If you’re a foodie and an art lover, you need to add Balaw Balaw Restaurant and in Angono, Rizal to your must-visit list.
This quaint eatery has long been an Angono landmark, thanks to its menu of exotic Filipino dishes and its extensive collection of Filipino art and artifacts.
After learning that our balikbayan tita has a hankering for the dish called kuhol sa gata (snail in coconut milk), Hubby and I set about looking for a restaurant that serves it which we can go to as we take our tita on a tour of Rizal.
After scanning through several articles from online publications and blogs, all touting the food and the unique ambiance of Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery, we gamely included it in our itinerary.
A visit to this establishment is also special to me, as I’m a foodie who likes doscovering new places to eat and recommend to my friends and I also like checking out local artworks.
So if you’re like me, you should definitely venture into Angono for a visit to this restaurant. Here are some reasons why:
The Food
Balaw Balaw Restaurant is known for its exotic and authentic Filipino dishes, which are not commonly found in other restaurants. Their signature dish, Balaw Balaw, is a fermented shrimp paste that is a must-try for adventurous eaters. The restaurant also offers other dishes like “adobong kamaru” (adobo-style crickets), and “frogs legs” (fried frog legs).
During our visit, we indulged our tita’s craving for ginataang kuhol (₱195), or snails cooked in coconut milk. We also went for more mainstream dishes such as inihaw na baboy (₱295) – grilled pork belly, and laing at gabi (₱270) – taro leaves cooked in coconut milk.
To cater to our monster-sized appetites and to introduce a variety of dishes in one fell swoop, we also ordered a medium minaluto (₱1,250), a bilao group meal good for three to four persons consisting of steamed rice, chicken adobo, grilled squid, battered fried fish, halabos na hipon, adobong kangkong, crab legs, clams, fresh tomatoes and salted egg.
The Art
The restaurant is also known for its extensive collection of Filipino art and artifacts. The walls are adorned with paintings, sculptures, and other artworks created by local artists. You’ll also find traditional wooden sculptures called “anitos” and a wall of painted plates by local artist Perdigon Vocalan.
The Cultural Experience
Dining at Balaw Balaw Restaurant is not just a culinary experience, but also a cultural experience. The restaurant is a celebration of Philippine culture and heritage. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era of Philippine history.
The Local Community
The restaurant is owned and operated by the family of the late painter and sculptor Perdigon Vocalan, who is considered one of the town’s most celebrated artists. The family has continued to honor their father’s legacy by showcasing his works and supporting the local art scene through their business. By dining at Balaw Balaw Restaurant, you are also supporting the local community.
The Location
Angono, Rizal is known for its vibrant art scene. The town has produced numerous acclaimed Filipino artists, such as Carlos “Botong” Francisco and National Artist for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva. The Balaw Balaw Restaurant is a part of this vibrant art scene in Angono. After your meal, you can explore the town’s art galleries and museums.
The Instagram-Worthy Spots
The restaurant is filled with Instagram-worthy spots. From the colorful plates to the intricate wood carvings, every corner of the restaurant is a feast for the eyes. Make sure to snap a few shots before you dig in!
With its exotic Filipino dishes, extensive collection of Filipino art, and cultural experience, it males for must-visit destination for foodies and art lovers alike. Plus, it’s owned and operated by a local family, so you’ll be supporting the community while enjoying your meal. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the Instagram-worthy spots in the restaurant!
Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery is located at #11 Don Justo Dona Justa Subdivision, Phase I, Manila East Highway, Angono, Rizal, open daily from 10am to 8.30pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86510110 or email balawbalaw1983@gmail.com.
Know more about this cultural and culinary landmark by following it on Facebook and Instagram.
How beautiful! Although I’m not that adventurous when it comes to food. I miss the lutong-bahay style though ☺️👍👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
The minaluto will suit you best then!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s a minaluto? I’ve not had Filipino food for ages..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its a bilao of steamed rice topped by various classic Pinoy viands
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s perfect! I re-read your post again and saw it.. yummy… Thanks for posting!
LikeLike
Next time I go back there, I think it is a good idea to visit ☺️
LikeLike