🥟Ilocos Empanada: A Crispy, Savory Icon You Must Try in Vigan

One bite of Ilocos Empanada, and you’ll know why it’s a street food favorite across the Philippines. It’s crispy, flavorful, filling, and affordable—a full meal wrapped in golden orange goodness.

Here’s everything you need to know about this must-try delicacy from Ilocos, and where you can get one even if you're not in the region.

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What Is an Empanada?

Empanada is a stuffed pastry that can be either baked or fried. It’s typically made by folding dough over a savory filling—like meat, vegetables, or both.

In the Philippines, empanada varieties differ by region:

• 🥔 Tagalog-style: Soft, slightly sweet dough filled with ground meat, potatoes, onions, and raisins.
• 🥕 Ilocos-style: Crispy, orange rice-flour shell with vegetables and Vigan longganisa (native sausage).

💡 Tip: While Spanish in origin, Filipino empanadas evolved to suit local ingredients and regional tastes.

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🧡 What Makes Ilocos Empanada Special?

Forget the flaky baked dough of traditional empanadas. Ilocos Empanada is deep-fried, crunchy, and vibrantly orange thanks to achuete (annatto) oil mixed into the dough.

🥟 Key Ingredients:

• 🧂 Rice flour (galapong)
• 🥕 Shredded carrots or green papaya
• 🥬 Cabbage or mung bean sprouts (togue)
• 🍳 Egg
• 🧄 Vigan longganisa
• 🌶️ Ilocos vinegar (sukang Iloko) with onions and chili

🔥 How It’s Made:

1. Rice flour dough is kneaded thin over banana leaf or wax paper.
2. Stuffed with vegetables, longganisa, and egg.
3. Deep-fried until crisp and golden.
4. Served hot with spicy Ilocos vinegar dip.

📌 Pro Tip: The crust is handmade and kneaded fresh daily. The orange color comes from natural annatto seeds, not food dye!

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🌟 Super Special Empanada vs Regular

The “Super Special” Ilocos Empanada usually includes:

• Double longganisa
• Extra egg
• More veggies

Perfect for big appetites or first-time tasters who want the full experience.

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🏙️ Where to Buy Ilocos Empanada in Metro Manila

Can’t travel to Vigan just yet? No worries! You can still get an authentic bite in the city.

📍 Metro Market! Market! (Fort Bonifacio, BGC)

• 🥬 They use cabbage instead of papaya
• 🍳 Includes Vigan longganisa, egg, carrots, and rice flour crust
• 🥟 Super Special Empanada is highly recommended
• 🧂 Don’t forget to ask for extra Ilocos vinegar

💡 Insider Tip: The empanada stall is located just before the grocery entrance at Market! Market!

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📌 Final Tips Before You Bite

✅ Eat it hot — fresh from the fryer is best
✅ Dip generously in Ilocos vinegar for the full flavor punch
✅ Ask about fillings — some vendors may offer versions with cheese or different meats
✅ Pair with: Iced tea, fresh buko juice, or soft drinks

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🧳 Why It's a Must-Try

Ilocos Empanada is more than a snack—it’s a culinary heritage. Its mix of local sausage, fresh veggies, and unique dough make it one of the most iconic street foods in the Philippines. A visit to Vigan isn’t complete without one… but if you can’t go just yet, Metro Manila has you covered.