CAVITE CUISINE – TAMALES

Whenever the province of Cavite is the subject of discussion, I can only think of two things. One, a historic site for the Declaration of our Independence and the other, that the food is all about seafood – particularly oysters (talaba). 

Tamales, a delicious Cavite Delicacy

When I was younger, my dad would often go back and forth to Cavite for his business ventures and would take home sacks of fresh oysters for my uncle, who was a die-hard fan of the kinilaw na talaba (oysters marinated in vinegar, pepper and chillies).

Manila Bay Sunset

Over the years, despite a number of visits to family friends and my paternal grandmother’s hometown in Kawit and my maternal grandfather in Bacoor, I never really quite embraced Cavite as my own. I am a Manileña through and through, having lived the first three years of my life in Pasay City then transferred to Parañaque since the early 80s. It was only in college, upon meeting a Caviteña, further heightened by my writings for food and travel that I have regained my interest in this quaint province.

Cavite Cuisine may not be as simple as you think. Dating back to pre-Spanish era, Cavite’s coastal areas have witnessed to negotiations of our natives with Chinese communities. Numerous galleons during the Spanish period brought with them culinary traditions that we have embraced. Tamales is one.

Cavite City's Famous Tamales

Known to be a favorite pasalubong, Cavite City’s Tamales has become one of the classic delicacies the province has produced. Seldom produced in the metropolis, Tamales is simple at first sight but a definite tedious concoction. Traditional cooking of tamales would require grounding of peanuts and the use of rice flour known as galapong. To this mixture, slices of pork and chicken are added, together with pieces of garbanzos and hard-boiled eggs. Salt and pepper are sprinkled to complete the flavor. This is then wrapped in multiple layers of clean banana leaves and steamed until cooked to perfection. 

Cavite City's Tamales

Robinson’s Special Tamales is located at P. Burgos Street in Cavite City and produces two sizes, Php75 for a small size and Php150 for the big size. During my visit to Robinson’s Special Tamales, the only available size was the small. Don’t be fooled as the full flavor of their Tamales would make you reserve more than half to consume the next day.

Two well-loved Cavite Delicacies, Bibingkoy and Quesillo

Do you enjoy regional dishes and delicacies? Check out my other Cavite delicacy posts Bibingkoy here and Quesillo here.

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All photos in this site were captured by Pie Rivera unless otherwise stated.