The province of Rizal is close to a section of the Sierra Madre mountain range and I've gone here several times for hiking but with limited to go around, I haven't explored much of its surrounding towns. Last week, I joined my fellow bloggers on a 2-day tour and this time, I was introduced to the thriving food and art scene of one of its municipalities, Angono! :)
Dubbed as the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono has numerous galleries, museums, food establishments featuring art works and even an entire street lined with murals! It is also the hometown of two National Artists, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, a noted muralist and Lucio San Pedro, the composer behind the classic, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (Listen to it here.)
After two days of overeating, I'm sharing with you all the food establishments we visited, where you can indulge in affordable, quality, comfort food. :)
Related Post : Where to Go in Angono for arts and recreation!
BALAW BALAW RESTAURANT AND ART GALLERY
Opened in 1982 by the late artist Perdigon and his wife, Luz Vocalan, this specialty restaurant has become a prominent establishment in Angono. While its menu focuses on serving Filipino food cooked the traditional way, it is widely known for serving exotic dishes with ingredients such as native duck, frogs, snails, balot, Soup #5 (cow's testes or penis) and is often featured in blogs and television programs. The restaurant's name, Balaw Balaw was derived from a dish of tiny fermented rice and shrimp with the same name. It serves as an appetizer and sauce, considered a common accompaniment of every satisfying meal.
Aside from exotic dishes, they also serve Filipino favorites such as kare-kare, sinigang and more, as well as palatable experimental dishes such as Cream dory in deep-fried Alagaw leaves and fried alamang.
Balaw Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery
Address : 16 Doña Justa Subdivision Phase 1, Manila East Highway Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : +63(02) 651 0110
Business Hours : Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balaw Balaw
Website : http://www.balawbalawresto.webs.com/
Price Range : 200 Pesos above per dish
Notes : main dining area is open air and can accommodate big groups
Aside from the food, also worth checking out is its art gallery featuring paintings and sculptures of the Vocalan family and other local artists.
KIM IS HUNGRY
Recommended for those who have a relentless appetite for sweets, this cozy pastry shop offers moist cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, coffee and cold drinks that are budget-friendly (Price range : 30 pesos for the cupcakes and 70-140 Pesos for a slice of cake).They also serve snacks such as pastas and quesadillas, fitting salty accompaniments to sweet treats if you ask me. :)
We had several cakes and cupcakes - at least five of each! All were moist and aptly sweet. The quesadillas' a hit too. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try it. My fellow foodies finished everything off before I could have a bite so it must be really that good! (Friends, I forgive you, I have my selfish, weak moments too :P).
Kim is Hungry
Address : 2nd floor Paulina Bldg. M. Diaz corner A. Ibanez Brgy. Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : + 63 0916 271 7551
Email Address : kimishungrycakes@yahoo.com.ph
Business Hours : Monday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Facebook Page : KimisHungry
Notes & Tips : Seating capacity is limited, ideal for small groups (5-10 people); has aircon;
WINGS ON THE GO
Its name pretty much gives its menu away. Their buffalo wings are flavorful and crispy, a great pair for their grilled burgers which comes with juicy, sizable patties. The bread is on the sweet side which complements the salty flavor of the beef. Other items to enjoy with the wings and burger are nachos, fries and salad. It opens late in the afternoon at 3:00 PM, making it a it a good place for a heavy snack or dinner.
Wings on the Go
Address : #213 E. Rodriguez Street Brgy. Sto. Nino Angono, Rizal
Contact Numbers :
Landline +63 (02) 6513051
Mobile Number +63 09265332794
Business Hours :
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Thursday, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Wings on the Go
Notes & Tips :waiting time for orders is 30 minutes to one hour. If you're really hungry or traveling with a group, call on the numbers above to order in advance)
LAVA MOCHA
Another option for those who love sweets, this cafe offers ginormous coffee shakes, snacks and meals such as pastas, rice meals, nachos, camote chips, chicken wings, cheeze fries and mojos (Menu here). It's of the bigger cafes we've visited and is conducive for hanging out long hours.
Aside from serving coffee and food, it's also a space that showcases paintings and arts & crafts of its locals. A signature item on the menu is Higante Frappe, a dessert coffee topped with syrup, candies, marshmallows, candies and chocolates. At 280 Pesos, it's good enough to be shared by 3 people. You can also choose a DIY frappe and and top your drink with your choice of marshmallows, wafers, candies and chocolates.
