As far as food trips are concerned, Marikina is one of those overlooked gastronomic havens in the metropolis. Overlooked and understated that it is not confined to just a small part of the city.
Thus, doing a Marikina food trip can be such a challenge but to at least get acquainted with its culinary culture, one of the few places in the metropolis that has managed to create and preserve such. I was fortunately to recently join a food trip around the city center area to discover what Marikina has to offer.
MARIKINA’S PUTO
If you ask anyone from Marikina or at least someone familiar with it as to what could be a recommended Marikina pasalubong, the number one answer would be its puto.
What makes the Puto Marikina that special? On a superficial level, the puto is by default brown in color, a far cry from the white puto is traditionally colored. And they’re smaller in size too compared to regular putos. But they taste as good as any puto should. (depending of course on how good the puto was made)
Beyond appearance, Marikina putos are different such that their ingredients include muscovado sugar and atsuete, which explains the brownish color of the putos.
You can find these putos sold everywhere in Marikina. But if you want to be sure of the quality or if you’re curious to know where they come from, the place to check out is Aling Remy’s along J.P. Rizal St., a few blocks away from the Shoe Museum. Chances are, especially if you go there in the morning, you will see for yourself the puto being prepared.
Other than puto, Aling Remy’s also sells other delicacies like kutsinta and other snacks that may be of interest especially if you’re looking for Marikina pasalubong delicacies.
AS “EVERLASTING” AS IT SOUNDS
Another famous Marikina delicacy that not many have heard of is a dish called “Everlasting.” Why is it called such, you may first ask? From what I’ve gathered, it’s because it is a dish that can last for days after you refrigerate it once.
Everlasting is actually a type of meatloaf with some vegetables and eggs added, (depending on how it is served) kinda like an embutido but is instead placed on a deep oval stainless container called “llanera.” As such, in some cases the bottom of the llanera is decorated with garnishings or some decor before putting in the rest so when the everlasting is served, the decorations would come on top.
The dish is popular especially during fiestas in Marikina and especially the Christmas season. Nevertheless, it is one Marikina delicacy one should try out regardless of the occasion. Some Marikina establishments have it available like Mama Ting’s also along J.P. Rizal St., near the Catholic Church of the Our Lady of the Abandoned.
On the next part, we will check out some of the must-try restaurants in downtown Marikina
