Batac is famous for its distinct Ilocos empanada

Posted at 12:09 pm July 19, 2010

Tags: Food Fare and Dishes, Street Food, Truly Pinoy Food and Drinks

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By Marjorie Gorospe

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BATAC, ILOCOS NORTE – Empanada is synonymous to the Ilocos region but those craving for something distinct in taste should definitely eat at Glory’s Empanada in this town.

Empanada is like stuffed bread with a filling consisting of longganisa, vegetables and egg. But instead of soft dough, the filling is wrapped in rice flour, colored orange with achuete and then deep-fried.

Foreigners and even Ilocos locals go to Batac for the empanada. Located near the town plaza is an empanaderia and Glory’s is perhaps the most famous and often recommended.

Gloria Aguana Cocson, or Manang Gloria, started her business establishing empanada stands in different parts of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Manang Gloria was invited by then-Ilocos congressman Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr to. showcase her skill in empanada making at the Philippine International Convention Center in 2000.

In 2008, Manang Gloria was granted a “Kalipi Award” in Batac for her inspiring determination and excellence in pushing her empanada business that has helped the Batac town to be known in the country.

Manang Baby dela Cruz, who works for Glory’s Empanada, says the distinct taste of the Batac empanada is achieved through the use of locally made longganisa and shredded papaya instead of the usual monggo beans.

“Glory’s has always been referred by tourists who get to taste it that is why our service never fades, just like the taste of our empanada, which is good for the business,” says Manang Baby.

“It is recommended that you eat it while it’s hot and don’t forget put sukang iloco,” she tells me.

Glory’s sells various kinds of empanada, ranging from 30 to 60 pesos depending on the ingredients. The special empanada, for example, has hotdog.

The special empanada is already a complete meal for me since it has meat and rice and yes, it is possible for you to order it for take-out and bring it back to Manila as long as you place it inside the cooler.

The best part about the Batac empanada is that its longganisa is not sweet like those in other provinces. I will always look forward to eat at Glory’s empanada if I will have the chance to visit Batac again.