The province of Batangas where my dad came from is known not only for the famous Kapeng Barako (Batangas coffee) and its beautiful beaches, but also for this comforting beef dish called Bulalo. For many, Batangas is a favorite spot for swimming or scuba diving, and on the way to their destination, it’s always a must to stop at one of the many bulalo restaurants along the way.
So what is Bulalo? Well, bulalo is actually the Filipino word for kneecap. It is use to refer to this very tasty soup which was originally made from beef shanks cut with the kneecap included and the bone marrow still intact (though nowadays, most bulalo are cooked without the kneecap). This dish is said to have originated in Batangas where the best grown cattle in the region can be found. Traditional Batangas bulalo is cooked with onions, garlic, corn cobs, cabbage and pechay and is usually served with fish sauce, calamansi (Filipino lime), and a kind of chili called siling labuyo. This dish is very similar to Beef Nilaga and the only difference lies in the use of beef shanks with bone marrow for the bulalo.
So what is Bulalo? Well, bulalo is actually the Filipino word for kneecap. It is use to refer to this very tasty soup which was originally made from beef shanks cut with the kneecap included and the bone marrow still intact (though nowadays, most bulalo are cooked without the kneecap). This dish is said to have originated in Batangas where the best grown cattle in the region can be found. Traditional Batangas bulalo is cooked with onions, garlic, corn cobs, cabbage and pechay and is usually served with fish sauce, calamansi (Filipino lime), and a kind of chili called siling labuyo. This dish is very similar to Beef Nilaga and the only difference lies in the use of beef shanks with bone marrow for the bulalo.
Bulalo has been a favorite soup of mine since I was a little girl...and when the cooler temperature comes or whenever any of my family member feels under the weather, this is my go-to dish. It has a very rich taste and satisfying broth that makes it very comforting! It takes time to cook, but I tell you, it's worth the wait!
