Baliwag is a bustling municipality located in the province of Bulacan, Central Luzon, Philippines. It has a population of approximately 149,954 as of the 2020 census, making it one of the most populous municipalities in the region. Baliwag is known for its rich history, having been founded in the 1730s during the Spanish colonial period. It is also famous for its agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, and fruits. As a result, the town has an abundance of fresh produce that is incorporated into its traditional cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes in Baliwag is "lechon," a whole roasted pig stuffed with a mixture of spices, herbs, and vegetables such as lemongrass, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. The pig is slow-roasted over an open flame until the skin becomes crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. This dish is often served during special occasions such as weddings, fiestas, and birthdays.
Another must-try dish in Baliwag is "adobo," a stew made with chicken or pork, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. The meat is simmered in the sauce until it becomes tender and flavorful. Adobo is a staple dish in the Philippines and is often eaten with rice.
"Bulalo" is another popular dish in Baliwag. It is a soup made with beef shanks, bone marrow, corn, and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. The beef shanks are simmered for hours until the meat falls off the bone and the broth becomes rich and flavorful. Bulalo is a comforting dish that is often enjoyed during cold and rainy days.
For those with a sweet tooth, "turon" is a popular dessert in Baliwag. It is a Filipino version of a banana spring roll made with sliced ripe bananas, brown sugar, and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and then deep-fried until golden brown. Turon is often served as a snack or dessert and can be found in local bakeries and food stalls.
In addition to food, Baliwag has a variety of refreshing drinks to offer. "Sago't Gulaman" is a popular drink made with tapioca pearls, jelly, and brown sugar syrup. The drink is often served cold and is a great way to cool down on a hot day. "Calamansi juice" is another refreshing drink made with freshly squeezed calamansi, a small citrus fruit native to the Philippines. The juice is often mixed with water and sugar to balance the tartness of the fruit.
Baliwag has a lively night market, where street vendors sell a variety of local delicacies and snacks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of street food such as grilled meat skewers, fish balls, and "kwek-kwek," a deep-fried quail egg covered in orange batter. The night market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is a great place to try a variety of different dishes.
Typical meal times in Baliwag follow the traditional Filipino schedule of three main meals a day, with breakfast being the most important meal of the day. Many locals start their day with "tapsilog," a breakfast dish made with marinated beef, garlic rice, and a fried egg. Lunch and dinner are often rice-based meals with meat or fish and vegetables. Snacks such as "pan de sal," a small bread roll, and "bibingka," a rice cake, are often eaten throughout the day.