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Craving Ilocos empanada? Here are 8 Metro Manila spots serving the most authentic ones
Is Ilocos empanada all over your feed, too?
This famed Ilocano snack has been making waves online, with content creators and influencers like Bretman Rock—who is Ilocano himself—and Keith Lee among those highlighting this beloved dish.
It has even transformed into a viral meme. The phrase “Ilocos Empanada or Dubai Chewy Cookies?” is making the rounds across social media platforms, linking two viral delicacies, and evolving into a playful way for people to reveal their innermost desires.
On the outside, Ilocos empanada is characterized by a crispy shell made of rice flour. Inside, it teems with a savory mix of shredded green papaya, vegetables like cabbage or togue, egg, and Ilocos longganisa. It’s best enjoyed with a generous dip in sukang Iloko, also called sukang basi, which adds that authentic Ilocano kick to the tongue.
If you’ve ever wondered why Ilocos empanadas come in different colors—some with an orange wrapper like kwek-kwek, others in a more golden brown color —it’s because some Ilocano cities like Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte, and Vigan in Ilocos Sur, have their own distinct style of preparation.
In my hometown of Vigan, the empanada features a pale, slightly golden-brown crust that is thinner and crispier, and typically filled with shredded cabbage.
On the other hand, the Batac or Laoag variant from Ilocos Norte and the northern parts of the region is known for its bright orange, thicker wrapper, which my mother says comes from using atsuete. It is usually stuffed with grated green papaya.
For Ilocanos, empanada is more than just a snack. It is a staple found in many households, served during merienda or special family gatherings.
If you’re in search of the best Ilocos empanada—one that captures the region's heritage and culture—nothing beats having it in someone’s home in Ilocos (take it from this Ilocana author). There, the empanada comes not just as a snack but as part of a rich tapestry filled with stories, warmth, and the spirit of sharing and home.
But tourists exploring Ilocandia can easily find empanadas being sold on the streets of Vigan, especially on the famed Calle Crisologo or at the food stalls around Plaza Salcedo. It is also widely available in the cities of Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte.
In fact, empanada is practically everywhere across the Ilocos region, making it a must-try delicacy wherever your journey takes you.
But hey, you don’t really have to travel far north just to satisfy your empanada cravings and curiosity. We rounded up eight spots around Metro Manila serving authentic Ilocos empanada — the kind that reminds me of hom.
1. Fariñas Empanada
First on the list is Fariñas Ilocos Empanada, owned by the Fariñas political family from Ilocos Norte.
They have several branches across Metro Manila and are also available via GrabFood and Foodpanda, making it easy to satisfy your cravings wherever you are.
They even serve their signature empanada at their Fariñas Transit bus station located in Sampaloc, Manila, so if you’re heading to Ilocos, you can start indulging in this iconic delicacy before your journey even begins.
2. Empanada Nation
Owned by a group of Ilocano entrepreneurs, Empanada Nation offers two distinct varieties of Ilocos empanada: Batac and Vigan.
The Vigan version features shredded cabbage as its filling, while the Batac style combines grated green papaya and mung bean sprouts for a heartier bite.
They also differ in appearance, particularly in the color of their dough—making each variant not only unique in taste but visually distinct, as well.
Empanada Nation has several branches in Metro Manila, such as in Bonifacio Global City, Cubao, and in NLEX Drive & Dine in Valenzuela. They also accept orders online via Grab and Food Panda.
3. Irene’s Vigan Empanada
For tourists visiting Vigan City, Irene’s Empanada, located on Calle Crisologo and Salcedo Street, cannot be missed.
But don’t worry, they've brought their branch to the streets of Kapasigan in Pasig City, too.
Irene's serves the golden-brown variation of Ilocos empanada, which has become a staple among tourists visiting Vigan City. They also deliver within Metro Manila.
4. Lola’s Ilocos Empanada
At Lola’s Ilocos Empanada, customers have eight varieties of delicious Batac empanada they can choose from, including a version with mozzarella cheese. For something different, there's also the crowd-favorite empanachos.
Lola’s Ilocos Empanada is located on Ventura Street in Sampaloc, Manila.
5. Libi’s Ilocos Empanada Atbp.
Tucked in the streets of Taguig City, Libi’s Ilocos Empanada not only serves crispy old-school empanada with marinated longganisa, but also other Ilocano delicacies, such as pinapaitang baka and igado.
It has three branches in Taguig City, and you can also order online via GrabFood or FoodPanda.
6. Manang Lulu’s D’ Original Ilocos Empanada
Nestled in the heart of Sampaloc, Manila, Manang Lulu’s D’ Original Ilocos Empanada serves authentic Ilocos empanada lovingly prepared by Nanay Lulu, who hails from Ilocos Norte herself.
Manang Lulu's empanadas are filled with authentic Ilocos longganisa, egg, and a blend of monggo and papaya.
7. El Angelicious Ilocos Empanada
Located on the popular foodie spot Fusion Alley on P. Campa Street, Sampaloc, Manila, El Angelicious Ilocos Empanada is owned by Elvie, a proud Ilocano who brings authentic Ilocos flavors straight to the streets.
Aside from their Sampaloc location, they also have branches at Bridgetown Mercato and Greenfield in Mandaluyong City, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a true taste of Ilocos.
8. Gyian's Ilocos Empanada
For South kids craving empanada, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Gyian’s Ilocos Empanada, located in Putatan, Muntinlupa, is here to save the day. Owned by a proud Ilocano from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, you can bet that every bite delivers that authentic, homegrown flavor.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
