Beyond its sun-kissed waves, tropical aesthetics, and soul-soothing yoga sessions, La Union has a heartbeat that pulses through its food. For travelers looking to not only relax and unwind but also immerse themselves in the authentic essence of the province, local cuisine is the ultimate gateway.
Whether you’re exploring the beachfront or lounging at Fatwave Surf Resort, the food you taste becomes part of your travel story. It anchors you to a place, a culture, and a community. From age-old Ilocano recipes passed down through generations to modern takes on regional ingredients, La Union is a culinary journey waiting to be savored.
Let’s explore the must-try local flavors that will turn your visit into a full-sensory adventure.
The cuisine of La Union is deeply rooted in Ilocano tradition, known for bold flavors, fresh produce, and sustainable cooking practices. The region's proximity to the sea and mountains allows it to offer a fusion of coastal and agricultural bounty, combining the best of both worlds. Every dish has a story of heritage, community, or seasonal abundance and food is often how locals connect, celebrate, and heal.
At Fatwave Surf Resort, you’ll find carefully curated meals that draw inspiration from this rich culinary heritage, crafted to enhance your beachside getaway.
A dish that needs no introduction, bagnet is La Union’s answer to your comfort food cravings. Think of it as deep-fried pork belly perfected crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
Often served with a side of KBL (kamatis, bagoong, and lasona) tomatoes, fermented fish sauce, and shallots it’s a flavorful, fatty, and satisfying indulgence. It’s best enjoyed after a day of surfing or as a companion to a cold local beer while you’re watching the sunset from Fatwave’s beachfront.
Pro Tip: Try bagnet as a breakfast dish with garlic rice and a fried egg for a hearty start to your day.
Originally from Vigan but deeply embedded into La Union street food culture, Ilocos empanada is a must-try snack. This savory turnover is made with a rice-flour dough, colored with annatto, and stuffed with grated green papaya, egg, and longganisa (local sausage).
It’s deep-fried until golden and typically served with a vinegar dip. Whether you grab one from a roadside stall or enjoy a gourmet version at a nearby café, empanadas are the perfect on-the-go bite between beach walks and surf lessons.
For a lighter, more traditional fare, dinengdeng is a vegetable stew made from local greens like saluyot (jute leaves), string beans, squash, and okra, flavored with bagoong isda (fermented fish sauce). It’s a humble dish often cooked in Ilocano households—simple, nourishing, and bursting with umami.
If you’re vegan or looking for plant-based options, ask for a version with fried tofu or grilled eggplant.
Fatwave’s kitchen can recreate this with a contemporary twist, topped with grilled seafood or crispy mushrooms.
After a sun-soaked afternoon by the sea, nothing beats the Filipino classic: halo-halo. A chilled dessert made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a colorful mix of sweet beans, ube, leche flan, nata de coco, and jackfruit, it’s both a texture and flavor adventure.
You’ll find halo-halo in cafes, beachside stalls, and restaurants around Surftown. At Fatwave, try a curated version using coconut milk, homemade ube halaya, and local fruits, perfect for a refreshing and Instagram-worthy treat.
Want to try a traditional kakanin (native rice cake)? Look for tupig, a sweet, sticky snack made of glutinous rice, coconut, and brown sugar, all wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over hot coals. The result is a smoky, chewy delicacy often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Tupig is usually sold by street vendors, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Pair it with a cold brew or a warm mug of barako coffee for the perfect beachside merienda.
One of the greatest joys of being in a coastal province is access to fresh seafood. Grilled bangus (milkfish), buttered shrimp, squid in adobo sauce, and sea urchins (locally called “maritangtang”) are among the specialties you’ll find in La Union.
Ask your server at Fatwave for the catch of the day often sourced directly from local fishermen. Whether it's a spicy kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) or grilled tuna belly, the flavors are unbeatable when the sea is just steps away.
The Ilocos version of the Filipino longganisa is garlicky, slightly sour, and delightfully greasy. Usually served with fried rice and egg, it’s a breakfast dish that powers you through a full day of beach and surf.
At Fatwave, enjoy a longsilog platter longganisa, sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (egg) with a side of pickled papaya for that sweet-acidic contrast.
To drink like a local, try tuba, a traditional Filipino palm wine made from the sap of coconut trees. It's slightly sweet, tangy, and mildly alcoholic. Locals often ferment it in small batches, and it plays an important role in celebrations and bonding rituals.
If you’re more into craft drinks, you can find bars around Surftown offering Tuba-based cocktails or pairings with local dishes for a unique tasting experience.
La Union also benefits from its proximity to the Cordillera region, which produces some of the best Arabica beans and cacao in the country. Sip on hand-poured brews or hot tsokolate made from tablea (chocolate discs), served traditionally with muscovado sugar.
At Fatwave, our coffee corner proudly sources local beans, delivering rich flavors with every cup. It’s the perfect companion for a quiet sunrise or an afternoon break.
While Fatwave Surf Resort offers its own delicious take on many local favorites, you can also explore nearby food spots:
Ask the Fatwave staff for their favorite hidden gems, they know all the spots where quality meets authenticity.
Every bite you take in La Union is part of a larger story. A story of fishermen rising with the tide, of grandmothers cooking from instinct, of young chefs blending tradition with innovation. The flavors are bold not just in taste, but in history and heart.
By trying the local dishes, you don’t just fill your stomach, you connect with the land and its people.
When you stay at Fatwave Surf Resort, you're not just escaping the noise of the city, you’re stepping into an experience curated for all senses. Whether you’re on your yoga mat, riding your first wave, or enjoying crispy bagnet under the stars, every moment is flavored with the warmth and richness of La Union.
So come hungry. Come curious. Let your taste buds guide you into deeper appreciation of this beautiful, culture-filled province. At Fatwave, we don’t just serve food, we serve stories, connections, and memories.
Ready to experience the flavors of La Union?
Book your beachfront escape at www.fatwavesurfresort.com and start planning your culinary adventure today.
MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
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+63 958 241 300
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+63 927 659 0176
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