Tarlac Food Trip with NLEX Lakbay Norte
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Tarlac Food Trip with NLEX Lakbay Norte

Tarlac Food Crawl

Casual Eats with NLEX Lakbay Norte in Tarlac

Tarlac has always been known as the go-to stopover destination for everyone who’s traveling to Baguio, La Union, or Ilocos. Well, those days are nearly gone because Tarlac is already developing to be one of the must-visit travel destinations up north! Luckily, I’ve been invited by the NLEX Corporation to go on a quick tour in Tarlac as part of their goal of promoting rising tourist attractions in the North. But this isn’t a simple tour! No, because this is an amazing Tarlac Food Trip with NLEX Lakbay Norte!

NLEX Lakbay Norte in Tarlac
NLEX Lakbay Norte in Tarlac

A lot of people say that food is such an important part of traveling, some even say that it is the best part of it! Well, I wouldn’t dare to disagree because I believe that eating has always been the best and fastest way to appreciate any travel destination. Luckily, Tarlac is just a couple of hours away from Manila via NLEX and SCTEX!

Suit yourselves because we are definitely going to have a great time as NLEX Lakbay Norte takes us on an exciting gastronomic adventure while enjoying the rich culinary scene and beautiful cultural heritage of Tarlac!

Aquino Center and Museum

Our first stop is no other than the Aquino Center and Museum which is easily accessible right from the Luisita Exit of SCTEX. Nestled in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac City, this non-profit and non-government museum houses important photographs, personal belongings, and other memorabilia of the Aquino Family. From the late national heroes Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, President Corazon Aquino, and their son President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino,  a huge chunk of Philippine history lies in this very establishment.

Bloodied Clothes of Senator Ninoy Aquino
Bloodied Clothes of Senator Ninoy Aquino

The Aquino Center and Museum are well-funded by the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, which means that entrance to the museum is free but donations are much appreciated.

Aquino Center And Museum
Address: Luisita Access Rd, Tarlac City, 2300 Tarlac
Phone: (045) 985 0968

Razon’s by Glen and Halo Cafe

Apple and Peach Waffle
Apple and Peach Waffle
Spam and Egg Waffle
Spam and Egg Waffle
Tosilog
Tosilog
Tuna Melt Waffle
Tuna Melt Waffle

Next up, there’s no better way to start off our adventure than by having a sumptuous breakfast offered at Razon’s by Glen and Halo Cafe! This beautiful gem is a restaurant and coffee shop in one where guests are welcome all-day. We’ve sampled lots of their best-selling breakfast meals such as Tapsilog, Tocilog, and a bunch of sweet and savory waffle meals including the Tuna Melt Waffle, Spam Waffle, and Apple & Peach Waffle. You can also try out their Pasta and Burger meals which are all reasonably priced and delicious!

Diwa ng Tarlac

Paintings from various artists from Tarlac
Paintings from various artists from Tarlac
Mixed Media Art at Diwa ng Tarlac
Mixed Media Art at Diwa ng Tarlac
Wedding Suppliers Exhibit in Diwa ng Tarlac
Wedding Suppliers Exhibit in Diwa ng Tarlac

After eating, it’s best that we walk around and explore for a bit first before going on another gastronomic adventure, right? Well, that’s why we’ve decided to visit the famous Diwa ng Tarlac along Romulo Boulevard. It’s a community center with a beautiful display of Tarlac’s rich culture where guests can enjoy and witness paintings, photographs, and sculptures that are all proudly created by local artists.

There’s also a large exhibition on the lower ground floor featuring beautifully-designed wedding gowns, wedding photographs, and other services from local wedding organizers and suppliers.

Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant

Samgyeopsal in Tarlac
Samgyeopsal in Tarlac
Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant
Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant
Authentic Gimbap in Tarlac
Authentic Gimbap in Tarlac

Alright, it’s time for yet another exciting food trip! Our next stop is at one of the most popular and rising food hubs in Tarlac right now, the Fairlane Boulevard. Filled with small restaurants and local food stalls, I’m sure that you’ll be able to satisfy all your cravings here. For lunch, we visited the newest foodie hotspot here named Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant.

This Korean Grill serves a wide variety of all-time favorite Korean specialty dishes like seaweed rice mayo, crispy samgyeopsal, ramyeon, japchae, and many more. It’s an authentic Korean food trip experience. The restaurant is owned and operated by a Korean Chef and his Filipina wife. Oh, and don’t forget their crispy and cheese Korean Corndogs. Trust me, they’re simply the best!

Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant
Address: Fairlane Subdivision, Tarlac City
Phone: 0917 387 8970

Kart City Tarlac

Kart City Tarlac
Kart City Tarlac
Go-Kart Tarlac
Go-Kart Tarlac
Go-Kart Rentals Tarlac
Go-Kart Rentals Tarlac

Ah, after a satisfying lunch at Yoo Ja Ne Korean Grill and Restaurant, we still have time to go for another fun and adrenaline-pumping adventure! That’s why we’ve decided to visit the famous Kart City Tarlac or KCT. This is a nice spot to enjoy quality time with family and friends as you show off your Go-Kart driving or Pedal Driving skills on their 700-meter racetrack!

While taking a break, you can also grab a quick bite at Chap’s Diner and try their awesome snacks like Nachos, Bagnet, Sisig, and many more.

The Borough Pizza Pub

The Borough Pizza Pub Salad
The Borough Pizza Pub Salad
The Borough Pizza Pub
The Borough Pizza Pub
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Queen Elizabeth Pizza
Queen Elizabeth Pizza

After Go-Karting all afternoon, we visited yet another hidden culinary gem along Bypass Road. The Borough Pizza Pub is a rising star in Tarlac offering irresistible pasta and pizza goodness. Their meals are famous for their big servings and exceptional taste!

Some of The Borough Pizza Pub’s best-selling flavors include the Queen Elizabeth Pizza, Chicken Pesto Pasta, and BBQ Bacon Beef Burger Pizza. Partner any of these sure-win pizza flavors with their Hail Kale Smoothie and you’re good to go!

The Borough Pizza Pub
Address: 2nd Floor Stall 4 R Avenue, San Sebastian-San Vicente Diversion Rd, Tarlac City, Tarlac
Phone: 0929 364 0600

The Boss Rotisserie by Mang Ben’s Lechon

The Boss Rotisserie by Mang Ben’s Lechon
The Boss Rotisserie by Mang Ben’s Lechon
Lechon Canton
Lechon Canton
Mang Ben’s Lechon
Mang Ben’s Lechon
Lechon Sisig
Lechon Sisig
Lechon Shawarma
Lechon Shawarma

Finally, to cap off our gastronomic adventure here in Tarlac, we’ve decided to enjoy yet another belly-busting feast at the one and only The Boss Rotisserie by Mang Ben’s Lechon. We sampled almost everything on their menu and believe me, everything on their menu are all worth trying. Our orders include Boss Fried Rice, Mixed Seafood Gambas, Lechon Shawarma, Aligue Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Pancit Canton, Lechon Sisig, and of course, Mang Ben’s Lechon!

All of these mouthwatering dishes are definitely delicious and a must-try, but my favorites are Lechon Shawarma, Boss Fried Rice, and definitely Mang Ben’s Lechon.

The Boss Rotisserie by Mang Ben’s Lechon
Address: 66 San Sebastian-San Vicente Diversion Rd, San Sebastian, Tarlac City, Tarlac
Phone: 0918 372 0032

Quick Tips and Advice

  • Make sure you have sufficient RFID load.
  • The less hassle, the better! If possible, make sure to have an extra RFID load for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Be updated with the current travel guidelines!

Now that the country, especially the tourism industry is slowly recovering from the effects of COVID-19, recent travel restrictions are being lifted and guidelines are ever-changing. So it’s important that you’re updated with everything to enjoy a hassle-free vacation.

Tarlac Food Trip with NLEX Lakbay Norte
Tarlac Food Trip with NLEX Lakbay Norte

Enjoy a biyahilo-free adventure with Bonamine!

Long drives are very challenging for everyone especially for those with motion sickness, to ensure that everyone enjoys even during the trip, take a pack of Bonamine with you and be biyahilo-free always!

Goodbye Biyahilo with Bonamine x Lakbay Norte
Goodbye Biyahilo with Bonamine x Lakbay Norte

So there you have it! Tarlac is certainly becoming a go-to travel destination, especially for those who want a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Now that our roads and expressways are being developed and upgraded, it’s never been this easy to go out and explore the north!

Many thanks to NLEX Corporation for inviting us and letting us experience a memorable trip in Tarlac. Oh, and shoutout to Betty’s Native Cakes for the oh-so-delicious pasalubong!

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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