What do you eat if you’re in Malabon? Properly, pancit Malabon, in fact.
The birthplace of pancit Malabon, there are quite a few panciterias providing this noodle delicacy within the metropolis. However the place are you able to truly get the perfect pancit Malabon in Malabon? And what when you don’t reside there, are there panciterias providing pancit Malabon which are at par with these in Malabon Metropolis? As a child who truly grew up in Malabon and has tasted innumerable bilaos of pancit Malabon for each event—and nonetheless desires extra—let me share the perfect pancit Malabon I’ve tried, not solely in Malabon itself, however in the entire of Metro Manila as effectively.
A TYPICAL BILAO OF PANCIT MALABON |
To make certain, there are nonetheless pancit Malabon eating places that I’ve but to try to these I’ve already tried however wasn’t in a position to word and even take footage of. So, I’ll undoubtedly replace this text sometimes as I strive new pancit locations within the metropolis. In the event you even have strategies for the perfect pancit Malabon, simply drop a remark and I’ll strive my finest to go to it too.
Be aware that this checklist just isn’t in any order. My recommendation is to strive every one out, as they nearly all the time have one thing distinctive to supply.
PANCIT MALABON ORIGINS
MAMA BELEN’S KITCHENETTE’S TWO VERSION OF PANCIT MALABON, THIN NOODLES AND THICK NOODLES |
Pancit Malabon developed from pancit labong, a dish that used bamboo shoots as an alternative of noodles. Its present incarnation was mentioned to be referred to as pancit bame in the course of the Eighteen Eighties earlier than being popularly generally known as pancit Malabon—due partially to its reputation with showbiz actors who’ve tried the noodles throughout location shoots within the metropolis in the course of the early 1900s. The dish was normally peddled on pondohan, or small eateries on a banana leaf—and for larger teams, bilao. Its noodle is produced from 70% rice and 30% flour by factories in Bulacan that used to move them by river to Malabon.
A PHOTOGRAPH OF OLD MALABON |
One of many earliest panciterias that began to name pancit bame as pancit Malabon was from the Caligay clan in Navotas—which was a part of Malabon—who began promoting it on a commerce truthful sales space in Marikina in the course of the Nineteen Sixties as Pancit ng Taga Malabon—sure, they’re the identical ones who nonetheless promote pancit Malabon below that model to this present day.
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PANCIT PALABOK, PANCIT MALABON, AND LUGLOG
For most individuals, pancit Malabon, pancit palabok, and pancit luglog (or luglug) are all the identical—all of them have that very same orangey sauce, proper? True, however when you delve deeper, they’ve variations in substances, preparation, and approach of serving that make them distinctive from one another.
A TYPICAL BILAO OF PANCIT MALABON |
A pancit Malabon has thick rice noodles—normally purchased from the neighboring province of Bulacan—lathered and pre-mixed with orangey sauce produced from patis or fish sauce, shrimp inventory, crab fats, crushed chicharon or kropek, and achuete or annatto seeds. It’s then topped with sliced eggs (historically, duck eggs), boiled pork bits like lengua and/or liempo (or pork head meat), and chopped cabbages or pechay Baguio. What makes it particular although are the seafood added on high—medium-sized shrimps, chopped adobong pusit, and typically oysters and mussels.
A pancit palabok has skinny rice noodles, normally bihon—that are typically referred to as pino in Malabon, in relation to pancit Malabon. It additionally has an orangey sauce produced from shrimp inventory, pork broth, fish sauce, and achuete. The sauce is not pre-mixed with the noodles; fairly, it’s lathered on high—to be combined by the one who will eat it. It’s normally topped with sliced eggs, floor pork, pork lengua, small shrimps, chopped inexperienced onions, and most significantly, floor tinapa flakes, or labok—as what Ninong Ry mentioned it’s referred to as within the markets of Malabon. It’s the sauciest of the three.
