Caviteños are known for their resourcefulness when it comes to cooking. Not many are aware of its history, all we can say is that food is part of that history. Better yet, the food is history. From Bacoor’s famous Halo-halo to the common Pansit Pusit found around the city, you can’t go wrong when it comes to discovering combinations of popular dishes found throughout the Philippines, such as pares. Caviteños like to call it terno which means “food pairing”.
One such karinderya had the opportunity to use ingredients local to the City and made a name for itself. Nearly 60 years later, Asiong’s is a must-see destination for anyone passing by Silang, Cavite. Read our journey as we delve in the local cuisine of Cavite during our Calabarzon Food Tour .
History of Asiong’s
Ignacio established an eatery in the 1950s. Years after it opened, a fire broke out that burned down wet markets and nearby restaurants. Victims of said event would pass by and smell the aroma of the kitchen and ask for food. Ignacio, being gracious, would oblige and give them food for free.
When Ignacio passed away in 1972, his wife and eventually his son would continue his legacy. They would name the eatery Asiong after Ignacio.
Being Caviteños and as Filipino, Asiong’s uses locally sourced ingredients for all of its dishes. To this day, people would come and visit as a token of gratitude and for the kindness Ignacio had done for Caviteños.
Ambiance
Part of its appeal is it being a special kind of dining experience compared to that of a restaurant. As part of its history of being a plain karinderia, they embrace their plain and simple origin instead of changing into a fine dining restaurant.
Every meal eaten here is eaten with the feeling being at a karinderia, with traditional Filipino wooden tables and chairs lining up the inside.
What We Had at Asiong’s of Cavite
They served coffee but it’s something they call poor man’s coffee meaning amide coffee with fururkan rice to keep. You alert but not awake. The highlight of our meal was the preparation Pancit Pusit.
Pancit Pusit ( Php 350)
Vermicelli noodles submerged in squid ink topped with sautéed vegetables, pieces of squid, kamias, and chicharron. It is similar in taste to that of Pancit Bihon.
We also had:
Carioca ( Php 280)
Commonly known as giniling, Carioca is ground pork mixed with carrots and an egg.I seriously loved the Carioca, and it came with sliced bananas topped with sugar. It tasted similarly to turon but still, it’s super good.
Pan de Troso with Quesillo ( Php 220/ half)
Sourdough bread served with kesong puti
A loaf of bread with a hint of rosemary, garlic, and thyme. The kesong puti spread is a great addition.
Bacalao ( Php 150)
A native dish made of salted cod with potatoes, garlic, and onion
It reminded me of my grandmother when she always made this favorite dish of mine.
Caviteño Longganisa ( Php 190)
Cavite’s version of longganisa + singangag with rice
While longganisa and ricesilog are familiar to me, this version offers a new take and flavor.
Kale drink
A healthy cup of blended leaf cabbage
Nothing to expect but the health benefits outweigh the taste of drinking a vegetable.
Our order came with Kapeng Amadeo Mug which had Barako and toasted rice. The drink was just enough to alert you but only slightly awake.
Sapin Sapin
Location
You can find Asiong’s at Buenavista Drive, Brgy. Ducal, Silang, Cavite. They are open at 8:00AM – 8:00PM every day.
Asiong’s location is off the beaten path and would require you assistance from the local Caviteños. Rest assured, they can point you to the right direction given its popularity.
Whether or not, you’re going to Tagaytay, the detour to get to Asiong’s is definitely worth a trip. You can learn more about Asiong’s through their Facebook page.
If you have a private car, you can use this map.
If you are commuting you can:
BY BUS from Pasay:
- Go to Uniwide Coastal Mall Pasay Terminal and Take a Bus heading that says Nasugbu via Tagaytay
- Get down at Gov. Camerino Drive
- Ride a tricycle going to Asiong’s of Cavite for Php 45
By BUS from Buendia
- Go to the bus terminal near Gil Puyat LRT station and ride a DLTB, San Agustin or Jam Transit heading to Tagaytay
- Get down at Gov. Camerino Drive
- Ride a tricycle going to Asiong’s of Cavite for Php 45
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