Lava Mocha
Address : 97 Doña Aurora Street Barangay San Roque Angono Rizal
(near Angono High School and Pandayan Bookstore)
Business Hours : Daily, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Lava Mocha
Notes & Tips: with free wifi; try their photo booth at the second floor. You need to bring your own camera though but the masks and other props are free to use.
BALWARTE
Located on the second floor of an unmarked building, this obscure family-owned restaurant features mostly meat dishes that are packed with a lot of flavor. Their bestseller is the buffalo wings. Inspired by a relative undergoing a heartbreak, customers have the option to select from three levels of spiciness namely Nagmahal (a little sweet), Nasaktan (slight spicy) and Nagpatiwakal (overly spicy).
*For the benefit of foreign readers, these Tagalog words translate to Nagmahal = pertaining to someone who loved, Nasaktan = got hurt and Nagpatiwakal = committed suicide). Pork steak and balun-balunan (chicken gizzard) are also must trys.
Balwarte
Address : 201 E. Rodriguez road cor. Mauricio Diaz, Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal(it's on the 2nd floor of a building at the cor Mauricio Diaz street. Downstairs, you'll see other food stalls like Bulalugaw, Captain's Burger and I Love Milktea)
Contact Number : +63 0998 997 4548 (mobile)
Business Hours :
Monday : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday-Thursday & Sundays : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday-Saturday : 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balwarte
Notes & Tips : If bringing a car, you can park at the side of a nearby gym or at the municipal hall.
ART CAPITAL CAFE
Art Capital Cafe
Address : M. L. Quezon Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro
Angono, Rizal (Nearby landmarks, San Martin Subdivision and Caltex)
Contact Number : +63 0920 597 6985 (Mobile Number)
Business Hours : Monday, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday-Thursday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:00 AM
Facebook Page : Art Capital Cafe
Notes & Tips : Dining area has around 5 small tables so consider that when visiting with friends; It has ample parking space though.
ANGONO DELICACY
Similar to a lot of other Filipino delicacies, Kumanoy is made of coconut milk, ground rice and sugar. In other areas, it’s referred to as inutak. Sweet and sticky, it's usually eaten as a snack.
For other delicacies to try in Angono, check out, 3 Angono Delicacies You Must Avoid (or Not) by Celineism
Where to Try Kumanoy/Inutak?
One of the known makers in town is Jhoana Miano of Tindahan ni Inday, located along E. Dela Paz street, Brgy. San Pedro. Angono being a small town, it's easy to ask around for directions to "Tindahan ni Inday". Aside from Kumanoy, you can also order Pancit malabon, a Filipino noodle dish. You may also get in touch with her at +63 09176802779.
Prices :
50 pesos (lanera - this is a small molding dish, good for 1-2 persons)
Tray - 500 Pesos
Batya - 750 Pesos
Chef Joel's Inutak (Kumanoy)
Chef's version is made from Thai glutinous rice flour mixed in with pure coconut milk.
Prices :
Big Pan(5x7in) - 180.00 Pesos
Small Pan (3x5in) - 95.00 Pesos
Solo pans (2x2) - 40.00 Pesos each or 220.00 Pesos for a box of six (must be ordered in advance)
To order, get in touch through their Facebook Page, Chef Joel or through his mobile number, +63 0917 632 3878.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to get to Angono
If commuting, you can take a a UV express van from Shaw Boulevard. The terminal is right in front of Star Mall (This mall is on the southbound side just along EDSA, across Shangri La Plaza Mall). The vans going to Angono run daily but trips start around noon. As an alternate, you can board a van going to Binangonan which has trips 24/7 and ask driver to let you off in Angono. Fare is 50 Pesos as of Oct 2016. Travel time would be dependent on the traffic. On a Sunday, ride takes only 30-40 minutes.
TIPS FOR FOOD TRIPPERS :
The establishments listed above are within walking distance from each other.
Click on this link for a map which I plotted it for you! :) With the exception of Balaw Balaw and Lava Mocha, the seating capacity of most establishments we visited are limited, suited for a group of 5. Consider that when planning your trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANGONO
Villa Jhoana is a former residence turned resort, located near the town proper. It served as our home during our 2 day tour. With its spacious rooms, function halls, adult and children's pool, it's also a good option if you're looking for a venue to hold your teambuilding or company outing.
