Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a dish known for its spiciness. But ironically, the dish was not invented in Bicol. Although the Bicol region is known for their spicy dishes, Bicol Express is actually derived from another dish called “gulay na may lada”. It was said to be invented by Cely Kalaw, the owner of the famous Grove Restaurant on M.H. del Pilar of the 1960’s, right at the heart of Manila. Bicol express was invented to cater to their customers' craving for spicy dishes. 

Photo source 

Its main ingredients are pork, long chili, bird’s eye chili (siling labuyo), ginger, shrimp paste, garlic, and coconut milk. In some cases vegetables are also added such as squash. The intensity of the spiciness can be controlled with the amount of chilies that you put in the dish. Also, you can remove the seed of the chilies if you want to put in a lot of chilies but don't want the added spice. 

The name Bicol Express is said to have come from the train that goes from Manila straight to Bicol. Some also say that the name come from the fact that when you taste the dish, you will immediately want to have a glass of water because of its spiciness.

Click here for the COMPLETE RECIPE.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org; www.filipino-food-lovers.com

Teaser photo source cthm1t5.blogspot.com