So now we are on our last 2 stops for this Cebu South road trip. It has been great so far reconnecting with the island where I was born. My mom once told me, which the Dutchman loves to remind me from time to time — Wherever you are and no matter what circumstances you are in, you will always remain a Filipina, a Cebuana =)
Argao’s Famous ‘Torta’
When I was young and when I think of Argao, I think of Argao Beach Club (changed name and owners already), Tableya (chocolate tablets for chocolate drink and porridge) and Torta.
Argao’s Torta though is more popular than the Dalaguete Torta but if you were to ask me which I would set my heart on? I would pick Dalaguete’s, not because it is the underdog, but because it is lighter, waaaay lighter and fluffier as well. While the Argao Torta is heavy, thick, creamy and oily and interestingly, many Filipinos prefer this blend which comes not as a surprise really because the Filipino taste bud lean towards greasy. The greasier, the better. Thank you, but not for me though.
They also have a yearly contest here for the Best Torta in Argao. This store won several years back. The store is also selling coco wine. We call this in Cebuano dialect — Tuba, but of course this one is more posh than the tuba sold in the food stalls.
Carcar is ‘Ampao’ and ‘Chicharon’
As for Carcar it is known for its sweet pomelos (suha), bocarillo (sweetened coconut candy strips), crunchy Ampao (sweetened puffed rice cakes) and crispy Chicharon (pork crackings, some even have meat).
Most stores and street vendors selling these local specialties are concentrated around the city’s rotunda.
You know, we just have to buy some ampao and chicharon! But sometimes it is a struggle because the lady street vendors would flock to you and they all want a sale. Haha. I forgot to buy some bocarillos. Bummer.
I must confess though that even though I do not like to eat pork meat (those fresh slabs of meat waiting to be cooked), I love pork cracklings! I prefer to eat pork only when its fried to oblivion or cured and dried (mmm, salami, jamon).
So there… this ends our Cebu South Road Trip. Daghan kaayong salamat!
Previous entries:
Cebu South Road Trip 1: In search of Tostado in Santander and the Heritage Trail of Oslob
Cebu South Road Trip 2: Boljoon Promenade and Dalaguete’s Church, Market and Torta
Travel Period: November 2012
Destination: Argao and Carcar (Cebu), The Philippines
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)