Villa Jhoana
Address : 1070 Ibanez St. Carebi Subdivision, Brgy. San Isidro, Rizal, Angono, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 542 8975
Mobile: +63 917 453 5311
Website :http://www.villajhoanaresort-rizal.com/
To reserve, click on this link (this goes to the resort's website)
Rates :
2,800 Pesos-5000 pesos depending on room type
Angono celebrates Higantes Festival every November. For a comprehensive schedule of activities, please check out my post. Click here.
For more travel information and to receive regular updates on what's happening in Angono, please hit the Like button on their Facebook page, Angono Tourism
Shout out to fellow blogger Celine Reyes and Lady of Angono Tourism for inviting us to explore Angono's joyfully edible side.
Please click here for my post on art galleries in Angono! :)
Dubbed as the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono has numerous galleries, museums, food establishments featuring art works and even an entire street lined with murals! It is also the hometown of two National Artists, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, a noted muralist and Lucio San Pedro, the composer behind the classic, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (Listen to it here.)
Related Post : Where to Go in Angono for arts and recreation!
BALAW BALAW RESTAURANT AND ART GALLERY
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| Shooting the food at Balaw Balaw Restaurant. #Bloggerlife :P |
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| (Left) Cream dory wrapped in Alagao leaves (Right) Soup Number 5(cow testicles) (Top) Fried Alamang, a crunchy and salty side dish, love this one! |
Balaw Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery
Address : 16 Doña Justa Subdivision Phase 1, Manila East Highway Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : +63(02) 651 0110
Business Hours : Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balaw Balaw
Website : http://www.balawbalawresto.webs.com/
Price Range : 200 Pesos above per dish
Notes : main dining area is open air and can accommodate big groups
Aside from the food, also worth checking out is its art gallery featuring paintings and sculptures of the Vocalan family and other local artists.
KIM IS HUNGRY
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| Some of the items we tried at Kim is Hungry - Quesadilla, Carbonara, lasagna, lots of cakes and cupcakes! |
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| More cakes from Kim is Hungry. My personal favorite is blueberry cheesecake because it has real blueberries! |
Address : 2nd floor Paulina Bldg. M. Diaz corner A. Ibanez Brgy. Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal
Contact Number : + 63 0916 271 7551
Email Address : kimishungrycakes@yahoo.com.ph
Business Hours : Monday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Facebook Page : KimisHungry
Notes & Tips : Seating capacity is limited, ideal for small groups (5-10 people); has aircon;
 |
| Budget-friendly menu of Wings on the Go |
 |
| buffalo wings and burger at Wings to Go |
Address : #213 E. Rodriguez Street Brgy. Sto. Nino Angono, Rizal
Contact Numbers :
Landline +63 (02) 6513051
Mobile Number +63 09265332794
Business Hours :
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Thursday, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Facebook Page : Wings on the Go
Notes & Tips :waiting time for orders is 30 minutes to one hour. If you're really hungry or traveling with a group, call on the numbers above to order in advance)
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| Overloading on sugar at Lava Mocha. Better bring your friends when trying this out! |
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| We were so full but I just had to try the food which turned out to be a good decision. :P Yum! |
Lava Mocha
Address : 97 Doña Aurora Street Barangay San Roque Angono Rizal
(near Angono High School and Pandayan Bookstore)
Business Hours : Daily, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Lava Mocha
Notes & Tips: with free wifi; try their photo booth at the second floor. You need to bring your own camera though but the masks and other props are free to use.
BALWARTE
 |
| Balwarte's Pork steak, balun-balunan (chicken gizzard), and isaw. |
Located on the second floor of an unmarked building, this obscure family-owned restaurant features mostly meat dishes that are packed with a lot of flavor. Their bestseller is the buffalo wings. Inspired by a relative undergoing a heartbreak, customers have the option to select from three levels of spiciness namely Nagmahal (a little sweet), Nasaktan (slight spicy) and Nagpatiwakal (overly spicy).
*For the benefit of foreign readers, these Tagalog words translate to Nagmahal = pertaining to someone who loved, Nasaktan = got hurt and Nagpatiwakal = committed suicide). Pork steak and balun-balunan (chicken gizzard) are also must trys.
 |
| Menu |
Address : 201 E. Rodriguez road cor. Mauricio Diaz, Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal(it's on the 2nd floor of a building at the cor Mauricio Diaz street. Downstairs, you'll see other food stalls like Bulalugaw, Captain's Burger and I Love Milktea)
Contact Number : +63 0998 997 4548 (mobile)
Business Hours :
Monday : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday-Thursday & Sundays : 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday-Saturday : 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Facebook Page : Balwarte
Notes & Tips : If bringing a car, you can park at the side of a nearby gym or at the municipal hall.