NORMA’S PANCIT LUG-LOG IN NAVOTAS |
A pancit lug-log is a mixture of the 2. It’s much like pancit palabok in that it makes use of the identical sauce that’s not pre-mixed with the noodles and has the identical toppings. The distinction is that it makes use of pancit Malabon’s thick rice noodles.
Be aware, nonetheless, that for many pancit palabok and pancit luglog bilao take-outs, the sauce is already pre-mixed with the noodles for comfort.
OVERLOADED PANCIT PALABOK AT MANILA’S QUINTA MARKET |
To summarize, and for simpler comparability, listed below are the variations between a pancit Malabon, palabok, and luglog.
Pancit Malabon:
– makes use of thick rice noodles
– makes use of crab fats in its sauce
– pre-mixes its sauce and noodles
– has cabbage or pechay Baguio
– has numerous seafood toppings
Pancit Palabok:
– makes use of skinny noodles
– doesn’t combine the sauce with its noodles
– has chopped inexperienced onions
– has tinapa flakes
– has floor pork toppings
Pancit Lug-log:
– pancit palabok with thick rice noodles
In fact, you possibly can undoubtedly see completely different noodle homes mixing and matching these three—and that’s normally the case fairly than the exception—however that principally sums up their variations.
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THE BEST PANCIT MALABON IN MALABON
NANAY’S PANCIT MALABON
One of the well-known pancit Malabon eateries in Malabon, Nanay’s Pancit Malabon truly holds the title for the Greatest Pancit Malabon in Malabon, effectively, based on Jessica Soho’s KMJS, at the least. The restaurant is housed in an precise home transformed right into a restaurant, the place they’ve been serving the quintessential Malabon noodles since 1984.
NANAY’S PANCIT MALABON DINING AREA |
Dine-in pancit Malabon ala carte costs are set at ₱50.00, ₱90.00, and ₱180.00. I personally haven’t tried eating at Nanay’s very homey restaurant but, although.
NANAY’S BILAO TAKE OUT |
What we normally have at Nanay’s are their bilao take-outs, normally for an event at residence. Theirs are priced from ₱300.00 (3-5 individuals) to ₱2,100.00 (40 individuals). We tried their ₱800.00 (15 individuals) bilao, and we thought that it was truly extra reasonably priced than different panciterias—it’s ₱200.00 lower than the same old worth for a 15-person pancit Malabon bilao. Upon consuming, I believe that that is extra apt for twelve fairly than fifteen individuals although.
Nanay’s Pancit Malabon has the same old sliced eggs, shrimp, chopped pechay Baguio, and bits of boiled pork head. On first chew, the tinapa or labok, is instantly obvious. It has a really flavorful seafood style with simply the correct quantity of moistness—a well-balanced general style with no umay issue.
For individuals who need their pancit Malabon conventional and really balanced, Nanay’s Pancit Malabon is the one for you.
MFLORES PANCIT MALABON
MFLores, or MilFlores Restaurant, is one other well-liked pancit Malabon resto in Malabon. Their model of pancit Malabon makes use of skinny noodles, or what individuals in Malabon name pino—much like these utilized in palabok. Additionally they have thick rice noodles, when you choose a extra conventional dish, however their declare to fame is their bihon noodles—which they declare to be the primary one to make use of on a pancit Malabon. Like Nanay’s, it has been featured in quite a few vlogs and TV exhibits, like Pop Discuss.
MFLORES’ DINING AREA IN MALABON ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE |
MFlores has dine-in servings of pancit Malabon, Single Order for ₱95.00, and Sharing (good for 2) for ₱190.00. I haven’t personally tried consuming of their restaurant but.
MFLORES PANCIT MALABON BILAO TAKE OUT |
MFlores Pancit Malabon’s bilao take-out is proscribed to a few sizes solely: ₱450.00 (small 4-5 individuals), ₱650.00 (medium 8-10 individuals), and ₱1,300.00 (giant 18-20 individuals). We’ve tried MFlores’ pancit Malabon a few instances, normally getting their giant pancit Malabon with the skinny noodles. Serving measurement is greater than sufficient for 15 individuals, and we normally even have extras left for breakfast the following day.
