The day after I arrived in Catbalogan City, Samar’s capital, I visited the weekly market set up next to the Provincial Capitol building. Right off the bat, you could tell this was a city where local delicacies reigned, still. Forever known as the day I ate (at least a good chunk of!) all that kakanin. I dream about that suman moron, and the sarongsong, which I’d never tried before, was also outstanding. All reasons I loved my stay!
I spent a few days in town, wandering around, parking myself in coffee shops for a couple hours, working on a project deadline. At the local tourism office I saw product samples that were part of the Secret Kitchens of Samar initiative, and at their recommendation picked up pastries from Charito’s Delights. At some point I ate pizza from Alberto’s, a local chain, and a chili dog, just because.
Thanks to the incredibly kind folks at the local tourism office, I was given the number for a local tamalos maker, who happened to be preparing a custom catering order that would be ready in a few days. I sank into every bite of that, with a richness so deep, it was undisputedly the result of nothing less than many hours of labour, from cooks who carried on a culinary tradition important to them. One, like so many across the Philippines, I just want to help support and preserve in concrete ways.
At the time of my visit, the first edition of the Secret Kitchens of Samar books were being sent out to offices across the region. Can’t wait to dive into these books, when we can get copies, and experience more of Samar’s rich food culture!
