DARAGA, Albay—Albay, a province renowned for its spicy Bicolano dishes, is presenting an impressive array of international cuisine that caters to both locals and travelers with a penchant for culinary diversity.
According to the Philippines News Agency, beyond its fiery chili-infused fare, Albay’s food scene is a melting pot of global flavors, offering an expansive culinary journey without the need to leave the province. From European gourmet to Middle Eastern feasts and Asian delights, the province serves up a diverse taste experience.
In Tabaco City, Café Molave and Souvenirs, owned by chef Jimmy Gersbach and his wife, Ness, combines European flavors with Bicolano hospitality. The restaurant features dishes such as crispy pork schnitzel, juicy Kielbasa sausage, and hearty Hungarian goulash, set against a backdrop of rustic décor and Bicolano crafts, providing a multi-sensory dining experience.
Meanwhile, in Legazpi City, JIAH Kitchen specializes in authentic Halal Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a menu that includes kebabs, kabsa, and shawarma. The restaurant is expanding, with plans to open a new location in a Legazpi City mall, bringing its rich flavors to a broader audience.
For lovers of Indian cuisine, Chachi’s Kitchen in the Old Albay District of Legazpi City offers a range of authentic dishes like beef masala, chicken korma, and vegetarian paneer makhani. The establishment is known for its affordability and is a local favorite for both new visitors and regulars.
Japanese food enthusiasts can find value and variety at Mitaya Japanese Food Village, also in Legazpi City, which offers a budget-friendly Japanese buffet every Friday night featuring sushi, sashimi, ramen, and tempura.
Adding to the international mix is Chef Lee’s Korean restaurant, which caters to the growing popularity of Korean cuisine with dishes such as tteokbokki, bulgogi, bibimbap, and the healthful samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup known for its restorative properties.
Albay’s diverse culinary offerings not only enrich the local food landscape but also serve as a bridge connecting the cultural heritage of various countries with the vibrant community of this Philippine province.