Their toppings embody common chopped cabbage (not pechay Baguio), sliced hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and boiled pork liempo (or head? undecided). At first look, their noodles appeared a bit dry, however as soon as we sampled it, it doesn’t really feel missing in taste in any respect. The pancit Malabon style is unquestionably there, with a bonus addition of a robust calamansi taste. That’s proper, MFlores prides themselves on having their calamansi already combined with their pancit.
MFlores Pancit Malabon is sweet for individuals who love skinny noodles and those that like their pancit Malabon with calamansi.
DOLORES PANCIT MALABON
DOLORES PANCIT MALABON CONCEPCION BRANCH ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE |
To not be confused with Marikina’s Dolora’s Hauz of Pancit Malabon (which has a number of branches throughout Metro Manila) and even Malabon’s Dolor’s Kakanin (which additionally serves pancit Malabon), Dolores Pancit Malabon is without doubt one of the OG panciterias in Malabon Metropolis. It has two branches within the metropolis—one close to Malabon Bayan for take-outs and one other in Concepcion the place you possibly can dine in.
DOLORES PANCIT MALABON’S LOADED BILAO TAKE OUT |
Their take-out bilao choices is without doubt one of the most bang-for-the-buck pancit Malabon in Metro Manila. It ranges from ₱400.00 (3-4 individuals) to ₱2,000.00 (40-45 individuals). We tried their ₱1,000.00 (15-16 individuals) bilao pondering it in all probability wouldn’t actually be sufficient for 16 individuals, however have been splendidly stunned at how heavy it was when it arrived. It was undoubtedly greater than sufficient for 15-16 individuals, as marketed!
It has a really creamy seafood style, isn’t dry, and is topped by chopped hard-boiled eggs, pechay Baguio, shrimp, adobong pusit, and—shock shock—fried pork liempo! It has a really beneficiant serving of noodles, which is why the bilao is so plump and heavy—actually sulit.
Dolores Pancit Malabon is an umami bomb—extraordinarily flavorful with out being nakakaumay—actually, actually good. It additionally features a bunch of calamansi on the aspect, and it does style higher with a touch of calamansi.
I simply don’t like how their shrimp nonetheless has its shell on, because it disrupts the consuming expertise, and the way the fried pork liempo wasn’t crispy—which isn’t actually their fault, as that is principally resulting from it being enclosed for supply.
And lastly, for the leftovers, it’s nonetheless superb even after a few days of freezing on the fridge!
Dolores Pancit Malabon is sweet for individuals who love their pancit Malabon with a really pronounced taste and with number of seafood toppings. It’s additionally essentially the most sulit pancit Malabon when it comes to weight per worth—excellent for many who need to get their cash’s value. That is truly our household’s favourite pancit Malabon.
MAMA BELEN’S KITCHENETTE
BELEN’S KITCHENETE’S COZY INTERIORS |
Initially referred to as Rosy’s Pancit Malabon, Mama Belen’s Kitchenette is one in every of Malabon’s go-to restos for pancit Malabon. The Pachecos began from humble beginnings, promoting meals for the close by Marcelo Rubber Footwear staff in the course of the Forties. It has since grown right into a small restaurant, now managed by their grandson—rebranding it as Belen’s Kitchenette whereas nonetheless preserving the heritage dish their grandmother established.
MAMA BELEN’S DINE-IN PANCIT MALABON FOR TWO |
Positioned close to the Malabon aspect of the Navotas River, Mama Belen’s small restaurant exudes a small city attraction. They provide ala carte styro field orders for dine-in clients: ₱130.00 for a single order and ₱200.00 for 2 individuals. These are literally served on plates, not on styrofoam containers, when eating in.
We selected their two-person servings because it appears extra sulit—one with skinny, or pino noodles, and the opposite with the normal Bulacan thick noodles—the sauce combine is strictly the identical for the 2. Their toppings embody chopped hard-boiled hen eggs, shrimp items, chunks of pork lengua, chopped pechay Baguio, and garlic bits. Oysters could be added for a further charge of ₱150.00.
