Pancit Batil Patong - Antipolo City

By blissfulguro At Thursday, August 22, 2013 19

After my first Tuguegarao trip, I've always been craving for that distinct taste of the Pancit Batil Patong. It's even hard to find its contender here in the metro. So the search for the closest challenger after I found the best one along the roadside of Tuguegarao is on.

It was on a recent trip to Antipolo that Christian urged the rest of the group to try an eatery that claims to have the best Pancit Batil Patong in the area. It was the Banatao's Pancit Cabagan, Batil Patong eatery in Antipolo City. Don't be confused on the name because they only serve nothing but Tuguegarao's best pancit.

The eatery used to have its own space in the downtown area. But after the owner of the building asked them to relocate, they settled on a roadside makeshift stall to accommodate its patrons. We were not quite sure about its new place so we asked the tricycle drivers to bring us to the best panciteria that offers Pancit Batil Patong and they immediately brought us there (10 pesos/person).

We weren't so sure at first if this was what we're looking for until the owner came out and asked for our orders. We had 3 XL-sized pancits for a group of 6 (80 pesos/order).

We were still not convinced that this is the best in the area. Maybe it's because of the not-so-enticing location of the eatery. I went to the "kitchen" to check out the owner solely cooking our pancit. She had so many stories about some customers who were amazed on the authenticity of her version. It seemed like the eatery's present location is not a deterrent for customer satisfaction. She also showed us the noodles she uses which comes from Isabela province - the one they use for Pancit Cabagan.

the batil

the not-so-legit noodles
this is for Pancit Cabagan and not Pancit Batil Patong :(

The long wait was over when the pancits were brought to our table. It also came with the condiments (onions, calamansi and soy sauce) with the soup (batil). After taking so much time in looking for the perfect photo-perfect-angle of the pancit, we dug in.

Everyone was so quiet after munching on their first bite of the pancit. A few glances and we all agreed that this was one of the closest thing from being a legit Pancit Batil Patong from Tuguegarao. We couldn't contain our happiness to have finally found a challenger away from the pancit's homeland. The perfect blend of the carabeef and that distinct flavor of the soup was very near to the "original". I finished everything on my plate (and theirs) wishing that Antipolo is just a few jeepney rides away from my place. Ugh! And I am craving for it now.