Aling Lucing, The Original Sisig Queen
This sizzling platter of pork bits is a classic Filipino appetizer or pulutan. You may have seen the episode of No Reservation’s Philippines where Anthony Bourdain made a visit to Aling Lucing’s restaurant. While out on my adventures in the Philippines, I made sure that I was going to stop by Angeles City in Pampanga to try Aling Lucing’s sisig. Aling Lucing is crowned the original sisig queen of the Philippines for inventing the dish. Sisig usually is made by combining pork meat, pig ears, liver, onions, chili peppers, vinegar, and soy sauce. All of the ingredients are served on a hot platter. Hence the name sizzling sisig.
Just writing about this reminds me about the first time I tried sisig. At first I wasn’t aware of what components made sisig. All I knew is that it tasted good. When a cousin told me it was made out of parts of a pig’s head, I didn’t even flinch. Being thirteen and having someone break the news to you like that about one of your favorite foods, can be quite the surprise. By then I reached the point where my young mentality told me, it’s all about flavor, not what it’s made out of. There are so many foods out there that taste delicious, but are made from things that we think are unusual.
I’ve had sisig from many places, but Aling Lucing’s sisig has to be the best sisig I’ve tried. You are getting plenty of pork meat with lots of fatty pieces of pork face and onions to go along. One of the best things about sisig is hearing the sizzling and crackling sounds it emits from the hot platter. There was plenty of that going on here. It’s enough to get your mouth to water.
The flavor combination that Aling Lucing uses for her sisig gives just a bit of sweetness to this savory dish. Having the crunchy and soft textures of the pork, mixed with its robust flavors was very addicting. Our first trip here was so good that we returned back for a second time.
You don’t even have to travel to the Philippines to sample this popular dish. Most Filipino restaurants in your neighborhood will have it on their menus.
So glad to come across this today. We need good filipino appetizers, so this is nice! Looks delish.
Sisig is definitely an appetizer worth trying out. There’s plenty of flavor going on in the dish. Check out local Filipino restaurants in your area for it. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about it.
As a newcomer to sisig, I admit I totally fell for it from the first bite. But who wouldn’t love crispy pork bits sizzling hot? Have you tried the version at Poleng Lounge in San Francisco? It rocks. If it’s not on the menu, just ask and they will make it for you.
Everyone that I’ve introduced sisig to has loved it. Nothing beats the tasty bites of crispy and chewy pork on a sizzling platter. I haven’t tried the sisig on Poleng Lounge yet, but will definitely keep that in mind. I’m in search for a version here in the west that can remind me of what I had back home.
You know I love me some SISIG!