra. It is prepared by beating a live chicken with a stick before cooking, resulting in a distinctive flavor and texture. Beating the chicken is believed to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. The dish is then cooked with ginger, onions, and other local ingredients, creating a savory and aromatic broth. Pinikpikan is often served during special occasions and celebrations, symbolizing unity and community among the Igorot people. Its rich history and unique preparation method make Pinikpikan a must-try dish for anyone visiting Abra.

2. Dinakdakan

Dinakdakan is a savory delicacy that hails from the northern regions of the Philippines, including Abra. It is a type of sisig, a popular Filipino dish made from chopped pig’s face and ears seasoned with calamansi (Filipino lime), onions, and chili peppers. What sets Dinakdakan apart is its creamy texture, achieved by mixing the pig’s brain and liver with vinegar and spices before grilling or frying. The result is a flavorful and indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with rice or as pulutan (bar snacks) during social gatherings. Dinakdakan showcases the Filipino talent for transforming humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces, making it a must-try dish for adventurous food enthusiasts.

3. Abal-Abal

Abal-Abal is a traditional Abra dish that showcases the province’s indigenous culinary heritage. It is made from shredded banana heart (puso ng saging) that is sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The dish is then simmered until the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and flavorful vegetable dish. Abal-Abal is often served as a side dish or viand (main course) alongside steamed rice, grilled meat, or fish. It is a popular choice among locals for its simplicity and satisfying taste. Abal-Abal highlights the abundance of fresh produce in Abra and the creativity of its people in turning simple ingredients into delicious meals.

4. Sinanglaw

Sinanglaw is a comforting beef soup originating from the Ilocos region but is also popular in Abra. It is made from beef innards such as tripe, liver, and kidneys, simmered with ginger, onions, and bile from the cow’s gallbladder. The bile gives Sinanglaw its distinctively bitter flavor, balanced by the beef broth’s richness and the spices’ warmth. Sinanglaw is often enjoyed as a midday snack or a remedy for colds and hangovers due to its hearty and revitalizing properties. It is typically served hot with steamed rice or paired with local bread for a satisfying meal. Sinanglaw embodies the comforting flavors of home-cooked Filipino cuisine, making it a beloved dish in Abra and beyond.

5. Inabraw

Inabraw is a traditional Ilocano vegetable dish popular in Abra due to its simplicity and versatility. It is similar to pinakbet, another well-known Filipino vegetable dish with a distinctively sour flavor. Inabraw is made from various locally available vegetables such as bitter gourd (ampalaya), eggplant, okra, string beans, and squash, simmered in a broth made from fish sauce, tomatoes, and tamarind paste. The resulting dish is a flavorful and nutritious vegetable medley showcasing the abundance of fresh produce in Abra. Inabraw is often enjoyed with steamed rice and grilled or fried fish or meat for a complete and satisfying meal. Its simplicity and wholesome flavors make Inabraw a staple of Abra’s culinary repertoire.

6. Cascarón

Cascarón is a delightful Filipino dessert popular in Abra, especially during special occasions and festivals. It is made from deep-fried rice flour batter shaped into small balls and coated with caramelized sugar. The resulting treat is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. Cascarón is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either on its own or paired with a hot beverage such as coffee or tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate). It is also a popular pasalubong (souvenir) for visitors to bring back home to share with family and friends. Cascarón’s simple yet addictive taste makes it a beloved treat in Abra and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

7. Igado

Igado is a classic Filipino dish popular in Abra due to its rich and savory flavors. It is made from diced pork meat and liver cooked with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and soy sauce. The dish is then simmered until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Igado is often enjoyed with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or atchara for a burst of acidity that balances the dish’s richness. It is a favorite among locals for its comforting taste and versatility, as it can be enjoyed as a main course or as pulutan (bar snacks) during social gatherings. Igado’s hearty flavors and comforting aroma make it a staple dish in Abra’s culinary scene.

