Filipino cuisine is famous for its diverse flavors and regional specialties, and one such gem is Pancit Cabagan. Originating from the picturesque town of Cabagan in Isabela province, this dish has gained popularity far beyond its roots. In the heart of Sampaloc, Manila, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is earning its reputation for serving an authentic rendition of this beloved Filipino dish. Situated along Blumentritt Road, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is a haven of authenticity. Owned by Cabagan native Armando Salazar, this eatery promises a true taste of the dish’s place of origin. Pancit Cabagan is a noodle dish that boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors. I’ve heard about this dish before but never really had a chance to try it as it is quite far from where I live. At Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt, this dish is meticulously prepared with care and precision.
When I discovered that there’s an authentic Pancit Cabagan eatery in Sampaloc, I didn’t think to check it out. The base of the dish is miki or egg noodles, and it’s the toppings that truly elevate the experience. Expect a generous serving of lechon carahay or kawali (crispy pork belly), tender stewed pig liver, and perfectly boiled quail eggs. In some variations, you may even find colorful vegetables like carrots and cabbage adding a fresh crunch to the dish. The eatery is open daily except Wednesdays from 8 AM to 1:30 PM and then resumes service from 3 PM to 7 PM. Given its reputation and the irresistible flavors on offer, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt receives around 100 orders daily, so it’s no surprise that it can get quite busy. Arriving a bit earlier or later than the lunch rush might save you some waiting time.
Savory, Salty, and full of Flavors
Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt is a cozy little eatery that can comfortably accommodate around 20 diners at a time. The warm and welcoming ambiance only adds to the overall experience. However, due to its popularity, we had to wait for about 20 minutes and it was lunch time. But I promise you, the wait is well worth it. During our visit, we tried the Overload Special for just Php 150. This special variant includes a medley of delectable toppings such as bola-bola (meatballs), lechon kawali, chicken liver, and quail eggs. What makes Pancit Cabagan at this eatery stand out is its saucy nature. The sauce is brimming with flavor, enveloping the tender noodles. It’s savory and slightly salty, but don’t worry; you have the option to customize it to your liking. Like the usual carinderias, Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt also provides condiments on the side.
Mix in soy sauce, calamansi juice, or vinegar (or all three) to adjust the flavors to your palate. For those who crave a spicy kick, a handful of chopped sili labuyo (red chilies) is readily available. This dynamic blend of flavors adds crunch and enhances the overall taste of the pancit. I also appreciate the generous portions. Each order at Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt can easily be shared by two people, perfect meal with a friend or a romantic partner. I managed to eat all of it but it was challenging! They also offer add-ons such as extra quail eggs, liver, and bola-bola, ensuring you get exactly what you crave. If you’re living far away, don’t worry. Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt has contact numbers for orders and convenient pick-up by delivery riders. Ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delicious meal no matter where they are in the city.
Tips and Guidelines
- They also offer party trays or bilao orders for huge servings.
- To avoid long wait times, consider arriving either before the lunch rush (around 11 AM). Similarly, for dinner, you may want to dine either before 5 PM.
- If you visit during peak hours, be prepared for a wait, especially if the eatery is busy.
- Be prepared to pay in cash or Gcash, as eateries like Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring enough cash to cover your meal and potential add-ons.
- The portions at Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt are generous, so consider sharing a plate with a friend or family member. It’s a cost-effective way to try different variations of the dish and ensure you have room for other Filipino specialties.
- If you’re a first-time visitor, the Overload Special is a great choice. It offers a variety of delicious toppings, giving you a well-rounded Pancit Cabagan experience.
- Be mindful of your belonging as the place is always busy and has no security against pickpocketers.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for similar dining options to try, you should check out:
- Pancit Habhab in Quezon province
- Pancit Malabon at Market! Market!
- GoodTaste Restaurant: A go-to family restaurant in Baguio City
How to get there?
Via Public Transportation:
- The Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is a convenient way to get close to Blumentritt Road. You can take either LRT Line 1 or LRT Line 2, depending on your starting point.
- If you’re on LRT Line 1, you can take a train bound for Roosevelt and disembark at the D. Jose Station.
- If you’re on LRT Line 2, take a train bound for Recto and get off at Recto Station.
- Once you’ve reached either D. Jose or Recto Station, you can take a short taxi or tricycle ride to Blumentritt Road. Simply inform the driver that you want to go to Pancit Cabagan sa Blumentritt.
