Lipa City’s Traditional Cuisine: Savoring a Gastronomic Escapade

Savoring Lipa City’s traditional cuisine is a must as you plan to visit Lipa. Lipa City in Batangas, Philippines, is rich in breathtaking landscapes and a colorful history. But don’t think for a second that that is all that Lipa has to offer. They are also known for their delectable traditional cuisine that will bring your palate joy.

 Savoring Lipa City’s Traditional Cuisine

From hearty meals to native sweets, Lipa has all the stuff that will satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the must-try dishes that will make you enjoy Lipa’s unique culinary heritage:

• Kapeng Barako is not a dish but an iconic part of Batangas. It is a locally grown coffee. Batangueños are known for being strong, brave, and bold—traits they share with a cup of kapeng barako.
•  Batangas Lomi. Lomi can be found all over the archipelago. So what makes Batangas Lomi different? It is thicker and overloaded with toppings – pork meat, pork liver, kikiam, chicharon, and eggs. Locals enjoy it with chili, soy sauce, and calamansi. This famous dish dots the Lipa landscape; you will always find a Lomi house anywhere your tummy craves it.
• Sinigang na Maliputo. What is so special about a sinigang dish that can be found everywhere in the Philippines? The fish used for this special sinigang—Maliputo! Maliputo is a freshwater fish that can only be found in the waters of Taal Lake. Imagine the sour and savory sinigang soup with the naturally flavorful fish of the Maliputo—this makes it a must-try provincial delicacy! The Sinigang sa Maliputo goes well with the Tagaytay patis or bagoong.

Something for every palate

Others go for lomi, while others favor gotong Batangas. There is something for everybody’s palate when you visit Lipa. Here are other options to choose from:

•  Gotong Batangas. This traditional Filipino dish is a hearty and flavorful soup enjoyed during cold or rainy days and when cravings hit. Gotong Batangas comprises beef shank, bone marrow, and vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and corn. Imagine pairing the tasty broth with a tender beef shank dipped in patis and calamansi and a bowl (or two) of steaming rice!
• Bikong Batangas or Sinukmani. Sinukmani is similar to the other region’s version of biko. It has the usual malagkit (sticky rice), gata (coconut milk), and latik (coconut milk cooked until it becomes caramelized). While some of the other versions of biko do not have ground and roasted peanuts, Sinukmani usually has it as a topping. The people of Batangas love Sinukmani so much that it has its celebration – the Sinukmani Festival. During the season, expect endless long tables filled with Bikong Batangas.

You can get to know Lipa through a gastronomic escapade.

When visiting Lipa, don’t just visit the historical places that make the city unique, but try to enjoy the food that the locals enjoy. Lipa has a rich culinary heritage that is waiting for you to enjoy. From the Batangas Lomi to the Sinigang na Maliputo down to the Sinukmani and Kapeng Barako, these must-eat dishes will start you off as you get to know Lipa through a gastronomic escapade like no other!