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Pop Talk reviews 3 popular restaurants in La Union

Updated On: August 13, 2021, 04:46 PM
Tonipet Gaba visits three restaurants in La Union to check out what they offer to locals and tourists alike.

Settling in the region of Ilocos lies the province of La Union which has carved its name in the tourism industry, thanks to its beaches.

La Union, after all, is the surfing capital of North Luzon because the province provides the best surf spots and is only 6 to 7 hours away from Manila.

In the municipality of San Juan, tourists--both locals and foreigners--who are avid beach lovers flock the area because of its consistent intermediate quality waves which are suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers.

But of course, La Union is not just known for its surfing because it's also the home of great food.

With a booming tourism industry, La Union emerged as a foodie destination. We listed down three of the most popular restaurants for you to check out once you get the time to travel up north.

1. Halo-Halo de Iloko

Halo halo de Iloko s signature dessert

Halo-halo de Iloko's signature dessert / Source: @halohalodeilokoelyu

Address: Zandueta St., San Fernando, La Union

Founded in 2004, Halo-Halo de Iloko was created by owner Xavier Mercado who wanted not only to serve good food but also provide a great dining atmosphere.

He tells Pop Talk, “Ang pinakakonsepto ng Halo-Halo de Iloko is ma-feel ninyo na kumakain lang kayo sa bahay, sa bahay ng kaibigan niyo, o sa bahay ng kamag-anak mo -- 'yun ang main purpose niya.

“It's a family dine-in restaurant and it is designed with different kinds of antiques, mostly Ilokano antiques.

“And our menu, most of them are our original recipes and siyempre, dahil Ilokano ako, we serve Ilokano dishes.”

In Halo-Halo de Iloko, you can try all assortments of delicacies like their pizza-shaped okoy, emparedaros, sinampalukang bugnok, beef kudil sisig, pinakbet with bagnet, and their famous signature halo-halo dessert.

According to Pop Talk host Tonipet Gaba, their signature halo-halo is a must-try because the ingredients are sourced from different parts of La Union and enclosed in a fresh coconut shell that makes for a delectable dessert.

2. Kamroo's Joint Restaurant

Boodle fight experience at Kamroo s Joint

Boodle fight experience at Kamroo's Joint / Source: @kamroosjoint

Address: Diversion Road, Biday, 2500 San Fernando, La Union

Kamroo's Joint Restaurant stems from George Victor Pasig's love for Bob Marley, his ultimate idol.

He says, “'Yung theme ng restaurant namin is reggae kasi my idol is Bob Marley, the king of reggae music. So, I put a lot of Bob Marley accents sa walls.

“The paintings na makikita around the restaurant were done by amateur painters kasi tinutulungan ko po sila na ma-showcase 'yung kanilang art. So we try to sell it sa loob ng restaurant.”

Looking at the menu, Kamroo's Joint Restaurant boasts a fusion of Filipino, Thai, and American dishes that range from PhP 55 to PhP 285.

As per Pop Talk's recommendation, you can try their bangus sisig which is described to have the “right amount of crispiness and sisig components” and their all-time classic dessert, the brownies ala mode.

3. Surf Shack

Mommy Lou s Gourmet Tuyo at Surf Shack

Mommy Lou's Gourmet Tuyo at Surf Shack / Source: @nathanugalino

Address: 270 Urbiztondo Road, MacArthur Highway, San Juan, La Union

A little over six years since its infancy, Surf Shack is the haven for surfers and foodies alike.

This little hang-out spot was founded by Annabelle Magsaysay who wanted a surf-inspired restaurant for tourists to visit on a casual day.

She tells the show, “We want to make them feel comfortable -- the surfers, swimmers, and tourists.

“Our interiors are made out of wood, more specifically the paleta, and the photos displayed inside are the photos of surfers who are pioneers of the surfing community and the people who embody what surfing is all about.”

Surf Shack offers a mixture of American, Western, and Asian cuisine but just because they sound fancy doesn't mean it hurts the wallet.

According to Annabelle, their price range is about PhP 100 to PhP 310, and the food is always good for sharing.

Tonipet Gaba, together with the other Pop Talk jurors, highly recommend their dishes like the tinapa rolls, buffalo wings, and their one-of-a-kind brick oven pizzas.

Tonipet says upon taking a bite of Mommy Lou's Gourmet Tuyo Pizza, “If only you could patent food, no? But you can't.

"I think, kailangan bakuran itong idea na 'to para hindi siya gayahin.”

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