Pampanga is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Great cooks hailed from this Central Luzon province an hour away north of Manila.
History has it that Pampanga's rich and flavorful culinary heritage is attributed to Spanish friars and sailors who taught the locals how to cook Spanish dishes during the Colonial Period. According to this article:
The province is blessed with great cooks who passed their culinary expertise from generation to generation. It is said that a Kapampangan chooses a spouse who is great at cooking.
Many years ago, my husband and I shared a 2 bedroom apartment with two of my college friends who later got married. Both of them were born and raised in Pampanga and were working in Dubai as interior architects. I remember coming home after a long day to a mouth-watering aroma from our shared kitchen where we enjoyed many delicious meals together.
I don't know what secret powers Kapampangans have in the kitchen but everything they prepared, however simple the household dishes seemed, was always bursting with flavor.
When another Kapampangan best friend from Dubai came home to the Philippines for her Christmas annual leave before the pandemic, I flew to Manila from Cebu to see her.
We drove to Abe's Farm in Pampanga along with my siblings on the North Luzon Expressway towards Dau's exit.
"Have you been to Abe's Farm?" was a question that came up with OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) conversations while I was living in the Middle East. I wondered why most of my friends raved about it. My curiosity was finally answered on this road trip.
Abe's Farm is a lush nature sanctuary located in a forest landscape on the foothills of a dormant volcano, Mount Arayat in Malabacat, Pampanga. Abe is pronounced as "Ah-be"
The Farm Restaurant
It has a farm restaurant built in a larger version of an indigenous native hut style called Bahay-Kubo. It is said to have been a dream of Larry J. Cruz, founder of LJC Restaurant Group in honor of his artist Dad, Abe. Sadly, the former passed away before completing the project but the restaurant group persevered and opened its doors to the public.
For the love of food and friends is the concept of Abe's Farm Restaurant and its Magalang branch specializes in authentic Kapampangan cuisine.
We sampled many of its must-try mind-blowing dishes that I still remember today. My apologies for the presentation, it was hard to resist taking a spoonful before taking photographs. Here they are:
Paco Fern and Tomato Salad made with Fiddlehead fern, vinegar, and salted Egg
Knockout Knuckles Nothing is ever complete without Crispy Pata, deep-fried pork knuckles with a special topping of spicy garlic
The mindblowing, fireworks of flavors in your tongue Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas - Sour stew milkfish using guava fruit
Kare-Kare Oxtail and tripe stewed in peanut sauce with banana heart and assorted vegetables
Sugpo sa Aligue Sauteed prawns in Crab Fat
Of course, rice is the main staple that needs no introduction but you can try their bamboo rice which was highly recommended by many diners.
For dessert, we were intrigued by Sikreto ni Maria translated as Maria's Secret.
Interested in their other dishes? Check out their menu
This was inside the restaurant. I think a good siesta is perfect after that sumptuous lunch.
Accommodation, Spa and Meeting Spaces
Abe's Farm is an idyllic escape from city life. Apart from the restaurant, it has comfy accommodations, a spa, a grand swimming pool, conference, and meeting spaces for corporate conventions and events all sprawled throughout the huge nature property. I asked for permission from the management to take photographs.
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Address: 98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala in Magalang, Pampanga
- For reservations contact: Pampanga Office Mobile: + (0917) 808-5187
My Takeaway
Enjoying great food with family and friends in such an environment is one of life's greatest pleasures. Abe's restaurant is a popular restaurant chain available throughout the country but it is worth driving an hour outside the capital for this experience alone. Now it's my turn to ask,
Have you been to Abe's Farm? 😄
"I am an old soul who simply loves coffee, who finds joy and beauty in both tangible and the unseen."
Curiosity and imagination lead to unexpected experiences. Interested in Nature, Places, Roads Less Traveled, Minimalism, Authentic Living, Anything French, and International Cuisine. Feel free to follow her, re-blog, and upvote if you enjoy her content.
References:
Abe's Farm Official Website
Abe's Farm Takes Guests to the Heart of Pampanga
Abe’s Farm in Mabalacat, Pampanga Is A Hidden Sanctuary of Authentic Kapampangan Cuisines
Graphics by Canva