Ivatan Food Specialties:
1. Binallay: This signature dish is akin to risotto but with a twist. It is made with creamy coconut milk, rice grains, and herbs, usually paired with seafood or meat.
2. Uvud Balls: These are spherical delicacies crafted from grated cassava, coconut, and brown sugar, all rolled into bite-sized balls.
3. Luno (Lunok): This dried fish dish showcases strips of sun-dried flying fish preserved in spiced vinegar and salt.
4. Suwet (Ivatan Pancit): This local take on pancit features flavorful noodles combined with local greens and meat.
5. Pastel: Think of pastel as the Batanes version of an empanada. It's a crispy turnover stuffed with shredded potatoes, meat, or fish.
6. Kinirog (Ivatan Sushi): This innovative dish presents thinly sliced fish delicately rolled in seaweed and stuffed with a delectable concoction of vinegar, onions, tomatoes, and ginger.
7. Kalamay: Batanes' kalamay is a sweet confection crafted from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar.
Where to Eat for the Best Ivatan Cuisine:
1. Pension Ivatan: This quaint haven offers a menu filled with Ivatan specialties. Their Binallay with Tuna is a must-try.
2. Casa Napoli by Nenita's Bed & Breakfast: Experience the charm and savor unique Ivatan dishes like Kinilaw na Isda and their version of Binallay.
3. Fundacion Pacita: Nestled in a cultural center, this restaurant enchants diners with its authentic Ivatan cuisine. Their Kilawen is a delight.
4. Ivatan Heritage Garden Restaurant: Immerse yourself in the traditional Ivatan setting while enjoying their Kinukud, Uvud Balls, and Latik (sweet creamy coconut sauce).
5. The Bunker Beach Club Cafe: Located on the shores of Sabtang Island, this cafe serves up Ivatan favorites like Binallay and Paje (dried fish with tomatoes).
6. Chavayan Grill and Restaurant: This establishment near Basco Airport excels at grilled seafood, including their flavorful grilled marlin.
7. Honesty Coffee Shop: Don't miss their kalamay and other mouthwatering treats, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee.
Other Notable Batanes Food Experiences:
1. Join a Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in Ivatan culture by participating in a cooking class where you learn to prepare and savor dishes like Binallay and Uvud Balls.
2. Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets like the Basco Public Market to discover fresh ingredients and catch a glimpse of daily Ivatan life.
3. Farm Visits: Arrange a visit to local farms where you can see how crops like cassava and coconut are grown – the very ingredients used in many Ivatan dishes.
When embarking on your culinary journey in Batanes, remember to savor each dish mindfully, for they tell the stories of the Ivatan people and their deep connection to the land and the sea.
