Steaming Hot Bulalo At Aviles
Our craving for Bulalo was strong that day. Hunger plus intense desire for that Filipino dish made it a top priority that precise moment. Tender beef shanks, still clinging to the big bone, occupied a great portion of the big bowl of beef broth which was served piping hot. Wild onion leaves, cut into small portions, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper made it all the more tempting. And noticeable was a stick placed on top of the bowl used to take out the marrow.
Serving the best Bulalo in the Philippines is Aviles Restaurant located near the foothills of the famed Mount Makiling. As you turn left at the farthest end of South Luzon Expressway, Aviles Resto is at the left side of the national road as you approach the town proper of Calamba, Laguna. Ask any bystander or trike driver, for sure he knows the exact location. Aviles has become as popular as Jose Rizal's birthplace in Calamba.
As we were slurping the broth, which was really hot that it could burn your tongue, tawilis, skewered onto pointed bamboo sticks, were served. Tawilis is a small freshwater sardine that can be harvested only in Taal Lake in Batangas. With steaming rice and hot beef broth, the goodness of Taal's rare fish is enhanced. From time to time, pieces of beef shanks were dipped in soy sauce with kalamansi. And trying a bit of bone marrow was an experience in itself. It was a hearty meal and so good that everyone was talking about it as we continued to make the loop around Laguna de Bay.
- Konted
 |
| Aviles Resto's Bulalo |
 |
| Tawilis |
 |
| Bulalo and Tawilis make a good pair. |
 |
| Aviles Resto in Calamba, Laguna |
 |
| Tawilis can be found only at Taal Lake in Batangas. |
