Native foodtrips: Balayan edition

Growing up, the town of Balayan, Batangas, the hometown of my father, has been one of the reasons I have a passion for street food and the like.

Our dad always liked to hold curbside inumans at his house with some of his barkada. They would often bring gin, tequila and brandy, but surprisingly no food. And the reason was interesting, as my father said, you can buy the pulutan by the market. Any food that tickles their fancy.

My father's barkada, the Crucials Club

We always volunteered to be the ones who would buy so that we can add some extra so that the kids will have something to munch on as the night progresses. Papa would always show us the way to the different kinds of BBQ vendors along the side of the market, and that was how we were familiarized with the street food scene in Balayan.

Now that I am older (thus wiser, and hungrier) I decided to check the varieties of food myself.

Barbeques and Grilling are common here, from Isaw (Chicken Intestine), Adidas (Chicken Feet), even Betamax (Blood Clots) to the traditional Liempo (Pork Belly), Chicken Legs and Pork BBq's. The street is lined up with different vendors with their unique takes on their grilled fare with different sauces, and marinades. These stalls are located along the front side of the new Balayan Public Market.

And then, I stumbled upon this shack called Malabanan's (Insert septic jokes here), I heard this from our cousins who grew up in Balayan, with their main fare is one of the Philippine's most beloved yet pricey dish, Crispy Pata. But theirs is only 55php a plate, complete with rice and a hot cup of beef stew. At first I was skeptical about the price, indicating that the quality may match the amount we paid for, but it was authentic as can be. Juicy meat which melts in your mouth and crispy skin that would even rival Chicharon. Their stall is located beside PNB near Mcdonald's.

A lot of great street food was discovered here at just a small portion of the town. Hopefully I will be able to venture into other barangays and try out their fare. Until then, will keep you all posted on my next street food adventure here in Balayan, Batangas.

Now, if I can just borrow a tricycle around the corner...