I best remember the Halo-Halo and Pancit Palabok offered by Ponciana’s restaurant. But aside from these delicious treats, there are also rice meals and classic Filipino favorites such as papaitan, dinuguan and putong puti that are available for those who prefer a filling meal. Just by looking at the menu of this restaurant, I think it's safe to infer that Ponciana's (and its dishes) originated from the northern part of Luzon.
Great Food at Ponciana's
There is a branch in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija that I see but there is a bigger concentration of outlets up in the province of Isabela. I first tasted the famous Pancit Cabagan in its store in Cauayan, Isabela. It was indeed a treasure! This pancit variety is one of the richest-tasting dishes I have ever tasted.
It is made of thin egg noodles swimming in thick, rich sauce loaded with vegetables, shrimp, quail eggs, and crunchy crushed chicharon. What's in the sauce is very hard to figure out -- it is meaty with a rich taste that was achieved maybe through the addition of egg yolks. It tastes so savory, that you would feel the urge to eat it with a cup of steaming hot rice!
The stores up North are usually along highways. These have large open windows and are made of bamboo and other native materials. No need for air conditioning! The strong and cool wind blowing from the rolling hills of Isabela only adds up to the awesome experience of dining here.
This, I believe, is Ponciana's branding – it was a total experience that it provides to its patrons. When in Isabela, don't miss trying Ponciana's. It was around 12 years ago when I tried Pancit Cabagan and it was around P150 a plate based on my recollection. The price would have been higher by this time.
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