Ang Kamalig Restaurant’s homegrown dishes

If you were just a kid during the 1980s, then you are probably familiar with Ang Kamalig Restaurant.

It was a very popular Iloilo restaurant back then but it eventually closed. Many years later, in 2015, Ang Kamalig reopened at Atria to serve diners with authentic Ilonggo fare, but with a contemporary touch.

The following is a rundown of home-cooked style Ilonggo meals that satisfied our cravings.

Ang Kamalig interiors. Image: RJT Group

Authentic Ilonggo dishes by Ang Kamalig Restaurant

Named after Chef Miguel's grandmother, Lola Amparing's Crispy Pata is every tongue's delight. The meat is tender and savory and the skin is crunchy. But, do lighten up if you have cardiovascular issues.

Morcon. Lean ground pork with spam and egg covered with a thin sheet of fat, rolled, steamed and fried to golden brown

Spicy Sisig is another must-try appetizer. This fiery dish can be eaten with rice, too. Their version is diced crispy pork sautéed in spices and chilies served sizzling on a hot plate.

Served on a hot plate is Sizzling Kansi, simmered beef shank served with batwan gravy.

Their Sinigang na Hipon comprised of prawns and nourishing vegetables cooked in sour soup reminded me of home. Totally enticing.

Linusgusan na Pasayan

Bistek Tagalog

Ang Kamalig Restaurant has a wide desserts selection and we tried Black Sambo, Molten Chocolate Cake, Maja Blanca and Halo-Halo. Surprisingly, my least favorite dessert was the one that really stood out!  Ang Kamalig's version of Maja Blanca, a coconut pudding topped with sweet corn is so light yet rich and creamy.

Molten Chocolate Cake and Maja Blanca