Balai Ilocos, Filipino in BF Homes

     A cozy space with capiz windows, chandeliers, plates on the wall and less than 10 tables tucked along the shops of Aguirre Avenue is Balai Ilocos, a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious understated Filipino food from the region of Paoay, IOn Balai’s list of honorable mentions are their Paoay Longganisa hailing all the way from Paoay, which you can eat at the restaurant itself or take home to have for breakfast; Igado, ground pork tossed with liver; Pinakbet, a simple vegetable dish of squash, bitter gourd, string beans and eggplant, sprinkled with bits of bagnet for that hint of meat; and Binagoongang Bagnet, a sinful fusion of two favorite Filipino classics of bagnet, crispy poor belly, and bagoong, fish paste that’s savory and sweet at the same time. locos. Should you come in on a weekend, head on early! The place gets packed with families yearning for an intimate space and some hearty Ilocano fare.