Mama Belen’s pancit Malabon was very balanced with a little bit of tartness from calamansi. An extra squeeze of calamansi truly made the dish too bitter—it’s excellent because it was. On evaluating the 2 noodle varieties, we have been truly stunned that the skinny noodles have been extra flavorful—in all probability as a result of sauce having extra noodles to carry on to, in comparison with the thicker noodles. That is extraordinarily good pancit Malabon with out going umami overboard.
It’s additionally really useful to pair their pancit with camachile bread—which, sadly, we forgot to order.
Mama Belen’s Kitchenette gives bilao pancit Malabon from ₱350.00 (2-3 individuals) to ₱1,750.00 (25+ individuals). We haven’t personally tried their bilao take-out but.
Mama Belen’s Kitchenette works for individuals who choose to have a really balanced pancit Malabon with an choice for skinny noodles and oysters. It’s additionally for individuals who need their pancit sprinkled with a little bit of historical past.
NORMA’S SPECIAL PANCIT LUG-LOG
Alright, it is a bonus Malabon panciteria.
Norma’s Particular Pancit Lug-Log isn’t actually positioned in Malabon, however fairly in Navotas Metropolis—to be truthful, it’s only a bridge hop away from Malabon Bayan—plus, Navotas actually was a part of Malabon, therefore its inclusion on the Malabon checklist. Their pancit lug-log—a time period they use for his or her pancit Malabon—is just the most effective.
AN ALA CARTE SERVING OF NORMA’S PANCIT LUG-LOG IN NAVOTAS |
Served on a small plate, it’s a bit costly at ₱180.00, however you’ll overlook its worth on the primary forkful. It’s seafoody creamy, very flavorful and wealthy—to the purpose that when you don’t have a aspect dish to pair it with, the flavour can simply get overwhelming.
On nearer inspection, I observed that this was certainly a pancit lug-log, in that the sauce isn’t combined with the noodles. Its toppings, however, are that of pancit Malabon—chopped cabbage, sliced onerous boiled eggs, crushed chicharon, boiled pork liempo bits, pork lengua, shrimp, and adobong pusit. So, I suppose it’s a mash-up of pancit lug-log and pancit Malabon.
NORMA’S PANCIT MALABON OR LUGLOG BILAO TAKE OUT |
We’ve additionally tried Norma’s bilao takeout quite a few instances. They’ve ₱350.00 (2-3 individuals) to ₱1,600.00 (17-20 individuals).
The final time we ordered, we requested for his or her ₱1,000.00 bilao (good for 10-12 individuals). Serving measurement was good, and the style was considerably extra subdued than if you truly dine in at their restaurant. You may style all of the flavors on first chew, however for some cause, the style appeared to decrease as you eat on. Maybe a palate cleanser like their actually fluffy puto ought to accompany your order.
Norma’s Particular Pancit Lug-log is for individuals who love their pancit Malabon wealthy and tremendous creamy.
THE BEST PANCIT MALABON IN METRO MANILA OR OUTSIDE MALABON
PANCIT NG TAGA MALABON
PANCIT NG TAGA MALABON BILAO TAKE-OUT ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE |
One of many oldest sellers of pancit Malabon, Pancit Ng Taga Malabon prides itself on its founding date of 1965. The Caligay Clan, the household that manages it, hails from Bandayo Sinko (now Ferry Station 5) in Navotas Metropolis, the place they initially began promoting it in 1911. Their first department was a stall from a good in Marikina in 1965. They’ve now a number of branches in Metro Manila.
Their pancit Malabon is topped with chopped pechay Baguio, sliced hard-boiled eggs, pork chicharon items, shrimp, and adobong pusit. It is without doubt one of the few panciterias that serves their pancit on a banana leaf, like the way it was initially executed throughout bygone days.
AMBER
One of the well-liked supply eating places for workplace occasions happenings, Amber has been round since 1988. Because the Pambansang Workplace Get together Meals, they provide the same old favorites like spaghetti, pichi-pichi, lumpiang Shanghai, pork barbecue, and naturally, pancit Malabon.
