Baskadia

I am Vience Quindara and this is BICOL EXPRESS.

Bicol Express, known natively in Bikol as sinilihan, is a popular Filipino dish which was popularized in the district of Malate, Manila but made in traditional Bicolano style.

Bicol Express is a famous stew made with gata (coconut milk) and wild chilies. Traditionally, pork and balaw (shrimp paste) take centerstage, cooking in a luscious, fiery sauce. Innovative cooks, however, have come up with ways to incorporate newer ideas, such as all-seafood or pure vegetarian options.

While trying to determine a name for the dish, Kalaw's brother heard the sound of the Philippines National Railway traveling across Kalaw's restaurant to arrive Manila. This event inspired Kalaw to name the dish 'Bicol Express' after the PNR train that is programmed to undergo the Manila-Legazpi route.