Aling Azon -- The Longganisa Lady

Look for Aling Azon, a friend told us, who swears by the longganisa she makes and sells in the Calumpit local market. Whether you like it garlicky (white) or hamonado (red), it's delicious especially when dipped into Bulacan's famous sukang paombong.

She laughed when as we entered the market, we asked for Aling Azon. "Ako iyon!" she declared proudly, leading us to her stall. Her neighbors teased her lovingly, "sikat ka na talaga. parang artista!" She smiled widely as she chose the longganisas we ordered from where they were hanging. 

When asked how they should be cooked, she shyly offered her advice, "kung ako, hinahayaan ko munang kumulo sa konting tubig, bago sya tusukin sa tatlong lugar. Minsan naman," she gestured, "tinatanggal ko yung lubid sa baba para hindi lumobo."

The longganisas are P180 a kilo and they are served with a big wide smile. 

samu't saring longganisa

the place mat offers a myriad of information and short anecdotes about  the national sausage of the Philippines

vinegar variations: sinamak. kaong. tuba. sukang paombong. sukang pinakurat

our longganisa platter - a choice of five

ubos na!

the winner of favorite suka: pinakurat!

the biggest winner - the bill

After a grueling meeting, we had merienda-early dinner  at the Longganisa Sorpresa which can be found at the garden skyway of SM North Edsa in North Avenue. 

Our longganisa platter  consisted of Tuguegarao, Lucban, Laoag, Batutay and Cebu.  My favorite was the Cebuano longganisa - hamonado style; Christian preferred the garlicky Lucban; while Earlie was torn between all of them). Our favorite sawsawan? The Pinakurat from Iligan -- maasim na, spicy pa!

Christian and Earlie partnered their fare with Bagoong Rice, I had Garlic  Fried Rice. The Iced Tea (House Blend) one pitcher @ P75 was a winner, too, sobra pa for the three of us. 

Total for the whole meal -  P631.-