Authentic Ilocano Fix at Maria's Ilocos Empanada

Yesterday was one of those really unlucky days.  We ran out of food at home, ran out of cash, and Ku ran out of gas ( his first time ever!).  The only cure to days when Murphy's Law seems to be in full effect, is to laugh.  We were too tired to do anything else anyway.

Ku (my brother-in-law) and I decided to make ourselves feel better by going to his (and now mine too) favorite Ilocos Empanada place.  He and my younger brother-in-law, Lex, were the ones who introduced me to Maria's Ilocos Empanada.  As it happens, Maria's is just a five-minute drive from where we live.  Whenever they'd go out to get their Ilocos empanada fix, they'd bring one home for me too. :-)  So yesterday was my first time to actually go and check out the place.

It's on the first floor of a brand new building along Regalado Street.  They just recently moved to this location but they've been operating for three years now, which is no small feat.

This day wasn't completely inauspicious after all, because by sheer coincidence, it was their 3rd year anniversary yesterday and they were giving away free ice cream!  It was an unexpected treat and a welcome reprieve from the unbearable afternoon heat.

Ube an Cheese Ice Cream Sticks

We went ahead and ordered two empanadas (Double Longganisa with Egg) to-go.

It was my first time seeing their full menu.  It was interesting to find out that they offer rice meals as well (which I'm definitely coming back for!).  They also sell longganisa, bagnet, sukang Iloko, and Chichacorn.  Who would've guessed that a quick and authentic Ilokano fix was just a stone's throw away from our house?  Well... yeah Ku and Lex did.

I always enjoy watching my food being prepared so watching my empanada take form was fun!

They first filled the wrapper with longganisa and their mix of veggies.

Then, they cracked an egg in the middle of the wrapper and then sealed the empanada.  After that it was deep-fried and then placed on a rack for the oil to drip.

We rushed home to enjoy our Ilocos empanada together with the sukang Iloko that came with it.

Double Longganisa with Single Egg Ilocos Empanada Php 60.00

The orange-colored pastry wrapper when fried becomes nice and crispy.  The longganisa stuffing was savory and had hints of garlic, which is characteristic of Ilokano longganisa.  The veggies add a subtle sweetness and crunch to the stuffing.  The longganisa, veggies, and egg make this a complete and satisfying meal.  It doesn't hurt that it's affordable too.  Mmmmmm good stuff. :-)   




Address: 41 Regalado St., Fairview, Quezon City 1100
Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Sunday
Tel. #: 806-9357