I just hate it that when it comes to exotic food from the Philippines, the top food suggestion on everyone’s list would be Balut. I believe there are far more better exotic food we can have our visitors to try like frogs, crickets, adidas and isaw. Right?
These are just some of the delectable exotic and authentic Kapangpangan dishes you can try at Matam-Ih Restaurant in Angeles City, Pampangga. In Aeta dialect. Matam-ih simply means delicious. For bona fide foodies in Pampanga, however, the word also refers to one of the province’s most delectable restaurants—a place where Kapampangan cuisine converges with cultures of both the old and new world.
“Matam-ih offers authentic Kapampangan cuisine behind a fascinating ambiance of an elegant and classy rendition of our indigenous people’s culture infused with Hispanic traditions and modem gadgetries,” described Cheryl Ann C. Rodriguez owner of the restaurant along Manuel Roxas Highway in Angeles City.
Matam-ih opened its doors to restaurant goers last August 19, 2014 and has quickly established itself as a dining destination for locals and day-trippers in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.
Cheryl Ann C. Rodriguez added, “Matam-ih promises an exciting and unique gastronomic adventure you can’t find elsewhere.”
Moreover, the restaurant is not only home to great cuisine. Genuine members of the Aeta and Abelling indigenous people of Capas (also known as Kulots) have found opportunities in Matam-ih as food attendants.
“Creating opportunities for indigenous people is actually one of the reasons behind the restaurant’s establishment. We wanted to offer them jobs after their accreditation to empower the local community,” claimed Cheryl Ann C. Rodriguez.
A marriage between old and new
During the daytime, Matam-ih showcases indigenous arts and crafts and Hispanic heritage in the form of antique-style wood and steel furniture and decor. At night, the contrast between old and new is emphasized with frenetic light displays—achieving a breath-taking effect for diners.
“The interiors of the restaurant provide a meaningful glimpse at the past, with the comforts and conveniences of the new world,” explained Cheryl Ann C. Rodriguez.
“Here, the stories of the old and new simply, magically co-exist.”
The main hall is named after Apu Namalyari, a deity who—according to local legend—dwelled in Mount Pinatubo. The section features a one-of-a-kind birdcage chandelier, as well as a giant fish trap called Balisasa, an olden cmde fisherman’s implement. At the hall’s sides there are six safari-style tents named after the major Aeta Sitios of Capas.
Restaurant goers can also indulge themselves in a number of recreational activities, like Adiu-Adiu — where they can try out a primitive bow and arrow to hit a target.
Mouth-watering dishes
The menu of Matam-ih features a smorgasbord of dishes that appeal for cautious eaters and more adventurous diners, from all-time favorites like Begukan Babi (pork sauteed in shrimp paste) to exotic delicacies like Betute Tugak (stuffed frog) and Adobong Salagubang (beetle cooked in soy sauce).
Begukan Babi is their version of Binagoongang Baboy
Betute Tugak is the fried feog that definitely tadte like fried chicken!
Adobong Salagubang is so flavorful!
Bule Baluga is like Pork Sinigang in Red Sauce with patani or giant white beans.
Sale Manok is like Tinola with lemon leaves.
Pritong Hito made special with that sauce/paste!
Tamarind Shake sweet,sour, salty abd refreshing! I love it!
The food taste good as it looks and I am not surprised. Kapangpangans are known to be of the best cooks in the country!
How about you, have you tried any exotic Filipino food before? What is it? I Would like to know!
Stay gorgeoua everyone!
1 Comment
First time I’ve seen TAMARIND drink featured in a blog about Philippine food! Thank you for shining the spotlight on this under-appreciated fruit. In Mexico and India, tamarind drink is popular because of its cooling property. I hope more merchants include tamarind drink in their menus, and I hope the cultivation of tamarind becomes widespread in the Philippines. We don’t have to buy it from Thailand, when our country enjoys the same agricultural conditions.