Batangas cuisine has a lot to offer besides the usual bulalo, tawilis and kapeng barako drink. Here’s a list of new foodie places to try when in the province:
1D’Ursi Autentica Pizzeria Napoletana – Located in the posh new Hotel 1925 in Lipa, the restaurant is the brainchild of Italian chef Matteo d’Ursi and Batangueño entrepreneur TJ Fabie. The restaurant serves thin crust pizza baked from a wood-fire oven. The pastas are al dente, and the pizzas are served in the Neapolitan style, which is unique among Italian restaurants even in Manila
2Allegra’s Kitchen – Found in SM City Lipa, the restaurant serves yummy comfort food like Baby Back Ribs and Grilled Black Angus Rib eye Steak. Owner Dr. Gerry Malvar Castillo named his restaurant chain after his late beloved pet, a golden retriever named Allegra. The restaurant has a prodigious selection of burgers, soups and salads, pastas and grilled meats.
3Taza Mia Coffee – Also found in SM Lipa, the shop serves authentic Batangue-ño coffee blends and affordable comfort food selections. Apart from the traditional kapeng barako, the café chain also serves frappes and other cold coffee drinks.
4Beehive Farm and Kitchen – The farm and restaurant is owned by businessman Joel Katigbak. Started in 2008, the restaurant serves food made with the very honey farmed from the beehives in the property. The farm/restaurant also sells an assortment of honeys, all natural, processed from the hives of different species of bees in the property.
5Lima Park Hotel – The place to get authentic Batangueño dishes like deep fried tawilis and steaming hot bulalo. Executive chef Paul Poblador prides himself in his knowledge of the Batangueño cuisine. The hotel also offers a boat tour around Taal Lake.