ART CAPITAL CAFE
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| Coffee shakes at Art Capital Cafe |
This cafe's a little farther from the rest of the establishments on this list, about 2KM away from Angono Municipal hall, but still very accessible. It's close to Manila East road, a major highway used by both public and private vehicles traversing Rizal.
Though slightly more modern than the other cafes we visited, it stayed true to its creative roots with paintings, miniature Higantes, surrounding its dining area.
The menu consists of sandwiches, nachos, mini burgers, pizza, pasta, beautifully decorated coffee frappe and non coffee-based shakes, teas (they serve Dilmah tea here). I was most impressed with their Amerikano, which you can have hot or iced (I prefer it hot). Freshly brewed, the flavor is strong, exactly the way I like it. It's the type of brew that leaves you inspired and feeling productive. I enjoyed it so much, I came back a week after, traveling all the way from Mandaluyong. It was a Sunday so the traffic was light. :P
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| Nice treats to pair with coffee at Art Capital Cafe |
Address : M. L. Quezon Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro
Angono, Rizal (Nearby landmarks, San Martin Subdivision and Caltex)
Contact Number : +63 0920 597 6985 (Mobile Number)
Business Hours : Monday, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday-Thursday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:00 AM
Facebook Page : Art Capital Cafe
Notes & Tips : Dining area has around 5 small tables so consider that when visiting with friends; It has ample parking space though.
ANGONO DELICACY
Similar to a lot of other Filipino delicacies, Kumanoy is made of coconut milk, ground rice and sugar. In other areas, it’s referred to as inutak. Sweet and sticky, it's usually eaten as a snack.
For other delicacies to try in Angono, check out, 3 Angono Delicacies You Must Avoid (or Not) by Celineism
Where to Try Kumanoy/Inutak?
One of the known makers in town is Jhoana Miano of Tindahan ni Inday, located along E. Dela Paz street, Brgy. San Pedro. Angono being a small town, it's easy to ask around for directions to "Tindahan ni Inday". Aside from Kumanoy, you can also order Pancit malabon, a Filipino noodle dish. You may also get in touch with her at +63 09176802779.
Prices :
50 pesos (lanera - this is a small molding dish, good for 1-2 persons)
Tray - 500 Pesos
Batya - 750 Pesos
 |
| Jhoanna Miano of Tindahan ni Inday |
Chef Joel's Inutak (Kumanoy)
Chef's version is made from Thai glutinous rice flour mixed in with pure coconut milk.
Prices :
Big Pan(5x7in) - 180.00 Pesos
Small Pan (3x5in) - 95.00 Pesos
Solo pans (2x2) - 40.00 Pesos each or 220.00 Pesos for a box of six (must be ordered in advance)
To order, get in touch through their Facebook Page, Chef Joel or through his mobile number, +63 0917 632 3878.
 |
| Chef Joel's Inutak |
How to get to Angono
If commuting, you can take a a UV express van from Shaw Boulevard. The terminal is right in front of Star Mall (This mall is on the southbound side just along EDSA, across Shangri La Plaza Mall). The vans going to Angono run daily but trips start around noon. As an alternate, you can board a van going to Binangonan which has trips 24/7 and ask driver to let you off in Angono. Fare is 50 Pesos as of Oct 2016. Travel time would be dependent on the traffic. On a Sunday, ride takes only 30-40 minutes.
TIPS FOR FOOD TRIPPERS :
The establishments listed above are within walking distance from each other.
Click on this link for a map which I plotted it for you! :) With the exception of Balaw Balaw and Lava Mocha, the seating capacity of most establishments we visited are limited, suited for a group of 5. Consider that when planning your trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANGONO
Villa Jhoana
Address : 1070 Ibanez St. Carebi Subdivision, Brgy. San Isidro, Rizal, Angono, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 542 8975
Mobile: +63 917 453 5311
Website :http://www.villajhoanaresort-rizal.com/
To reserve, click on this link (this goes to the resort's website)
Rates :
2,800 Pesos-5000 pesos depending on room type
Angono celebrates Higantes Festival every November. For a comprehensive schedule of activities, please check out my post. Click here.
For more travel information and to receive regular updates on what's happening in Angono, please hit the Like button on their Facebook page, Angono Tourism
Shout out to fellow blogger Celine Reyes and Lady of Angono Tourism for inviting us to explore Angono's joyfully edible side.
Please click here for my post on art galleries in Angono! :)