Frankly, I didn’t know a thing about Vigan empanadas. In my mind I was visualizing those small empanadas you buy outside the supermarket… must admit I’m quite a fan of those, so the prospect of a city full of these was in itself exciting!
Little did I know however, the empanadas in Vigan are totally different. Crunchier than soft. Tastier but with less fillings. Larger than normal, exactly the size of half a plate. Paired with their local suka (vinegar), this really was quite a treat!
Plaza Empanada
Stalls at Plaza Empanada
First place we visited was Plaza Empanada, located across the main church in the center of town. There are 6 empanada stalls and around 12 tables. Frankly, the stalls looked and smelled the same so I don’t think it really matters which one you pick.
Expert Empanada maker
The empanadas were ok. Nice and crunch texture in the outside. Nicely flavored on the inside. My only comment was that it lacked filling, leaving a lot of the empanada with no meat or vegetable when you bite.
Yummy Crunch Empanada
The 2 main empanadas to chose from are regular or special, with the latter having an egg inside. By far the special option is best. We watched one of the ladies make a few empanadas and were really impressed with the amount of skill she had. She’d clearly been at the empanada trade for a while now.
See the egg inside?
Ok, so a good first empanada experience overall. But because of the lack of filling, we wanted to taste a better version. Luckily we were tipped by our reception/tour guide that there’s another place called Irene’s with far superior emapanadas. She was right…
Irene's Empanadas, yum...
Irene’s Empanada is a little hard to find. Around the counrer from Syquia Museum is a hole in the wall eatery. Not very hygenic, a lot of flies all over the place, and looks like it’s the local KTV and inuman (drinking) joint. However…. the empanadas are WONDERFUL! Much more filling, much more flavor, and overall a much crunchier outer shell.
Irene's Empanada
I actually ordered the super special- which is double the amount of meat than normal. In hindsight, the regular special (if that makes sense) would have been sufficient, as the filling was oozing out of the empanada.
Super Special
It was so good, we ordered more to take back to Manila!
On offer at Irene's
All in all another wonderful Vigan experience! Will try to make this at home soon!
Rikks.
Two Dirty Aprons 