Melo Villareal
Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden and Restaurant
Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines — If you think food in Quezon Province is just all about Pancit Habhab, Lucban Longganisa, Budin, and Pinagong, you’re missing much more. It’s not that I hate them, These are actually my comfort food, but all I want is to encourage everyone to experience the Flavors of Quezon – my beloved home province.
Ugu Bigyan Potter’s Garden
The Flavors of Quezon Province at Ugu Bigyan’s Potter’s Garden
There’s more to Quezonian food that makes it truly extraordinary, more than just ginataan, Food landscape in Quezon Province is also diverse, and it all depends on what is abundant in a specific area or town.
One perfect example is the menu of Ugu Bigyan – a popular artist and foodie from Tiaong Quezon. Tiaong is partly an agricultural town, and the majority of the land is covered by coconut trees, but they are also near to some coastal towns, which explains why fresh catch from the sea is also abundant.
It was past noon when we arrived at Ugu Bigyan’s Potter’s Garden. Along with Laguna-Tayabas Heritage Tour participants and members of the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., we visited the place to check out some ceramic masterpieces and to taste the famous recipes of Augusto “Ugu” Bigyan.
While waiting for our food, we enjoyed free-flowing Buko Juice inside a huge Bali-inspired Cottage. After few minutes, they served us ginger-based Halaan (scallop) soup; unlike the usual chowder version, I like the simplicity of serving scallops in a clear broth with only pepper leaves, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
Even before we finished our huge soup bowl, they started serving the food at the buffet table. Just like my last visit, They still serve their food using their own handmade ceramics.
All servings were huge and beautifully plated, same old, but it’s getting better each time I visit.
What did they serve? I know you’re interested to know it, so here’s some of the food we feasted on:
First is the Tahong Salad. I love how they sautéed the tahong with crunchy petchay as it compliments the mild sweetness of tahong.
Another refreshing dish is Ugu’s version of Paco Salad. Paco Salad (Vegetable fern) is a local Mesclun with sliced cucumber, carrots, and fresh tomatoes mixed with a special dressing.
They also served Fried Fish with mango salsa, its like Escabeche more exotically and delightfully.
Another simple but truly surprising dish is their Calamares and Crispy Fried Squid, Yup it looks like your ordinary “Pulutan” but wait till you taste their version — I honestly appreciate how Ugu turns an ordinary dish into something special.
Their sautéed garlic shrimp is also a best seller. Its made with huge prawns and kissed with garlic, black pepper, a little bit of oyster sauce with a hint of butter – this chewy huge prawns is truly a winner.
Next is their version of baby back ribs in barbecue sauce. Although it can’t be considered as a Quezonian dish, their tender and juicy Baby back ribs will make your Quezon trip more memorable.
Last but definitely not least is Ugu’s special Kulawo. It’s truly a hearty dish made with finely chopped Puso ng Saging (banana heart) and cooked using smoked coconut milk, onions, a bit of vinegar, and secret spices.
For dessert, Ugu prepared Guinumis – a dessert made of gelatin, sago, pinipig served with crushed ice, and coconut milk.
If you plan to visit Tiaong Quezon to try Ugu Bigyan’s restaurant, make sure to call in advance and confirm your reservation a couple of days before your planned visit.
This Balinese inspired garden will not only give you a lasting impression; their food is truly a wonderful treat for the palate.
Ugu Bigyan’s Potters Garden
490 Alvarez Village, Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon
Telephone: + 63 (42) 545-9144
https://www.facebook.com/ugubigyan
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