In 2019, during our travel to Isabela and Tuguegarao, I had the opportunity to try Pancit Cabagan. We stopped at a local panciteria in Isabela and tried this pancit dish. At first, I thought it was like any other pancit canton, but soon realized it was different. The noodles had a richer texture, accompanied by a flavorful sauce. Unlike the usual dry noodles, this dish was moist, enhancing its taste.
When I inquired about it, I discovered it was Pancit Cabagan, a popular stir-fried noodle dish originating from the town of Cabagan in Isabela. What distinguishes it from typical pancit is its noodles. Crafted from a special variety of fresh Cabagan noodles, it’s prepared with local ingredients and condiments such as vinegar and soy sauce. When savoring Pancit Cabagan, there’s a distinct local vinegar to complement the dish.
I was delighted to revisit Isabela a couple of months ago for the Bambanti Festival celebration. Upon our arrival, the staff of the Isabela Provincial Office mentioned that we would have the opportunity to try Pancit Cabagan during our tour.
On the second day of covering the Bambanti Festival, we explored the Bambanti Village and enjoyed a delightful lunch at the capitol. Shortly after, we were informed that it was time for merienda. The organizers ensured that we were well-fed and treated to Isabela’s local dish.
They guided us to a conference room at the capitol where bowls of Pancit Cabagan awaited us, along with a plate for photo purposes. Each of us was served a bowl of the delicious Isabeleño dish.
It was wonderful to savor the authentic Pancit Cabagan once again. I truly missed its rich flavor, which sets it apart from the usual pancit in the country. The sauce, along with the vinegar, made this dish extra special. Drizzling the vinegar over the noodles added a unique twist, elevating the culinary experience. Although I could have paired this dish with rice, eating Pancit Cabagan alone was satisfying enough.
After that merienda, I felt reenergized to cover more Bambanti Festival events that afternoon, such as the Makan ken Mainum Cooking contest and more. For travelers visiting Isabela, trying Pancit Cabagan is a must.