Opposite to well-liked notion, Amber isn’t solely obtainable for take-outs, they do certainly have bodily shops the place you possibly can truly dine in. Amber gives ala carte servings of pancit Malabon for ₱70.00 a plate.
AMBER’S VERY SAUCY PANCIT MALABON |
Once more, most individuals expertise Amber’s pancit Malabon via take-outs and deliveries for workplace events. They provide ₱370.00 (3-5 individuals) to ₱1,000.00 (21-25 individuals) bilao take-outs. Be aware that their bilaos aren’t actually bilao per se, however round cardboards.
We’ve had Amber’s pancit Malabon quite a few instances and discover it to be primary however fairly agreeable. Their model is topped with hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and pechay Baguio. It is without doubt one of the sauciest, if not the sauciest pancit Malabon in Metro Manila.
LOLA IDANG’S
A beloved small restaurant in Quezon Metropolis providing Filipino consolation meals, Lola Idang’s Authentic Pancit Malabon serves each ala-carte pancit Malabon and bilao take-outs since 1986. They’ve since expanded to a number of branches throughout Metro Manila.
AN ALA CARTE ORDER FOR LOLA IDANG’S PANCIT MALABON |
A single order of pancit Malabon from Lola Idang’s value ₱150.00. Their toppings embody sliced hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, adobong pusit, sliced pork, cabbage, inexperienced onions, crushed chicharon, and fried garlic bits. Additionally they serve a porkless pancit Malabon, when you’re reducing down on pink meat.
Their bilao is definitely some of the reasonably priced I’ve seen in Metro Manila; they’ve it from ₱330.00 (2-3 individuals) to ₱1,200 (15-20 individuals). We haven’t personally tried ordering their pancit Malabon bilao but.
NINANG’S PANSIT MALABON
One other go-to pancit Malabon place in Quezon Metropolis, Ninang’s Pansit Malabon has been round since 1988. Their identify got here from their godparents, who hail from—the place else however Malabon Metropolis—that taught them the recipe for his or her noodle dish.
NINANG’S PANSIT MALABON IN MINDANAO AVENUE ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS |
We’ve but to strive eating in at Ninang’s, however they do have ala carte pancit Malabon at ₱100.00 (good for 1 individual).
BILAO ORDER OF NINANG’S PANSIT MALABON ~ PHOTO FROM THEIR FB PAGE |
Ninang’s pancit Malabon on bilao ranges from ₱300.00 (4 individuals) to ₱1,800.00 (36 individuals). Their toppings embody sliced eggs, shrimp, floor pork bits, and pechay Baguio.
DOLORA’S HAUZ OF PANCIT MALABON
MOMMY DOLORA’S PANCIT MALABON IN CALOOCAN CITY ~ PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAPS |
Initially hailing from Marikina Metropolis on what was as soon as a hole-in-the-wall eatery, Dolora’s Hauz of Pancit Malabon (or Mommy Dolora’s Pancit) at the moment has essentially the most variety of branches throughout Metro Manila. Serving pancit Malabon since 1990, their attain even extends to the close by provinces of Rizal and Bulacan.
BILAO ORDER FOR DOLORA’S PANCIT MALABON |
Dolora’s Pancit Malabon doesn’t provide dine-in providers; they’re particularly for bilao take-outs. In truth, they even have an app for a neater ordering expertise. Their bilaos vary from ₱300.00 (2-3 individuals) to ₱1,600.00 (32-34 individuals).
We’ve beforehand tried their ₱1,200.00 (15 individuals) bilao and have been pleasantly stunned at how good it was. Their saucy noodles are topped with the same old sliced eggs, shrimp, pork chicharon items, chopped inexperienced onions, and fried garlic bits. The one factor I actually don’t like about it’s how their chicharon turns into mushy resulting from it being totally coated throughout supply. A attainable answer is to request to have the chicharon separate from the pancit and high the chicharon items your self.