8. Longganisa

Longganisa is a type of Filipino sausage that is popular in Abra for its sweet and savory flavors. It is made from ground pork seasoned with garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and various spices such as black pepper and paprika. The mixture is then stuffed into pork casings and allowed to cure for a few hours or overnight to develop its distinctive flavor. Longganisa is typically served for breakfast alongside fried eggs, garlic rice, and sliced tomatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal to start the day. It is also enjoyed as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for pizza and pasta dishes. Longganisa’s sweet and garlicky taste makes it a beloved dish in Abra and a must-try for anyone visiting the province.

9. Tupig

Tupig is a traditional Filipino delicacy popular in Abra, especially during Christmas and other special occasions. It is made from glutinous rice flour mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and grated coconut, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over hot coals until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The result is a sweet and chewy rice cake with a hint of smokiness from the grilling process. Tupig is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either on its own or paired with hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Its delightful combination of sweet, chewy, and smoky flavors makes it a favorite treat among locals and visitors. Tupig is also a popular pasalubong (souvenir) for travelers to return home to share with family and friends, showcasing Abra’s rich culinary heritage.

10. Pancit Abra

Pancit Abra is a local variation of the popular Filipino noodle dish, pancit, unique to the Abra province. It is made from thin rice noodles stir-fried with a medley of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and green beans and meat or seafood such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, onions, and spices, giving it a savory and aromatic flavor. Pancit Abra is often served during special occasions and celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Its colorful and flavorful presentation centers Abra’s culinary repertoire, showcasing the province’s vibrant food culture and hospitality.

11. Palileng

Palileng is a traditional Ilocano dish popular in Abra for its rich and flavorful broth. It is made from beef or carabao meat simmered with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and local vegetables such as eggplant, string beans, and squash. The dish is seasoned with fish sauce or bagoong (fermented fish paste) and simmered until the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and satisfying soup. Palileng is often enjoyed with steamed rice and fried or grilled fish for a complete and balanced meal. Its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a local favorite, especially during cold and rainy weather. It embodies the warmth and hospitality of Abra’s culinary traditions, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the province.

12. Patupat

Patupat is a sweet delicacy popular in Abra, especially during Christmas and other occasions. It is made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar, wrapped in young coconut leaves and boiled until firm and sticky. The result is a sweet, chewy rice cake with a subtle coconut flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Patupat is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either on its own or paired with hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Its delightful combination of sweet, chewy, and coconutty flavors makes it a favorite treat among locals and visitors. Patupat is also a popular pasalubong (souvenir) for travelers to return home to share with family and friends, showcasing Abra’s rich culinary heritage.

13. Bagnet

Bagnet is a beloved Filipino dish from the Ilocos region but is also popular in Abra. It is made from pork belly that is boiled until tender, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful pork dish perfect for satisfying carnivorous cravings. Bagnet is often enjoyed as a main course or topping for other dishes such as pinakbet or sinigang, adding a savory and indulgent touch to any meal. Its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, especially when paired with steamed rice and dipping sauce made from vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers. Bagnet showcases Abra’s talent for transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the province.

14. Abuos

Abuos is a traditional Ilocano delicacy popular in Abra for its unique flavor and texture. It is made from sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until firm and slightly chewy. The result is a sweet and fragrant rice cake with a hint of coconut flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Abuos is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, either on its own or paired with hot beverages such as coffee or tea. Its delightful combination of sweet, chewy, and coconutty flavors makes it a favorite treat among locals and visitors. Abuos is also a popular pasalubong (souvenir) for travelers to bring home to share with family and friends, showcasing Abra’s rich culinary heritage.

The Bottom Line

Abra’s culinary treasures are as diverse and vibrant as the province, offering a delightful array of dishes and delicacies showcasing its rich culinary heritage. From traditional Igorot dishes like Pinikpikan to beloved Filipino favorites like Bagnet and Longganisa, Abra’s food culture is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of its people. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets of Bangued or dining in a cozy homestay in the countryside, be sure to sample these 14 Abra dishes and delicacies for a truly authentic taste of the province’s vibrant food culture. So, pack your appetite and embark on a culinary adventure through Abra, where every bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and hospitality.

Exploring Abra’s Culinary Treasures: 14 Abra Dishes and Delicacies You Must Try