Bicol

Naga City in the Philippines is renowned for its spicy and richly flavored Bicolano cuisine, which makes generous use of coconut milk and chilies. Signature dishes of the region include Pinangat, a savory combination of taro leaves, chili, meat, and shrimp, all wrapped in gabi leaves and cooked in coconut milk. Another local favorite is Bicol Express, a fiery pork dish cooked with coconut milk and a generous amount of siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili). For noodles enthusiasts, Kinalas is a must-try; it’s a savory and tangy noodle soup topped with shredded meat, scallions, and garlic, often paired with puto (steamed rice cake). These traditional dishes, along with others like Laing and Sili Ice Cream, embody the culinary spirit of Naga City, where the love for heat and flavor is evident in every bite.